Explore a regenerated community forest offering walking trails, wildlife spotting, and outdoor activities across multiple visitor centres in East London.

Thames Chase Community Forest is an inspirational landscape regeneration project spanning East London with multiple visitor centres dedicated to connecting people with nature. The forest offers diverse outdoor experiences including walking trails, horse riding, running routes, and opportunities to discover local wildlife and heritage. Families can explore the natural landscape, participate in guided nature and wildlife activities, and enjoy seasonal events across various accessible locations including The Forest Centre, Aveley & Ockendon, Brentwood, and Dagenham & Romford. The venue is suitable for all ages and abilities, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing activities. Thames Chase welcomes families with young children and offers pushchair-friendly pathways. The trust provides home-based children's activities and educational resources, making it accessible even when visiting the physical locations. With 30 years of transforming landscapes and lives, Thames Chase combines environmental conservation with community engagement, offering free entry and opportunities to learn about local history, ecology, and outdoor recreation.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

I

Ian Collins

a month ago

Lovely open space here with a couple of children's play areas. Lovely cafe but be prepared to wait a while for hot food when it's busy. Nice shop too which sells arts and crafts plus toys etc

A

Amber Davies

2 months ago

Very sweet little area with some short walks. The cafe shuts early which is disappointing (also means the toilets shut early!) but the grounds stay open later. There were loads of leaflets and advertisements about lots of community events which all looked very cute and welcoming.

S

Steve Halsey

8 months ago

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.

L

Lou Lewis

a year ago

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

A

Adam Sewell

4 years ago

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.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026