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About

Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre is situated in Thorndon Country Park. There are some fantastic walks through ancient woodland and historic deer parks which lie close alongside recently planted woodland and a landscape of small pastures.

Thorndon is home to the Gruffalo trail! Come and discover the magic of the deep dark wood, a self-led trail searching for the amazing hand-crafted carvings of the Gruffalo characters. Head into the centre to purchase your trail map, pathways are buggy friendly.

Walk, explore and play on site, there is something for everyone to discover!

*Woodland walks

*Gruffalo sculpture trail – purchase your trail map in the centre.

*Accessible Footpaths

*Café offering hot drinks and refreshments

*Shop – Nature based books & gifts, binoculars and bird food

We run an exciting range of events for all ages across our Nature Discovery Centres, please visit our Facebook pages for the most up to date information and booking details. https://www.facebook.com/EWTThorndon

Car park (charges apply) and toilets on site with disabled and baby changing facilities.

Essex Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity, committed to protecting wildlife and inspiring a lifelong love of nature. We value your support, all income generated from our sites enables us to continue this great work – thank you.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

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

Facilities

Accessibility

Disabled access

Catering

On-site catering
On-site light refreshments

Target Markets

Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Click here to view map

Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre

Type:Nature Reserve

Thorndon Park North, The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

84 reviews

Website

Call direct on:

Tel01277 232944

Opening Times

Season (11 Mar 2023 - 5 Nov 2023)
Day	Times
Monday - Sunday	10:00	- 16:00
Bank Holiday	10:00	- 16:00

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Visit the website for more information

Bedford's Park Nature Discovery Centre, BrentwoodThe Nature Discovery Centre is situated in 215 acres of historic parkland. Walk, explore and discover with Essex Wildlife Trust by visiting today!

Chafford Gorges Nature Park, GraysSet in a spectacular position over looking Warren Gorge. Chafford Gorges nature park offers 200 acres of green space for numerous wildlife and recreation for the 12,500 people living in Chafford Hundred.

Blue House Farm, Burnham-on-CrouchBlue House Farm was bought by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1998 with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other donors.

Café at Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, ColchesterOne of Europe's top Wetland sites, excellent bird watching opportunities and fabulous views over the reservoir.

Café at Bedford's Park Nature Discovery Centre, BrentwoodThe Nature Discovery Centre is situated in 215 acres of historic parkland. Walk, explore and discover with Essex Wildlife Trust by visiting today!

Café at Belfairs Woodland Nature Discovery Park, Leigh-on-SeaBelfairs Woodland Centre introduces visitors to the 1160-acre Living Landscape, a third of which is woodland, including a number of outstanding sites valuable for nature conservation.

Café at Chafford Gorges Nature Park, GraysThe Cafe and centre is currently closed Set in a spectacular position over looking Warren Gorge. Chafford Gorges nature park offers 200 acres of green space for numerous wildlife and recreation for the 12,500 people living in Chafford Hundred.

Café at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park, ColchesterNature reserve over 200 acres of mixed habitat on the Colne Estuary. Nature trails, wheelchair access, bird hides, gift shop and visitor centre with tea room. Friendly atmosphere. Regular events for adults and children.

Café at Hanningfield Nature Discovery Park, BillericaySet in beautiful woodland with views over the reservoir Hanningfield is the perfect place to walk, explore and play.

Café at Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre, HornchurchIngrebourne Valley Nature Discover Centre overlooks the fantastic marshland and reedbeds of the river and offers a vast landscape for people to explore and connect with nature in such urban surroundings.

Cafe at Thurrock Thameside Nature Discovery Park, Southend-on-SeaA stunning and innovative visitor centre and Nature Park created on a former landfill site, with superb views over the Thames. Explore, play or just enjoy the views!