About Thorndon Country Park
Enjoy woodland walks and open meadows at this sprawling country park where families can picnic, grab a bite at the restaurant, and explore nature trails with convenient facilities including parking and baby changing.
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
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
Opening hours
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Just went for a lovely walk around the Gruffalo’s trail, we struggled to find the fox carving. When my two year old saw it he was so happy, the carpark is a little bit expensive. The gift shop stuffed toys were on the pricey side, but all in all a lovely walk
· via Google
The park itself is wonderful. Tsara always has an amazing time in there while she says hello to all of her friends, and also gets ample exercise. The only downside is the cafe - not being able to walk in there with Tsara in order to buy a drink is really inconvenient. A few times I have been able to ask other people if they'd ask the cafe staff to come out and take my order while I'm outside but this isn't always successful. We go on long walks so being able to have a hot drink before heading into the park would be really useful. The park is clean, generally free of litter and water for Tsara is always available which is really useful.
· via Google
Thorndon Park covers 2 areas, North and South, This review is specific to the South area. You can walk from the South to the North area which I understand is about a 90 minute round trip. Let's focus on the South. Great place for a walk, by yourself or with your dogs. Easy to follow routes with history information boards at key points. Currently the car park is partially closed due to the much required logging activity, but this does not prevent you walking. Plenty to see and enjoy with views to the south over Thurrock and down to the Thames. On my last visit I ran into this terrapin in the pond and the skull of a yet to be identified animal.
· via Google
This is literally my daughter's favourite place in Essex. It has incredible walks and loads of green areas. The air is clean and you get to see a bit of wildlife too. Not to mention the fact you can look for and meet the amazing "Gruffalo" characters. It's a lovely family day out. You can have a picnic there. You can have a snack at the cafe and even purchase many wonderful Julia Donaldson books and merchandise. 100% would recommend! ❤️
· via Google
Visitors say this park offers beautiful, well-maintained woodlands and trails perfect for walking, cycling, and dog exercise, with plenty of space so it doesn't feel crowded. They also highlight the popular Gruffalo trail for children, clean toilet facilities, and a visitor center with a shop. Guests mention the convenient and ample parking, as well as a cafe with friendly staff.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- The Avenue, Warley, Brentwood, CM13 3RZ Get directions
- Category
- Parks & Play Areas
- Guest rating
- 4.5 / 5 (1,264 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Brentwood