# Hatfield Forest, Bishops Stortford — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > Discover centuries-old woodland at this beautiful historic forest near Bishops Stortford, where majestic trees dating back over a millennium create stunning scenery perfect for family picnics and nature walks. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-stortford/attractions/hatfield-forest (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Nature Preserve 🐾 Dogs Welcome # Hatfield Forest Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15493927507409662388&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Russell Davis](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/117780267219068086178) **In short:** Hatfield Forest is a nature preserve in Bishops Stortford, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 2,825 Google reviews, with dogs welcome. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Hatfield Forest Discover centuries-old woodland at this beautiful historic forest near Bishops Stortford, where majestic trees dating back over a millennium create stunning scenery perfect for family picnics and nature walks. ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Free car park - ✓Paid car park - ✓Free street - ✓Paid street ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance - ✓Accessible seating ### Payment - ✓Credit cards - ✓Debit cards - ✓Contactless Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Facilities 🌤️ Outdoor seating 🍰 Dessert menu 🥡 Takeout ## Opening hours **Monday** Open 24 hours **Tuesday** Open 24 hours **Wednesday** Open 24 hours **Thursday** Open 24 hours **Friday** Open 24 hours **Saturday** Open 24 hours **Sunday** Open 24 hours Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours. ## What visitors say [Multi Vitamins](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107939668747124573031/reviews) ★★★★★ National Trust - Hatfield Forest. While we haven't purchased a membership for ourselves, we have found that buying them as gifts for family is a great option, as it also provides the benefit of free parking. The grounds are kept in excellent condition, though I would recommend being cautious on the boardwalk as it can be slippery when wet or icy and has minor trip hazards. For elderly visitors, it may be best to walk with a companion. Interestingly, the other paths through the fields and forests are often easier to navigate despite the expected uneven ground. It is a wonderful location for naturalists and photographers, with frequent sightings of ducks, swans, squirrels, cows, horses, and various local wildlife. After exploring, the cafe is a great place to stop; the staff are lovely and it is a very social environment for both meeting people or simply people-watching. I highly recommend clearing your day for a visit rather than rushing through in an hour. It is a fantastic place to reset from daily life, whether you are wandering the trails, grabbing food at the cafe, or relaxing on the grass. As the open space can get quite windy, I suggest bringing light waterproofs and layering up with gloves during the cooler months to stay comfortable. · via Google [Eva Elon Victor](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104369231305556752644/reviews) ★★★★★ Hatfield Forest is one of those genuinely rare and special places that stops you in your tracks the moment you step through the gate and realise exactly what you're standing in the middle of. This is not just another pretty woodland walk – this is a surviving fragment of a medieval royal hunting forest, one of the last and most complete examples of its kind anywhere in England, and that extraordinary historical and ecological significance gives the whole place an atmosphere and a character that's completely unlike anything else in the region. It's ancient, it's wild, it's hauntingly beautiful, and it's absolutely unmissable. The ancient trees here are nothing short of breathtaking. Hatfield Forest is home to an outstanding collection of veteran pollarded trees – enormous, twisted, wonderfully grotesque old hornbeams, oaks, and maples that have been managed by pollarding for literally hundreds of years and now exist as living sculptures of extraordinary character and beauty. These are not just trees – they are living monuments to centuries of continuous human and natural history, and spending time among them feels genuinely humbling and quietly awe-inspiring in a way that's very hard to put into words. The ancient coppice stools and wood pasture habitats that surround them are equally remarkable and represent an almost vanishingly rare survival of a landscape type that was once common across much of lowland England. In short, Hatfield Forest is a place of profound and irreplaceable natural and historical importance – ancient, beautiful, ecologically extraordinary, and deeply moving in a quiet, understated way that stays with you long after you've left. If you care at all about England's natural and cultural heritage, this is a place you absolutely must visit and revisit throughout the seasons. A true national treasure in every sense of the word! 🌳🦌🌸🦋🍂 · via Google [Morris Green](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112534741333470776655/reviews) ★★★★★ It's still kind of winter at this visit, but it's hard to call this place a forest even considering that. A "woods"or a copse maybe. It seems a useful place for locals to walk their dogs. The main feature is a large pond with brownish water. And dog poop everywhere. And a house made of shells. Apparently Capability Brown designed the park, so it's worshipped no matter how mundane it is. · via Google [Ramsey Haddad](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101688772948225112145/reviews) ★★★★★ Great for humans (including small ones) and for dogs. Lots of space to hike. Lots of ducks (the kind that aren't scared of you ... since they expect you to feed them). Also cows! · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x47d88fd70a0ea785:0xd7057cfa46ce71b4!