Thames Chase Forest Centre

Visitor information

Discover a world of adventure at Thames Chase

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

The Thames Chase Trust runs the Thames Chase Forest Centre visitor 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.

Formerly called Broadfields Farm, Thames Chase is now home to a variety of surfaced trails, ponds, meadows and even an orchard planted with traditional Essex apple and pear varieties.

Scattered around the site are several environmental play areas for children, including the Snake Stepping Stones and the Hollow Logs, which also offer beautiful views across the whole site.

 

At a glance

  • Walking trails
  • Cycling trails
  • Nordic Walking
  • Play areas
  • Picnic area
  • Café
  • Cycle hire
  • Dogs welcome
  • No BBQs or fires

Nordic Walking is a full-body exercise that's easy on the joints and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It also has the added benefit of burning 20-40% more calories than...

Throughout the year you can cycle around Broadfields Farm and explore the local area. 

Whilst there are no specific trails solely for cycling, all our trails are accessible for...

Thames Chase Community Woodlands offers a variety of activities as part of the Feel Good in the Forest project. These activities are free to take part in and include optional time...

The Gruffalo Party Trail at Thames Chase. 

The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

What to

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Nearby forests

Sun setting behind silhouetted trees

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...

Meadow of white wild flowers with blue sky

Venture off the beaten track at one of London's hidden gems, tucked between the A127 and M25. Folkes Lane Woodland is based on what were previously arable fields grouped around a...

Community on bridge over small stream in woodland

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...

Pages Wood field of flowers

Pages Wood is the largest site in Thames Chase and home to 100,000 trees. This valley of green space offers excellent views as well as a rich mosaic of habitats for wildlife.

It's...

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