Thames Chase Forest Centre

Visitor information

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

A walker walking through the forest in the autumn. The walker is looking up at the trees around them.

Thames Chase

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

Things to do

See more things to do

Nordic Walking at Thames Chase

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...

Find out more

Cycling at Thames Chase

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...

Find out more

Feel Good in the Forest at Thames Chase

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...

Find out more

Gruffalos party activity trail at Thames Chase

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

...

Find out more

Nearby forests

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...

Find out more

Meadow of white wild flowers with blue sky

Folkes Lane Woodland

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...

Find out more

Community on bridge over small stream in woodland

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...

Find out more

Pages Wood

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...

Find out more