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

Opening hours

Forest Centre opening times:

Summer (peak) - open 10:00am to 5:00pm

Off peak - 10:00am to 4:00pm

 

Weekdays

Monday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Tuesday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Wednesday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Thursday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Friday
Main car park Dawn to dusk

Weekends

Saturday
Main car park Dawn to dusk
Sunday
Main car park Dawn to dusk

How to find us

How to find us
Pike Lane, Upminster, Essex
Sat Nav Postcode: RM14 3NS
By Car

The Forest Centre entrance is situated on Pike Lane just off St Marys Lane leaving Upminster.

OS Grid Ref
TQ585859

51.552001, 0.2826942

Parking and prices

Please note there is a 2m height restriction at the car park. 

Off peak period: 1 November to 19 March

Peak period: 20 March - 31 October

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how
Peak £2.00
Off peak £1.00

Additional information

Number of accessible parking spaces: 8

Facilities and access

Assistant dogs welcome
Dogs allowed
Easy access trail
Picnic area

Contact details

Activities at Thames Chase Forest Centre & Broadfields

People enjoying Nordic Walking in the forest
Nordic Walking at Thames Chase
family cycling
Cycling at Thames Chase
Group having picnic forest of dean
Picnics at Thames Chase
Family walking Forest of Dean generic
Walking at Thames Chase
Woman walking through the forest towards sunbeams
Wellbeing trail at Thames Chase
Child looking at Zog panel
Zog activity trail at Thames Chase

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

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 steep hill. From its top are vistas south over the River Thames to the North Downs and west across London’s Docklands and Canary Wharf. On a good day you can see as far as the O2 at Greenwich and the London Eye. Folkes Lane Woodland is the perfect place to escape and enjoy the quiet of the woods.

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 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. 

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 a great place for children to cycle safely, and also provides a variety of walking opportunities.

 

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