Website states there is a play area. There isn't. They clearly overspent on the new overpriced sparkly modern visitor centre at the cost of the advertised childrens playground, which is mental & completely unnecessary. Stroppy staff said the project had overspent & run out of funding & not to expect one anytime soon. Even more annoying was the signage on entry to the car park which clearly lists a PLAY AREA ! The Peter Rabbit trail was OK for younger kids but its quite short & honestly, we really needed that playground. Kids don't care about the plot lands, which we might have been able to actually take in if the kids werent so moany & disappointed. Anyway, enough said, we won't hurry back. Woods are lovely, but got plenty nearer home ..not worth the drive. Grumpy mum.

A lovely place to walk and explore nature! Very friendly and helpful staff and volunteers. Highly recommend!

Lovely lake. Amazing wooden sculptures for kids to follow. 1£ map and tasty coffee Parking is free but welcome to donate. Great place for a walk.

I found this reserve in an Essex walk book and was drawn to walk there because it has everything I need when I’m walking . History , beauty and wildlife . The land here was bought in plots by wealthy east Enders seeking to live off the land and building holiday homes on the land . One is still intact and left as a museum for us to look around . Fascinating stuff ! There’s an ornamental flower garden to look around as well ! When you eventually set off out into the countryside there is a trail you can walk which is three and a half miles if you wish ? This takes about 90 minutes and takes you mainly through woodland but in the main the paths are wide and firm . There is beauty and wildlife all around obviously and if you work uptown at one point you might be able to see your office building on the horizon ! Lol as this is one of the highest points in Essex . So if you’re clicking your heels one day come and have a look round here ! It’s free ! Lastly the coffee shop isn’t free but we’ll worth a visit at the end

We absolutely loved it here. We could spend hours exploring all the grounds. Some of it is quite steep though so not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or those who have difficulty walking. The refurbishment was great, the centre is really lovely. My toddler loved finding all the Peter Rabbit characters, which have all been repainted, and the map (available from the shop for £1) was so easy to follow. There is a garden that was separated into lots of little garden and we loved it in there. A couple of lovely fairy gardens were to be found. The fishing Lake was huge and beautiful and seemed really peaceful. We will definitely be coming back here and hope to visit the WW1 House in the future.