Brentwood Borough Council Leisure and Culture - Parks and Open Spaces - Thorndon Count...

Thorndon Country Park

Thorndon Country Park is divided into Thorndon Park North, with the Countryside Centre, and Thorndon Park South. These areas are linked by the 'Old Park', which is owned by the Woodland Trust, and 'Old Thorndon Pasture', which is owned by Essex County Council.

The most important habitat in Thorndon Country Park is the ancient deer park area dating back to the 15th century which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The design of the parkland was reorganised in the late 18th century by 'Capability' Brown, obscuring effects of the French landscape designer, Bourginion. Other parts of the park include ancient woodland, plantations of both broad leaved and coniferous species, some grassland and three small lakes.

The Countryside Centre in Thorndon Park North, built from timber blown over in the 1987 storms in the two parks, has a permanent exhibition, a shop selling gifts and refreshments, and a schools' room. Both the exhibition and schools' room are available to hire.

Fishing is available if a day ticket is purchased.

Horse riding is allowed, but you must keep to the areas marked with a blue arrow.

Car parks can be found on Brentwood Road (A128) and The Avenue. Tel 01277 211250.

For further information please see Essex County Council who manage Thorndon Country Park.

Art Exhibition

Art Exhibition in aid of the Essex Wildlife Trust at Thorndon Countryside Centre from Saturday 10th to Sunday 25th July, from 10am to 5pm daily.  A wide variety of high quality works will be for sale, including a selection of unframed pictures.  Refreshments will be available all day, including cream teas each afternoon.