Aerial View of the Centre (2011)
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Thames Chase Forest Centre

4.4
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

A woodland haven with a fantastic playground, seasonal trails, and affordable parking, perfect for family adventures and nature walks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful walks

CrowdLow
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Aerial View of the Centre (2011)

Thames Chase Forest Centre

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful walks

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A woodland haven with a fantastic playground, seasonal trails, and affordable parking, perfect for family adventures and nature walks.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"Great value parking and a brilliant playground make this a family favourite for woodland adventures."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Affordable Parking

Park all day for just £2, payable by cash or app. Great value for a full day out!

🐾 Dog-Friendly Wanderer

A great spot for dog walks with plenty of paths to explore. Keep them on a lead where required.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Updated Playground

Updated Playground

Visitor Centre Area

A recently updated playpark that's a huge hit with younger visitors, perfect for burning off energy.

Seasonal Themed Trails

Seasonal Themed Trails

Woodlands

Engaging trails like Stick Man or ZOG offer interactive fun with activity packs for kids.

Woodland Walks & Cycling

Woodland Walks & Cycling

Various Paths

Explore miles of paths suitable for leisurely walks, dog walking, or cycling, with bike hire available.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Access

Parking is a bargain at £2 all day, payable by cash or app. Arrive early if there's an event to guarantee a spot, as it can get busy. The centre is accessible for walks and bike rides, with good paths for all abilities. Instagram

Family Fun & Trails

Thames Chase is a hit with families, featuring an updated playground and seasonal trails like Stick Man or ZOG. Activity packs are available for purchase, offering interactive fun for kids. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, during events
Why
Lively atmosphere, family fun
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Thames Chase Forest Centre, Near Ockendon are now selling my bags
lellys_bags
16 likes • 275 views

🎯 Affordable Parking

Park all day for just £2, payable by cash or app. Great value for a full day out! Instagram

🐾 Dog-Friendly Wanderer

A great spot for dog walks with plenty of paths to explore. Keep them on a lead where required. Instagram+1

💚It's Great Big Green Week! Help to keep your local area and green space tidy for people and wildlife. Pop into the Thames Chase Forest Centre reception, we have bags and litter pickers available for you to borrow. #thameschase #GreatBigGreenWeek Thames Chase Woodlands - Forestry England
thameschase
9 likes • 341 views
CEREMONY DONE// Thames Chase Forest Centre. H&B are enjoying ice creams with their guests as I wend my way home Eid Mubarak to all their family and friends as they get ready for a full on Turkish feast ! . . . #essexcelebrant #funkycelebrant®️ #outdoorwedding #summerwedding #fpccelebrants #independentcelebrant
michelle_funkycelebrant
32 likes • 1.4K views

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy nice cakes and coffee at the cafe, though food service can sometimes have a wait. Reddit

🚲 Bike Hire Available

Hire bikes on-site for a fun way to explore the trails and wider woodland area. Reddit

Lots of fun and adventure on this afternoons group walk over Thames Chase Forest Centre 🥰😍❤️
woofersnwalkers
17 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Affordable Parking

Park all day for just £2, payable by cash or app. Great value for a full day out! Instagram

🐾 Dog-Friendly Wanderer

A great spot for dog walks with plenty of paths to explore. Keep them on a lead where required. Instagram+1

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy nice cakes and coffee at the cafe, though food service can sometimes have a wait. Reddit

🚲 Bike Hire Available

Hire bikes on-site for a fun way to explore the trails and wider woodland area. Reddit

📝 Trail Activity Packs

Purchase activity packs for £3.50-£4 from the visitor centre for interactive trail fun. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Thames Chase Forest Centre for its excellent value parking (£2 all day) and family-friendly facilities, including a great playground and engaging seasonal trails. The cafe is noted for its nice cakes and coffee, though service can sometimes be slow. It's a popular spot for dog walks and leisurely cycling.

"This is a really nice nature reserve with excellent playground facilities for the kids. The cafe offers really nice cakes and coffee too. The gift shop has some interesting things that really capture the kids imagination. It's only £2 to park all day, offering great value."

Steve Halsey

"We love it here. Ideal for lazy walks, taking in the fresh air. The cafe is good, although sometimes it's a bit of a wait for food.
My littlen loves the playpark, which has recently been updated.
Parking all day is only £2"

Lou Lewis

"Good place for a wander / dog walk / bike ride. It's not particularly big, so explorable in a couple of hours or so. Paths are good for cycling, either taking your own or hiring there.

There is lots of parking for only £1 for the day which is very reasonable. There is also a cafe in the visitors centre serving drinks and snacks, plus toilets, small play area and picnic benches."

