Hainault Forest - Image 1

Hainault Forest

Chigwell, United Kingdom•4.6(4.3k)•Country Park, Nature Reserve, Playground

Explore ancient woodlands with outdoor adventure play, a working farm, interactive centre, and lakeside trails all set within a Green Flag Award-winning forest.

Hainault Forest is a sprawling country park managed by the Woodland Trust, London Borough of Redbridge, and Vision RCL, offering families a rich mix of natural exploration and active play. The forest features ancient trees, diverse habitats, and walking trails suitable for all ages and abilities, making it an ideal destination for nature-loving families. Key attractions include Foxburrows Farm, where children can connect with animals and farmyard activities; an Outdoor Adventure Play area designed for families; and an Interactive Interpretation Centre for discovering the forest's wildlife and heritage. Visitors can enjoy woodland walks, guided programmes including bushcraft activities, and access to scenic lakes perfect for peaceful moments or educational exploration. The venue is fully equipped for family visits with the 1856 Café providing refreshments, pushchair-friendly facilities, and free entry to the grounds. With its Green Flag Award status, playgrounds, educational opportunities, and diverse activities spanning from guided wanders to interactive experiences, Hainault Forest caters to infants through older children and adults seeking outdoor adventure, nature education, and family bonding in a welcoming woodland setting.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 08:00 – 21:00
Tuesday: 08:00 – 21:00
Wednesday: 08:00 – 21:00
Thursday: 08:00 – 21:00
Friday: 08:00 – 21:00
Saturday: 08:00 – 21:00
Sunday: 08:00 – 21:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

1856 Café

On-site café serving refreshments

Hours: 9am – 4pm, 7 days a week

Visit websiteView menu
Follow:

Google Reviews

4.6(4.3k reviews)
A
Ajanthiha

Ajanthiha

2 months ago

Beautiful location with vast stretches of grass and plenty of surrounding greenery. We went boating on the lake, close to the carpark at the front - such a lovely experience for both beginners like me and seasoned rowers! No life jackets necessary as water is at waist-depth (unless you want to/for children). Price when we went was £10pp (adult) for 1 hour (£8pp for 30min). Plenty of ducks on the water to keep you company too! 🦆 Also has a small farm (ticketed too i believe) with alpacas, horses and donkeys visible from outside. On-site café with a tuck shop window selling a large variety of cool drinks, slushies, ice-creams and lollies. Perfect day out for a picnic location & extremely family-friendly!

M
Md Rizwanur Rahman

Md Rizwanur Rahman

4 months ago

peaceful and heartwarming day at Hainault Forest 🌿🦢 Beautiful open nature, fresh air, and so many friendly birds around — perfect for a family outing with children. Watching the geese and ducklings up close made the experience extra special. A lovely place to relax, walk, and enjoy quality time with family away from the busy city life. Highly recommended for nature lovers and families!

M
Michael King

Michael King

5 months ago

Absolutely stunning Ancient Forest and Country Park something for all the family. Open spaces, beautiful lake, but walk deep into the forest to really discover the beauty of this ancient forest. Deep into the forest you'll hear Woodpeckers see dear and experience the calmness of nature. Picnic tables and seating throughout the Park and Forest. Country Arts Gift shops and 2 cafes. 40 mins from Stratford Centre on the central line. Highly recommended 👑👑👑👑👑

V
Vivek Mishra

Vivek Mishra

6 months ago

A perfect place for a long romantic walk or a relaxing family outing with kids. You can enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and a peaceful environment since it’s usually less crowded. There are nice spots for coffee and ice cream, and kids will love the small zoo with horses, rabbits, sheep, and donkeys. There’s also a fun train ride for children. Parking is convenient with plenty of spaces available, costing about £2 per hour. A lovely place to spend quality time with family.

M
Ms Chhetri

Ms Chhetri

7 months ago

Hainault Forest Country Park is such a peaceful little escape from the city. Beautiful woodland walks, open green spaces, and fresh air that instantly makes you feel calmer. Perfect for families — there’s plenty of space for kids to run around, spot animals, and enjoy nature safely. The paths are great for prams, the views change with the seasons, and it never feels too crowded. Whether it’s a slow walk, a picnic, or just letting the kids explore, it’s a lovely place to spend a few hours and reset. Highly recommend for anyone nearby 🌳 Fantastic place for families. The farm is free with donations welcome, and the train rides at weekends are a big hit with kids. There’s so much to do, plenty of space to explore, and children absolutely love it. Parking is easy and paid via the RingGo app. A great day out that doesn’t cost much and keeps the kids happy — highly recommend!

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Events at Hainault Forest

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Hainault Forest

Is Hainault Forest free to visit?

Entry to Hainault Forest is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is Hainault Forest suitable for?

Hainault Forest is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Hainault Forest dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Hainault Forest.

Is there parking at Hainault Forest?

Yes — Hainault Forest has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at Hainault Forest?

Yes — 1856 Café is on site at Hainault Forest. On-site café serving refreshments

Is Hainault Forest pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Hainault Forest is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Hainault Forest?

Hainault Forest is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Hainault Forest by public transport?

Hainault Forest is well-served by public transport.
Kiddy Compass