# Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > Wander through 200 acres of diverse woodland teeming with wildlife and seasonal blooms at this scenic nature reserve. Family-friendly facilities include parking, restaurant, accessible toilets and picnic areas. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/grays/attractions/chafford-gorges-nature-park (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Nature Preserve 🐾 Dogs Welcome # Chafford Gorges Nature Park Drake Road, Chafford Hundred [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11074588695734552738&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Park Visitor Centre - Essex Wildlife Trust](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/105920702466825605585) **In short:** Chafford Gorges Nature Park is a nature preserve in Grays, rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1,446 Google reviews, with dogs welcome. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Chafford Gorges Nature Park Wander through 200 acres of diverse woodland teeming with wildlife and seasonal blooms at this scenic nature reserve. Family-friendly facilities include parking, restaurant, accessible toilets and picnic areas. ## What's nearby - Tesco Express next door - Busy Bees at Chafford Hundred next door - The Beacon Centre 200m away - Warren South Lake - Chafford Gorges 250m away Distances as the crow flies, via Google ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Free car park - ✓Paid car park - ✓Free street ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Opening hours **Monday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Tuesday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Wednesday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Thursday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Friday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Saturday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Sunday** 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours. ## What visitors say [Monzia Khan](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115900365417023828225/reviews) ★★★★★ Chafford Gorges is a fantastic place for a family day out if you enjoy nature, fresh air, and don't mind giving your legs a serious workout! We spent several hours exploring the beautiful woodland, peaceful lakes, and countless trees. There were plenty of fishing spots, making it a relaxing place for anglers and anyone who enjoys watching the water. One thing we noticed was that lots of groups of teenagers were swimming in the lakes, even though swimming isn't permitted. They seemed to be having fun, but the rules are there because the deep quarry lakes can be dangerous. Be prepared for plenty of climbing. The steep hills and long flights of stairs had us questioning our life choices halfway through the walk. By the end, my smartwatch probably thought I'd climbed Mount Everest! Thankfully, the stunning scenery made every step worthwhile. Chafford Gorges has a fascinating history. The area was once a series of chalk quarries that operated from the late 18th century for around 150 years. The chalk, flint, and gravel extracted here helped supply building materials and cement. Even more incredible, the chalk itself was formed when this part of England lay beneath a warm tropical sea millions of years ago. Overall, Chafford Gorges is a hidden gem with beautiful scenery, fascinating history, peaceful walking trails, and plenty of wildlife. Just wear comfortable shoes, bring some water, and prepare your legs for an unforgettable adventure! · via Google [K Z](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113368004864443805357/reviews) ★★★★★ Nice walk but would be careful going down to the actual reserve as very rocky footpath. Ducks are very friendly and cute and will approach! Best to leave them to forage for their own food. · via Google [Sandhya Ravishankar](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117963973878086673843/reviews) ★★★★★ Beautiful place to visit. We were there couple of weeks ago to feed the birds (they love sweetcorn and peas) and were rewarded with this beautiful family showing off their new babies. · via Google [ross davey](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101675633607657174737/reviews) ★★★★★ 🌿 4-Star Review – Chafford Gorges Nature Park 🌿 Chafford Gorges Nature Park is a beautiful and serene haven right on our doorstep. Once an industrial chalk quarry, it has been wonderfully reclaimed by nature, transforming into a thriving sanctuary teeming with wildlife. Whether you’re out for a peaceful walk, a refreshing run, or a lazy afternoon picnic, the park offers a perfect escape from urban life. The gorges are rich with biodiversity — from elegant dragonflies resting on nettles to flocks of geese, ducks, and other water birds gracing the lakes and marshy edges. Every visit brings a new sighting, and it’s especially lovely for birdwatchers and families with young nature lovers. The attached photos barely scratch the surface of how vibrant and alive this space is. It’s such a treat to have this kind of natural retreat in our local area. The walking trails offer stunning views across the gorges, with winding paths, open water, and pockets of woodland all blending together beautifully. That said, it’s a shame that the council has let some parts fall into neglect. The once-welcoming visitor centre shop and café have sadly closed, and the picnic areas are now in poor condition and could really use some attention. These touches used to make the park feel more inviting and supported. Still, the core of Chafford Gorges remains a gem — a testament to how industrial landscapes can be reborn into spaces full of life. With a little more care and community support, it could easily be a 5-star destination. 