Visitor information
Opening hours
How to find us
Parking & prices
Contact details

Opening hours

Cely Woods is open from 8am to dusk.

Read our visitor information regarding coronavirus

How to find us

How to find us
Aveley, Upminster
Sat Nav Postcode: RM14 2TF
By Car

Cely Woods lies to the West of Belhus Woods Country Park, between Romford Road, and Warwick Lane. There is a small car park accessed from Warwick Lane.

OS Grid Ref
TQ560834
Get directions

51.526981944852, 0.24822235107422

Parking and prices

There are no parking charges at Cely Woods. 

Additional information

Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

There are no designated accessible parking spaces at this forest, have you seen our Easy Access trails page?

Contact details

Landline Number
01708 642964
E-Mail Address
thameschase@­forestryengland.uk

Surrounded by the ancient Warwick and White Post Woodlands, immerse yourself in the meadows, wetlands and native trees of Cely Woods

As one of Thames Chase's largest woodlands, Cely Woods has an excellent network of paths and is a rich habitat with numerous insects and flowers. 

The wildlife across the wetlands is a year-round treat. Try observing it from the wooden bridge that straddles the stream and see what you can spot! 

You can also continue through to Belhus Woods Country Park via a safe road crossing on Romford Road, where you can grab some refreshments from the Visitor Centre. 

These woods are named after the Cely family, who bought part of the land in 1492 and moved here to escape the bubonic plague then ravaging London. A collection of 240 of the family’s business and personal letters, known as the ‘Cely Papers’, is the largest collection of its kind. It has provided historians with numerous valuable insights into the life of a late medieval merchant family!

At a glance

  • Walking
  • Cycling 
  • Horse riding 
  • Dogs welcome

Things to do

Cycling at Cely Woods

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore Cely Woods and soak up the beautiful scenery. There’s an excellent network of paths providing you with a range of route options around the site.

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Horse riding at Cely Woods

Horse riders are welcome to ride on the mixed surfaced, waymarked horse trail. The paths total the length 1.5km and throughout the site’s grassed areas. Please follow signage.

You do not need a permit to ride in Cely Woods. 

For more information on our facilities, opening times and contact details, please see our visitor information.

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Walking at Cely Woods

There’s an excellent network of paths, many all-ability accessible, providing you with a range of route options around the site.

 

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Nearby forests

Sun setting behind silhouetted trees

Bonnetts Wood

Named after the Bonnetts family who farmed these fields as part of their Central Farm from the 1920’s, Bonnetts Wood is now the perfect place to relax and unwind. 

Flower meadows, small streams and native trees provide the ideal setting for quiet nature watching, connected by a network of paths winding through the area.

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Pond side path on open grassland

Berwick Glades

Come and roam the planted glades and wildflower meadows of this ancient farmland. You will be rewarded with excellent views of the Ingrebourne Valley, especially towards Hornchurch and Elm Park with an impressive hilly South Essex skyline in the distance.

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Long grass on the edge of a woodland with bright blue skies

Mardyke Woods

Mardyke Woods was already well established when the Romans first arrived here in 54BC and is therefore well deserved of its official status as an Ancient Semi Natural Woodland!

There's a variety of woodland paths for you to explore, two adjacent play areas for your active little monkeys and is convenient for the nearby Mardyke Way riverside walk, where you can connect up with the Davy Down Urban Riverside Park.

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walking generic

Thames Chase Forest Centre & Broadfields

Thames Chase Forest Centre & Broadfields offers lots of features and bags of room for an exciting family day out.

The Thames Chase Trust runs the Thames Chase Forest Centre, providing the perfect venue for a quick snack or wholesome lunch, as well as the opportunity to purchase local crafts and gifts. Among the Thames Chase Forest Centre buildings, you can still see the original 17th century Essex Barn, stables and farm house.

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