Adam Sewell

What People Like

Affordable parking
Updated playground
Themed trails

What People Dislike

Occasional cafe wait times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thames Chase Forest Centre is located at Pike Lane, Upminster, RM14 3NS. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options might require further connections, so checking local bus routes is advised. Instagram

Yes, there is plenty of parking available for £2 all day, payable by cash or app. It's recommended to arrive early, especially if there's an event on, to secure a spot. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The paths are good for cycling, and you can either bring your own bike or hire one on-site. Reddit

The main paths are generally good for wheelchairs and pushchairs, making it accessible for many visitors. Instagram

The centre's opening hours can vary, especially for the cafe and visitor centre. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening times. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the forest centre and its grounds is generally free. There is a charge for parking and for optional activity packs for the themed trails. Instagram+1

Parking is very reasonably priced at £2 for the entire day, payable via cash or a dedicated app. InstagramReddit

Yes, Thames Chase often hosts seasonal events and themed trails, such as the Stick Man or ZOG trails, which are popular with families. Check their social media for current offerings. Instagram+1

The venue is used for private events like outdoor weddings, suggesting it's possible to book spaces for functions. Inquire directly with the centre for details. Instagram

While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the low parking fee of £2 offers excellent value for money for a full day's visit. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

Children will love the updated playground, seasonal themed trails with activity packs, and the general space to run around and explore the woodlands. Instagram+1

Yes, Thames Chase is a dog-friendly location, perfect for dog walks. Ensure your dog is under control and follow any specific guidelines. Instagram+1

Yes, toilets are available within the visitor centre, making it convenient for families and longer visits. Instagram

You'll find various walking trails through the woodlands, suitable for leisurely strolls, dog walking, and cycling. Seasonal themed trails like Stick Man and ZOG are also popular. Instagram+1

The woodlands offer lovely natural scenery, especially during different seasons, making it a pleasant spot for nature photography. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located in the visitor centre that serves drinks, snacks, and really nice cakes. Reddit+1

The cafe offers a selection of drinks, snacks, and cakes. It's a good spot for a refreshment break during your visit. Reddit

Yes, there are picnic benches available, making it a great option for families to enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature. Reddit

The cafe is popular and can sometimes have a wait for food, especially during peak times. Reddit

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but cafes typically offer a range of snacks and drinks. It's advisable to check with the cafe directly for current offerings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The woodlands offer beautiful natural light and scenery, especially during autumn and winter. Look for clearings and interesting tree formations. Instagram

Yes, the natural setting provides a lovely backdrop for family portraits. The playground and trails can also offer fun, candid photo opportunities. Instagram

The woodlands are home to various wildlife. Be patient and respectful, and you might capture some great shots of birds or other small creatures. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial photography or filming, it's best to contact the centre in advance to inquire about any specific policies. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and a warmer glow. Instagram

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Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Thames Chase Forest Centre is a dream for families! The updated playground is a guaranteed hit, offering hours of fun. Don't miss the seasonal themed trails like Stick Man or ZOG; the activity packs (£4) make them super engaging for little ones. Instagram+1 Parking is a steal at £2 all day, and the cafe offers treats for a refuel. InstagramReddit

Remember to check for any special events happening during your visit. The easy-to-navigate paths are also great for pushchairs, making the whole experience stress-free. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

Bring your furry friends along! Thames Chase Forest Centre is a dog-friendly haven with plenty of space for them to roam and explore. The woodland paths are perfect for a good walk, and your dog will love sniffing out new scents. Instagram+1

While dogs are welcome, please be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. Keep your dog under control, especially near the playground and cafe areas. It's a fantastic spot for a relaxed outing with your canine companion. Instagram

🚴 Cyclists

For cycling enthusiasts, Thames Chase offers well-maintained paths suitable for bike rides. You can bring your own bike or take advantage of the bike hire available on-site, making it easy to explore the woodlands. Reddit+1

It's a great location for a leisurely cycle, whether you're looking for a short spin or a longer exploration of the surrounding trails. The affordable parking makes it convenient to access for a cycling day trip. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Woodlands

Thames Chase Forest Centre offers a network of well-maintained paths perfect for exploring the surrounding woodlands. These trails are ideal for leisurely walks, dog walking, and cycling. The paths are generally good, making them accessible for various fitness levels and suitable for families with pushchairs. InstagramReddit

Beyond the general walking routes, the centre is known for its seasonal themed trails. These are particularly popular with families and often feature characters like Stick Man or ZOG. Activity packs, available for purchase from the visitor centre, enhance the experience with interactive tasks and rubbings, making the woodland exploration more engaging for children. Instagram+1

The social prescribing initiatives at Thames Chase also highlight the centre's role in promoting wellbeing through nature. These projects aim to support the physical and mental health of individuals, demonstrating the broader community benefits of this green space. Instagram

Family Fun at Thames Chase

Thames Chase Forest Centre is a fantastic destination for families, with a strong emphasis on child-friendly activities. The recently updated playground is a major draw, providing a safe and exciting space for children to play and burn off energy. Reddit

In addition to the playground, the centre frequently hosts seasonal themed trails, such as the popular Stick Man or ZOG trails. These trails are designed to be interactive and educational, often accompanied by activity packs that can be purchased for a small fee. These packs include tasks, rubbings, and games that encourage children to engage with their surroundings. Instagram+1

With ample parking at a low cost and on-site facilities like toilets and a cafe, Thames Chase makes for a convenient and enjoyable family day out. The ability to hire bikes also adds another layer of activity for families looking for adventure. InstagramReddit

Community and Events

Thames Chase Forest Centre serves as a vibrant community hub, hosting a variety of events and activities. From outdoor weddings to Halloween slime workshops, the centre provides a unique setting for celebrations and gatherings. Instagram+1

The centre also actively participates in community initiatives, such as Great Big Green Week, encouraging visitors to help keep the local green space tidy. They offer resources like bags and litter pickers for those who wish to contribute. Instagram

Furthermore, Thames Chase is involved in social prescribing projects, aiming to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of the community through engagement with nature. This underscores the centre's commitment to being more than just a recreational space, but a vital resource for community health and connection. Instagram

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