Sunday 30th April 2023
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Weald Country Park

4.7
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

A sprawling 500-acre historic parkland offering wildlife encounters, family adventures, and serene woodland 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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Sunday 30th April 2023

Weald Country Park

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful walks

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sprawling 500-acre historic parkland offering wildlife encounters, family adventures, and serene woodland walks.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"A beautiful, family-friendly park with plenty to see and do, offering a haven of peace and nature."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Snacks & Drinks

While there's a cafe, packing your own is great for picnics and longer explorations. :apple: :banana:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fallow Deer Feeding

Fallow Deer Feeding

Throughout the park

Get up close and personal with the park's resident fallow deer. Bring approved feed for a truly interactive experience.

Reddit
Stick Man Trail

Stick Man Trail

Various locations

A magical adventure for children, bringing Julia Donaldson's beloved character to life with interactive installations.

Reddit
Woodland Walks

Woodland Walks

Forest paths

Escape the sun and enjoy a relaxing stroll through the park's extensive woodlands, spotting diverse wildlife.

Reddit
Children's Play Areas

Children's Play Areas

Near visitor center

Spacious and well-maintained play zones offer fun for younger visitors, making it a family-friendly destination.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wildlife Encounters

Weald Country Park is home to fallow deer and other wildlife. Bring feed like carrots and apples to delight them, but check park rules for approved items. It's a fantastic way to engage kids and create memorable moments. Reddit

Plan for Parking and Amenities

Several car parks are available, often pay-and-display or app-based. The visitor center car park offers proximity to the cafe and toilets. Consider arriving early during peak times to secure a spot. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
School holidays, midday
Why
Family fun, lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you have a Stick Man fan then you have to visit Weald Country Park in Brentwood to check out their Stick Man trail. My two loved it! They would super charge every time they spotted a sculpture. Don’t be silly like us though. We totally missed the main stickman one at first. 🤦‍♀️ It’s right next to the car park at the start but we got side tracked by the park. Weald Country Park is home to de...
mothergoodadventures
341 likes • 6.4K views

Bring Snacks & Drinks

While there's a cafe, packing your own is great for picnics and longer explorations. :apple: :banana: Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

Lovely sunny dog walk around Weald country park in Brentwood, we tried to follow the stick Man trail not very successfully but cece had fun loved the deer and the park and of cause the ice cream van was a big bonus. I recommend bringing a picnic blanket or folding chairs as no benches and lots of goose poop on the floor and gnats in swarms as the two large lakes so bug spray but that said its beau...
mum_of_crazies
16 likes • 400 views
South Weald Country Park . . . #southweald #countrypark #epic #lake #southwealdlake #essex #brentwood #awesome #dji #droneshots #aerial #beautifuldestinations #explore #djimini3pro #dronesofinstagram #droneworld #instaepic #instaworthy #wow #uk #england
rg_droneshots
107 likes • 1.4K views

Check Wildlife Feed Rules

Only feed deer and ducks approved items like carrots and apples. :deer: :duck:

Utilize Parking App

Consider using the parking app for convenient payment. :iphone: :parking:

Stick Man trail at Weald Country Park 🌳 📍CM14 5QE Today we went back to the Stick Man trail. We’ve been before but before they had the new statues. It’s a life of place for a walk - it was very cold today but we wrapped up & had a lovely time. We got super close to the deer (you can buy food for £1 in the café if you want to feed them). F loved finding all the characters & playing in the adve...
daysoutideas
34 likes • 3.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Snacks & Drinks

While there's a cafe, packing your own is great for picnics and longer explorations. :apple: :banana: Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

Check Wildlife Feed Rules

Only feed deer and ducks approved items like carrots and apples. :deer: :duck:

Utilize Parking App

Consider using the parking app for convenient payment. :iphone: :parking:

Explore Beyond Main Paths

Venture into the woods for a more secluded and peaceful experience. :evergreen_tree:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Weald Country Park for its beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly attractions like the Stick Man trail and play areas. It's described as a peaceful haven perfect for walks and nature observation, with convenient amenities like a cafe and clean toilets. Some visitors note the parking fees as a minor drawback. Reddit

"A lovely park to visit with lovely walks with various routes to take, they are some gravelled pathways.
There is a deer enclosure and you can purchase deer food from the cafe to feed the deers.
There is a play area with climbing apparatus for the children to play.
A lovely walk for dog owners. There is ample parking which is pay and display. Public toilets and a cafe."

Ann Parsons

"We had a wonderful time at Weald Country Park! We followed the Stick Man trail, which my daughter absolutely loved, and she was so excited to feed the ducks and deer with some carrots and apples. The play area is great for kids, and the café was perfect for a little break (the ice cream was a big hit!). We stayed for about 3 hours, enjoyed the fresh air, and took loads of lovely photos. Such a beautiful, family-friendly park with plenty to see and do. 🦆🦌🍦🌳"

Ms Chhetri

"I come here frequently for walks and just to have a little bit of peace and it’s the perfect place for it! There’s lots of wildlife to be seen from deers to cows. It is absolutely massive and is such a lovely place to spend time. You can go deep into the woods or you can sit in the open area like many families do.

There are toilets there and a little cafe!"

