Nature Discovery Centre at Langdon
  • Nature Discovery Centre at Langdon
  • Sheep grazing in Landon NDP
  • View of the lake at Langdon NDP
  • Langdon meadows
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About

Our new and sustainable Nature Discovery Centre with enhanced facilities is now open to the public. We look forward to welcoming you to our gateway to the Langdon Hills.

Langdon nature reserve is the largest inland reserve managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. The nature reserve occupies some of the highest land in the county, has some commanding views and offers miles of excellent walks, where an abundance of wildlife can be enjoyed. 

In the summer there is the opportunity to enjoy Turtle Doves, Nightingales and Woodcock, while in the winter thrushes and finches can be enjoyed. There are thirty butterfly species at Langdon including White Admiral, Green Hairstreak, Marbled White and Grizzled Skipper, making this a spectacular reserve for butterflies in Essex. Langdon also offers seven species of wild orchids in bloom in Many and June. Over 350 wild flowering plants have been recorded. Badgers, Foxes and Weasels all thrive in the meadows.

The nature reserve offers walks through many different areas and habitats and can offer the visitor a really interesting day out. The Nature Discovery Centre has a gift shop and restaurant. We will be offering a schools programme and activities for children and families in the future.

Please note the Haven museum is currently closed while we develop exciting new plans to restore and preserve this important piece of Langdon’s heritage. Please do talk to the Nature Discovery Centre team to find out more.

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Guide Prices

Essex Wildlife Trust is a conservation charity - suggested donation is stated at the welcome desk.

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      Map & Directions

      Road Directions

      Langdon visitor centre is found on Lower Dunton Road, five minutes from the A127 and the A13. Follow brown and white duck signs / Langdon Conservation Centre signs.

      From the A127 take the Dunton exit. At the roundabout take the Laindon Town centre/Horndon on the Hill exit. At traffic lights take right hand slip lane, turning into Lower Dunton Road. The visitor centre is approx. 1 ½ miles down Lower Dunton Road on the left hand side. From the A13 take the Stanford-le-Hope / Corringham exit. At the roundabout take the Horndon on the Hill exit, continue on this road until the sharp right hand bend – take the left turn off of this bend, Lower Dunton Road (brown and white duck sign). The visitor centre is approximately 2 miles down Lower Dunton Road on the right hand side.

      Free Parking. Accessible by Public Transport: Laindon station is 4 miles away.

      Langdon Nature Discovery Park

      Type:Nature Reserve

      Essex Wildlife Trust, Lower Dunton Road, Basildon, Essex, SS16 6EJ

      TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

      TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 72 reviews72 reviews
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      Tel+44 (0)1268 419103

      Opening Times

      Season (1 Apr 2023 - 31 Oct 2023)
      DayTimes
      Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00
      Bank HolidayOpen
      Season (1 Nov 2023 - 31 Dec 2023)
      DayTimes
      Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00
      Bank HolidayOpen

      * Closed Christmas Day

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