Thames Chase Forest covers 40 square miles of countryside around the London/Essex borders. The Thames Chase Trust aims to make the Thames Chase Community Forest an inspirational example of landscape regeneration through cost effective environmental improvements that changes lives and demonstrates these values through exemplar community led management at the Thames Chase Forest Centre.

The Forest Centre is at the heart of the Community Forest in a group of historic farm buildings with a stunning wooden framed visitor centre. Surrounded by a Landscape of woods, meadows, ponds and paths that have been created from disused farmland, there is scope for recreation, discovery and study. The surrounding estate offers all-weather paths for walking for all abilities, cycling and riding.

The carefully restored farm buildings boast a 17th century Essex Barn - one of the best preserved in the London area. Admire the cathedral-like structure as you enjoy one of the many events held here. The Ford education room converted from the farm cart shed, is used by schools and community groups for study, as a conference centre and for private celebrations. Walk into the visitors centre and you enter a building created almost entirely of wood. Here, within its award winning structure you can relax and enjoy a snack or lunch whilst admiring the views from its panoramic window or from the terrace or find that special purchase in the Centre shop. The first floor meeting room can accommodate clubs, community groups and societies.

Exploring the grounds around the Forest Centre where wildlife abounds can offer a rare glimpse of such natural rarities as water voles, great crested newts, and a wide variety of birds and insects. Scattered around the site are several environmental play areas for children, including the Ants Nest, Snake Stepping Stones, Hollow Logs and the Trusty Oak, which offers extensive views across the whole site.

Local

Eat and Drink

• Thames Chase - Upminster (0.0 miles) - Thames Chase Forest covers 40 square miles of countryside around the London/Essex borders. The Thame...
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See and Do

• Thames Chase Upminster (0.0 miles) - Thames Chase Forest covers 40 square miles of countryside around the London/Essex borders. The Thame...
• Essex Wildlife Trust Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre Hornchurch (3.5 miles) - Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre is perfect for a day out, whether you are walking, cycling, bird w...
• Essex Wildlife Trust - Thorndon Countryside Centre Brentwood (3.6 miles) - Gruffalo Trail Come and see the original Gruffalo Trail - a self-led trail around the woods, searchi...
• Essex Wildlife Trust, Chafford Gorges Nature Park grays , Thurrock, (4.4 miles) - Chafford Gorges visitor centre is set in a spectacular position over looking Warren Gorge. Chafford ...
• Ghosts and Execution tour Romford (4.5 miles) - We offer weekly guided walking tours in London which includes Jack the Ripper tour and Ghosts and Ex...

Shopping

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• forbiddenplanet.com - London (17.8 miles) - The largest cult entertainment Megastore in the UK, the home and hub of the best geek shopping. We h...
• Piccadilly Market - London (18.2 miles) - A vibrant and charming market in the heart of London in the grounds of St James’s Church Piccadill...
• LUSH SPA Oxford Street - London (18.2 miles) - When hopping over the threshold of Lush Oxford Street, you will be forgiven for momentarily thinking...