Megs

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Fallow deer encounters
Family-friendly activities

What People Dislike

Parking fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Weald Country Park is easily accessible by car, with several pay-and-display car parks available. It's also a short drive from Brentwood town center. For those without a car, consider local bus routes that stop nearby, though walking from the bus stop might be required. Reddit

Yes, there are multiple car parks within Weald Country Park. The main visitor center car park is spacious and convenient. Parking fees apply, and you can often pay via an app or at machines. Reddit

Cycling is a great way to reach the park, and there are often designated cycle paths leading to it. Once inside, you can cycle on some paths, but be mindful of pedestrians and wildlife. Reddit

While direct public transport might be limited, you can reach the vicinity via local buses to Brentwood and then potentially walk or take a short taxi ride to the park entrance. Reddit

Weald Country Park is located in Essex, approximately 30-40 miles east of central London, making it a feasible day trip for those looking to escape the city. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Weald Country Park itself is generally free. However, there are charges for parking in the designated car parks. Reddit

The park is typically open from dawn till dusk, offering ample time for exploration. Specific facilities like the cafe may have set operating hours. Reddit

Yes, the park often hosts wildlife talks and guided walks. Check the visitor center or local listings for schedules and booking information. Reddit

The Stick Man Trail is an integrated part of the park experience and does not require a separate admission fee beyond the standard parking charges. Reddit

Dogs are welcome at Weald Country Park, and there are open fields perfect for them to run around. Please ensure they are kept under control, especially around wildlife. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, feeding the deer and ducks, exploring the Stick Man trail, visiting the children's play areas, picnicking, and observing wildlife. Reddit

Yes, public toilets are available, particularly near the visitor center and cafe, and are generally reported as clean. Reddit

Visitors are encouraged to feed the fallow deer and ducks, but it's crucial to use only approved food items like carrots and apples to ensure their health. Reddit

Absolutely! The Stick Man trail and play areas are huge hits with kids, and the open spaces are perfect for them to explore safely. Reddit

You can spot fallow deer, various bird species, and sometimes cows. The woodlands and open fields provide habitats for a range of local wildlife. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located at the visitor center, offering refreshments and a place to relax. It's described as cozy and welcoming. Reddit

The cafe offers a selection of food and drinks, including ice cream, which is a popular treat for visitors. Reddit

Definitely! There are plenty of open fields and scenic spots perfect for picnics, making it a great option for a family outing. Reddit

Information on dedicated barbecue facilities is not widely available, but picnicking is a popular and encouraged activity. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, which is a great way to save money and enjoy the park at your own pace. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The park offers diverse photographic opportunities, from the fallow deer in open fields to the atmospheric woodland paths. The late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful. Reddit

Yes, the fallow deer are often visible and approachable, especially if you have feed. Be patient and respectful of their space for the best shots. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permission. Always check park guidelines. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Golden hour can create stunning scenes. Reddit

Yes, the Stick Man trail provides fun and whimsical photo opportunities, especially for families with children. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Weald Country Park is a fantastic choice for families. The Stick Man Trail is a guaranteed hit, turning a walk into an exciting adventure. The children's play areas are well-equipped and provide hours of fun. Don't forget to bring carrots and apples to feed the friendly fallow deer and ducks – a highlight for many kids! Reddit The park's spaciousness means there's plenty of room for little ones to run around safely, and the cafe offers convenient refreshments. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers

For those seeking a peaceful escape, Weald Country Park offers a serene environment. The woodland walks are particularly relaxing, providing a chance to connect with nature and observe wildlife. You can find quiet spots for contemplation or simply enjoy the fresh air. Reddit The park's size means you can easily spend a few hours exploring without seeing everything, offering a sense of discovery. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Weald Country Park is a dog-friendly destination. There are open fields where your canine companions can run freely and play fetch. While dogs are welcome, it's important to ensure they are kept under control, especially around the deer and other wildlife, to maintain a harmonious environment for all visitors. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Wildlife Encounters: Deer and More

Weald Country Park is a haven for wildlife, most notably its population of fallow deer. Visitors often rave about the opportunity to see these graceful animals up close, especially when they are feeding. Bringing approved snacks like carrots and apples is highly recommended by visitors to encourage interaction and create memorable moments for children. Reddit Beyond the deer, the park's diverse habitats support a variety of birdlife and other small creatures, making it a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals in their natural environment. Reddit

The park's commitment to preserving its natural inhabitants ensures that these encounters remain a highlight for many visitors. The open fields and dense woodlands provide ample space for the wildlife to roam freely, offering a genuine glimpse into their daily lives. Keep an eye out during your walks; you never know what you might spot! Reddit

Family Fun: Stick Man Trail and Playgrounds

For families with young children, Weald Country Park is a dream destination. The Stick Man Trail, inspired by the popular Julia Donaldson book, is a major draw. This interactive trail brings the beloved character to life with various installations scattered throughout the park, sparking imagination and adventure for little ones. Reddit Complementing the trail are well-maintained children's play areas, offering ample space for kids to climb, slide, and burn off energy. These facilities are consistently praised for their cleanliness and suitability for various age groups. Reddit

The combination of the engaging Stick Man Trail and the exciting play zones makes Weald Country Park an ideal spot for a family day out. Parents can relax knowing their children are entertained in a safe and stimulating environment. The park's spaciousness also means that even during busy periods, there's usually room for everyone to enjoy themselves without feeling overcrowded. Reddit

Exploring the Vast Parklands

Spanning 500 acres, Weald Country Park offers an expansive landscape for exploration. Visitors can choose from woodland walks that provide a cool escape during warmer months, or enjoy the open fields perfect for picnics, games, or simply soaking up the sun. The park's layout is described as interestingly laid out, with multiple car parks strategically placed to offer access to different areas. Reddit This vastness allows for a sense of peace and tranquility, even when the park is busy, as you can often find quieter spots deeper within the grounds. Reddit

The variety of terrains and scenery ensures that every visit can feel like a new adventure. Whether you're a keen walker, a runner, or just looking for a leisurely stroll, the park caters to all preferences. The presence of horse riders and dog walkers also adds to the vibrant atmosphere of this cherished green space. Reddit

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