Goffs Oak

Goffs Oak is a village in the Broxbourne borough of Hertfordshire, sitting between Cuffley and Cheshunt just north of the M25. It takes its name from the Goff family, who once held much of the surrounding land, and from the ancient oak tree that stood at its centre until it fell in the 1950s. The village grew up around this crossroads and today is a mix of older cottages, 20th-century housing and the odd survivor from its rural past, including Goffs Oak House, whose core dates back to the late 17th or early 18th century.

Despite its position within the London commuter belt, Goffs Oak retains a village feel, with a war memorial at its heart commemorating local men lost in both World Wars. It makes a useful, unpretentious base for exploring the Hertfordshire countryside and the Lee Valley, without the crowds or prices of nearby towns.

Top things to do near Goffs Oak

The village itself is residential and low-key, but there is plenty to explore within a short drive.

• Paradise Wildlife Park — a family-friendly zoo near Broxbourne with big cats, a petting area and over 400 animals.
• Cheshunt Park — a pleasant open park with a golf course, woodland and walking routes, a few minutes from the village.
• Lee Valley Regional Park — a 26-mile stretch of parkland, lakes and waterways running along the River Lea near Cheshunt and Waltham Abbey, popular for walking, cycling and watersports.
• Amwell Nature Reserve — a wetland reserve near Hertford and Ware known for its birdlife, particularly wintering wildfowl.
• Hertford Castle — the surviving gatehouse and grounds of a medieval castle in the county town, a short drive north.
• Waltham Abbey Gardens and Church — the historic abbey church and grounds at Waltham Abbey, to the east towards the Essex border.

Getting to Goffs Oak

Goffs Oak sits just north of Junction 25 of the M25, making it straightforward to reach by car from London and the wider motorway network. The nearest railway stations are at Cuffley and Cheshunt, both a short drive or bus ride away, with services into London Liverpool Street and Moorgate.

Best time to visit Goffs Oak

Spring and summer suit the area best, when Cheshunt Park and the Lee Valley trails are at their most inviting for walking and cycling. Paradise Wildlife Park and the Lee Valley waterways are also more rewarding in the warmer months, though the village and surrounding countryside are quiet and pleasant to visit year-round.

Where to stay near Goffs Oak

Goffs Oak has no hotels of its own, but Cheshunt, Waltham Cross and the wider Lee Valley area nearby offer a range of budget and mid-range options, making them practical bases for visiting the village and its surrounding countryside.

Food and drink near Goffs Oak

The village is home to two long-standing pubs: the Goffs Oak, a refurbished country pub with a gastro menu and large garden, and the Prince of Wales, a McMullen's pub serving Sunday roasts and real ale. Beyond these, options are limited within the village itself, with a wider choice of restaurants and cafes in nearby Cheshunt and Waltham Cross.