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Visitors say this forest offers expansive walking areas with diverse trails, including charming wooden walkways, and is home to abundant wildlife. They also highlight the well-maintained facilities, including clean toilets, a cafe, and ample parking. Guests mention the staff are friendly and helpful, contributing to a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** Bush End Road, Takeley, Bishop's Stortford, CM22 6NE [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=51.8574054%2C0.2295635) **Category** National Parks & Reserves **Guest rating** 4.6 / 5 (2,825 reviews) **Suitable for** Ages 4+ **Setting** Outdoor **Dogs allowed** Yes **Good for children** Yes **Destination** Bishops Stortford [More attractions in Bishops Stortford](https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-stortford/attractions) ★ 4.6 (2,825 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01279 874040](tel:01279874040) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Bishops Stortford **Postcode** CM22 6NE **Payment** Cards, Contactless **Plus Code** 9F32V64H+XR [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x47d88fd70a0ea785:0xd7057cfa46ce71b4!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d88fd70a0ea785:0xd7057cfa46ce71b4!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d88fd70a0ea785:0xd7057cfa46ce71b4!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Bishops Stortford Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DBishops%2BStortford%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-stortford/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-stortford/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Hatfield Forest? Hatfield Forest is open Mon–Sun 24 hours (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Hatfield Forest any good? Hatfield Forest is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 2,825 Google reviews. ### Is Hatfield Forest dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed at Hatfield Forest. ### Is Hatfield Forest good for children? Yes, Hatfield Forest is listed as good for children. ### Is Hatfield Forest indoors or outdoors? Hatfield Forest is mainly outdoors. ### What ages is Hatfield Forest suitable for? Hatfield Forest is best for ages 4+. ### Is Hatfield Forest wheelchair accessible? Hatfield Forest has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. ### Is there parking at Hatfield Forest? Yes: free car park, paid car park, free street parking and paid street parking. ### How do I contact Hatfield Forest? Call Hatfield Forest on +44 1279 870678. ## Stay near Hatfield Forest [Holiday cottages nearby 11](https://staycation.co.uk/near/hatfield-forest/cottages) [Campsites nearby 9](https://staycation.co.uk/near/hatfield-forest/camping) [Hotels and B&Bs nearby 16](https://staycation.co.uk/near/hatfield-forest/hotels) ## More near Hatfield Forest ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Stansted Airport Lodge ★ 2.7 · 0.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-stortford/hotels/stansted-airport-lodge) - [The Green Man Boutique Hotel ★ 3.5 · 1.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-stortford/hotels/the-green-man-boutique-hotel) - [The Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel ★ 3.8 · 1.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-stortford/hotels/the-great-hallingbury-manor-hotel) - [Premier Inn London Stansted Airport ★ 4.1 · 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stansted-airport/hotels/premier-inn-london-stansted-airport) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Evie Rose Cottage 3.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/uttlesford/cottages/evie-rose-cottage-30833) - [The Old Parish Hall ★ 5.0 · 6.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/uttlesford/cottages/the-old-parish-hall-uk43259) - [Flink's Barn 7.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/uttlesford/cottages/flinks-barn-syk1054079) - [Gladwyns Farm Lodge 7.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/uttlesford/cottages/gladwyns-farm-lodge-uk47477) ### Campsites nearby - [Gemini Camp 3.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/elsenham/camping/gemini-camp) - [Daisy Mays Farm ★ 4.3 · 3.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/elsenham/camping/daisy-mays-farm) - [Great Hadham Country Club ★ 4.4 · 5.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/hertfordshire/camping/great-hadham-country-club) - [Dairymeade Farm Glamping ★ 5.0 · 5.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dunmow/camping/dairymeade-farm-glamping) ### Things to do nearby - [The Little Arts Workshop ★ 4.9 · 2.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-stortford/attractions/the-little-arts-workshop) - [Hallingbury Hall Equestrian Centre ★ 4.3 · 2.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-stortford/attractions/hallingbury-hall-equestrian-centre) - [Bishops stortford escape room ★ 4.7 · 2.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-stortford/attractions/bishops-stortford-escape-room) - [The Craft Cabin CM23 ★ 5.0 · 2.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-stortford/attractions/the-craft-cabin-cm23)