You are here: Things to Do > Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre

Book Tickets Online

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

87 reviews

Website

Call direct on:

Tel01277 232944

What's Nearby

Thorndon Country Park

Thorndon Country Park has 500 acres of tranquil woodlands and open park space perfect for…

0 miles away
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit organisation that cares for over 500 sick,…

2.46 miles away
Brentwood Brewing Company

Micro Brewery based in Brentwood, Essex. We brew traditional and craft beers and offer…

2.62 miles away
Weald Country Park

Located close to the M25 and A12 in Essex, Weald Country Park is a 700 year-old, 500 acre…

3.19 miles away

Thames Chase Forest Centre

The Forest Centre offers lots of features and activities for a fun family day out with…

3.55 miles away
Langdon Nature Discovery Park

Set in a stunning nature reserve of 461 acres which comprises woodland, meadows, lakes…

3.97 miles away
Old MacDonald’s Farm

An award winning Educational Farm Park in the Essex Countryside on the outskirts of east…

4.18 miles away
Mountnessing Postmill

A weatherboarded post mill, restored to working order in 1983. See the huge wood and iron…

4.38 miles away
Queens Theatre Hornchurch

Whether it’s a pre-show dinner, a post-theatre drink, a lunch break, or a special…

4.93 miles away
Ingatestone Hall

Tudor manor house and grounds containing furniture, pictures and memorabilia accumulated…

5.33 miles away
Bedford's Park Nature Discovery Centre

The Nature Discovery Centre is situated in 215 acres of historic parkland. Walk, explore…

5.54 miles away
Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre

Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discover Centre overlooks the fantastic marshland and reedbeds…

6.02 miles away
Belhus Woods Country Park

Woodland, open grassland and lakes suitable for walking, picnics and fishing. Visitor…

6.1 miles away
Stock Windmill

A medium-sized brick tower mill, c.1816. It has four patent sails, a fantail and three…

7.23 miles away
Essex Fire Museum

A history of the Essex Fire Service with items from the 18th century to today including…

7.36 miles away
Chafford Gorges Nature Park

Set in a spectacular position over looking Warren Gorge. Chafford Gorges nature park…

7.42 miles away
Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside

Explore the worlds of your favourite Nickelodeon characters inside Nickelodeon Adventure…

7.7 miles away
Flip Out Lakeside

Extreme indoor trampoline park at Lakeside Shopping centre. Family fun for all ages with…

7.74 miles away
Upside Down House Lakeside

The Lakeside Upside Down House marks our second inverted attraction in the UK. Easily…

7.87 miles away
Thurrock Thameside Nature Discovery Park

A stunning and innovative visitor centre and Nature Park created on a former landfill…

7.92 miles away

Previous Next

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 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!