🦢🦆🌿 · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x47d8b73c9b7e9ee5:0x99b0d7be3ad088a2!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ## At a glance **Address** Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays, RM16 6YH [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=51.4904363%2C0.3016332) **Category** National Parks & Reserves **Guest rating** 4.4 / 5 (1,446 reviews) **Suitable for** All Ages **Setting** Indoor & outdoor **Dogs allowed** Yes **Good for children** Yes **Destination** Grays [More attractions in Grays](https://staycation.co.uk/grays/attractions) ★ 4.4 (1,446 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.essexwt.org.uk/reserves/chafford-gorges?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01375484016](tel:01375484016) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Grays **Postcode** RM16 6YH **Plus Code** 9F32F8R2+5M [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x47d8b73c9b7e9ee5:0x99b0d7be3ad088a2!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d8b73c9b7e9ee5:0x99b0d7be3ad088a2!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d8b73c9b7e9ee5:0x99b0d7be3ad088a2!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Grays 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%3DGrays%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/grays/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/grays/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Chafford Gorges Nature Park? Chafford Gorges Nature Park is open Mon–Sun 9am–5pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Chafford Gorges Nature Park any good? Chafford Gorges Nature Park is rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1,446 Google reviews. ### Is Chafford Gorges Nature Park dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed at Chafford Gorges Nature Park. ### Is Chafford Gorges Nature Park good for children? Yes, Chafford Gorges Nature Park is listed as good for children. ### Is Chafford Gorges Nature Park indoors or outdoors? Chafford Gorges Nature Park has both indoor and outdoor areas. ### What ages is Chafford Gorges Nature Park suitable for? Chafford Gorges Nature Park suits all ages. ### Is Chafford Gorges Nature Park wheelchair accessible? Google does not list a wheelchair-accessible entrance at Chafford Gorges Nature Park. ### Is there parking at Chafford Gorges Nature Park? Yes: free car park, paid car park and free street parking. ### How do I contact Chafford Gorges Nature Park? Call Chafford Gorges Nature Park on +44 1375 484016. ## Stay near Chafford Gorges Nature Park [Holiday cottages nearby 13](https://staycation.co.uk/near/chafford-gorges-nature-park/cottages) [Campsites nearby 6](https://staycation.co.uk/near/chafford-gorges-nature-park/camping) [Hotels and B&Bs nearby 8](https://staycation.co.uk/near/chafford-gorges-nature-park/hotels) ## More near Chafford Gorges Nature Park ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Premier Inn Thurrock East ★ 4.0 · 0.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/grays/hotels/premier-inn-thurrock-east) - [Stifford Hall Hotel Thurrock ★ 4.1 · 0.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/thurrock/hotels/stifford-hall-hotel-thurrock) - [Travelodge Thurrock Lakeside ★ 4.0 · 1.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/thurrock/hotels/travelodge-thurrock-lakeside) - [Grays Accommodation B&B ★ 4.3 · 1.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/grays/hotels/grays-accommodation-b-b) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [The Resort House 2.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dartford/cottages/the-resort-house-uk35670) - [Yew Tree Cottage 5.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dartford/cottages/yew-tree-cottage-syk1160229) - [Willow Cottage 5.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dartford/cottages/willow-cottage-syk1105580) - [Kingsley Cottage 5.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dartford/cottages/kingsley-cottage-uk30760) ### Campsites nearby - [Thames View Camping ★ 4.9 · 5.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/east-tilbury/camping/thames-view-camping) - [Abbey Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club Site ★ 4.7 · 7.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/london/camping/abbey-wood-caravan-and-motorhome-club-site) - [Crystal Palace Caravan and Motorhome Club Site ★ 4.7 · 7.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/london/camping/crystal-palace-caravan-and-motorhome-club-site) - [Abbey Wood Experience Freedom Glamping ★ 4.7 · 7.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/london/camping/abbey-wood-experience-freedom-glamping-london) ### Things to do nearby - [Lakeside Karting ★ 4.5 · 0.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/west-thurrock/attractions/lakeside-karting) - [Rock Up Lakeside ★ 4.4 · 0.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/grays/attractions/rock-up-lakeside) - [Essex Fire Museum ★ 4.7 · 0.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/grays/attractions/essex-fire-museum) - [Flip Out Lakeside ★ 4.4 · 0.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/grays/attractions/flip-out-lakeside)