High Woods Country Park
A beautiful country park near Colchester, offering woodland walks, a new adventure playground, and a popular Saturday parkrun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Parkrun buzz
High Woods Country Park
Best Time
Parkrun buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful country park near Colchester, offering woodland walks, a new adventure playground, and a popular Saturday parkrun.
"A lovely escape into nature with a great playground for the kids!"
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs vary by duration: up to 2 hrs £1, up to 4 hrs £3.20, over 4 hrs £7.20. :parking_car:
🏃♀️ Parkrun Fun
Join the free Saturday parkrun for a great start to your weekend! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
New Adventure Playground
Near the visitor centre
A large, fenced play area with climbing structures, swings, and a toddler zone. Perfect for family fun!
High Woods Parkrun
Various park routes
Join the weekly Saturday parkrun for a scenic and challenging run through the woods. All fitness levels welcome!
Eight Ghosts of High Woods Trail
Throughout the park
An engaging Halloween-themed trail with a ghost hunt reward. A fun, seasonal activity for visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Seasonal Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs vary by duration: up to 2 hrs £1, up to 4 hrs £3.20, over 4 hrs £7.20. :parking_car:
🏃♀️ Parkrun Fun
Join the free Saturday parkrun for a great start to your weekend! :athletic_shoe:
🎃 Seasonal Trails
Look out for special events like the Halloween trail for a unique experience. :ghost:
🌳 Explore the Woods
Wander through the beautiful woodland paths for a peaceful escape. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs vary by duration: up to 2 hrs £1, up to 4 hrs £3.20, over 4 hrs £7.20. :parking_car:
🏃♀️ Parkrun Fun
Join the free Saturday parkrun for a great start to your weekend! :athletic_shoe:
🎃 Seasonal Trails
Look out for special events like the Halloween trail for a unique experience. :ghost:
🌳 Explore the Woods
Wander through the beautiful woodland paths for a peaceful escape. :evergreen_tree:
Muddy Adventures
Be prepared for mud, especially after rain – good footwear is a must! :boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise High Woods Country Park for its beautiful woodland walks, excellent new playground, and the free Saturday parkrun. It's considered a great, accessible spot for families and nature lovers, though parking fees are a consideration. Some find the parkrun course challenging.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
High Woods Country Park is located at 174 Turner Road, Colchester, Essex CO4 5JR. It's accessible by car with paid parking available. Bus routes also serve the area, making it reachable via public transport.
Yes, the park is well-signposted and easily accessible from Colchester town center. Many visitors find it a convenient escape just a short drive away. 
Cycling is a great way to reach the park, with dedicated paths and ample space to explore. It's a popular route for local cyclists.
Bus services operate in the vicinity of High Woods Country Park, providing an alternative to driving. Check local bus timetables for routes and schedules.
The park offers accessible paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, particularly around the main visitor areas and the new playground.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to High Woods Country Park itself is free. However, there is a charge for parking, which varies based on how long you stay.
Parking fees are structured by duration: up to 2 hours costs £1, up to 4 hours is £3.20, and parking for over 4 hours is £7.20.
While general park entry is free, specific events like the Halloween trail may have an associated cost or require booking in advance.
The park is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering ample time for exploration. Specific event times will vary.
Parking is typically on a first-come, first-served basis, and advance booking is not usually available. Arriving early is recommended.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy woodland walks, explore the new adventure playground, participate in the Saturday parkrun, and attend seasonal events like the Halloween trail. There's also a visitor centre and opportunities for nature engagement. +2
Absolutely! The park features a fantastic new playground for children of all ages, open spaces for running around, and engaging seasonal activities like storytimes and trails.
Yes, the park offers numerous walking trails through its beautiful woodland, suitable for leisurely strolls or more vigorous hikes.
Dogs are welcome at High Woods Country Park, but it's important to keep them under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors.
Facilities include a visitor centre, toilets, and picnic areas. The new playground is a major attraction for families.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a visitor centre which may offer refreshments, but specific details on food services can vary. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas within the park, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxed lunch amidst nature.
Colchester town center is a short drive away and offers a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and pubs if you prefer to dine out.
While not guaranteed, the visitor centre might have some basic refreshments available. Bringing your own is the most reliable option.
Colchester offers diverse dining options, from traditional pubs to international cuisine, catering to various tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers beautiful woodland scenery, especially during autumn. The new playground and open fields also provide great photo opportunities.
Yes, the park is picturesque year-round. Spring brings blossoms, summer offers lush greenery, autumn provides vibrant foliage, and winter can have a serene, frosty charm.
The totem pole near the playground is a distinctive feature. The winding woodland paths and open meadows also make for scenic shots.
Nature photography, landscape shots, family portraits, and action shots from the parkrun are all popular subjects.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the park management or local authorities regarding regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy at the designated spots, and let the kids explore the safe, fenced play zone. Beyond the playground, the park's woodland trails are perfect for gentle walks and nature exploration. Look out for seasonal events like storytimes or the Halloween trail, which add an extra layer of fun and engagement for younger visitors.
Remember to bring appropriate footwear, as the park can get muddy, especially after rain. 🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
It's a great way to stay active and enjoy the park's natural beauty. Beyond the parkrun, the park's extensive woodland paths are ideal for longer runs, trail running, or brisk walks. You can create your own routes and enjoy the varied landscape.
The park is also a good spot for cycling, with accessible routes for a refreshing ride. 🌳 Nature Lovers & Photographers
The park is particularly stunning in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold, making it a prime location for nature photography. +1Look for scenic spots along the winding paths, open meadows, and the distinctive totem pole for unique photo opportunities. The park's tranquility also makes it an excellent place for quiet contemplation and enjoying the simple beauty of the countryside.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Woodlands
Many visitors highlight the peaceful atmosphere of the woods, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and unwinding. The trails are generally easy to navigate, making them suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as the park is home to various bird species and small mammals.
For those looking for a bit more challenge, some paths offer gentle inclines, providing a good workout while still being enjoyable. The changing colors of the leaves in autumn are particularly spectacular, drawing many photographers and nature lovers to the park during this season.
Family Fun at the Playground
Adjacent to the main play area, there's a dedicated toddler zone, providing a safe and engaging space for younger children. The playground is fenced with gates, offering an added layer of security for parents. Picnic tables are also available nearby, making it convenient for families to spend a whole afternoon enjoying the facilities.
This playground is frequently mentioned as a highlight by visitors, with many praising its modern design and the variety of equipment. It's a perfect spot for kids to burn off energy while parents can relax nearby.
The High Woods Parkrun Experience
Runners often describe the course as challenging yet rewarding, with some hilly sections adding to the experience. It's a fantastic way to start the weekend, connect with the local running community, and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. All levels of runners and walkers are welcome, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
Parkrun events are a global phenomenon, and the High Woods event is no exception, attracting both locals and visitors. It's a great opportunity to experience the park from a different perspective and be part of a vibrant community event.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit