Essex Parks

Hainault Forest Country Park, Chigwell

Hainault Forest Country Park is one of the best parks in Essex. In fact, Hainault Forest was included in the Top 10 Parks in the UK in the People's Choice Awards for Green Flag Parks.

There are so many things to do at Hainault Forest Country Park! You can find Foxborrows Farm (which is free to enter), the Hainault Thomas Train Ride and a great adventure playground at Hainault Country Park. The playground was renovated in July 2023 and is a great addition to the park.

This country park is great for wonderful for woodland walks. There is also a large lake, where you can hire boats in the summer. There are toilets and a cafe close to the car park.

Where is Hainault Forest Country Park?

📍Hainault Forest Country Park

Romford Road

Chigwell

IG7 4QN

Google maps link

🅿️ Parking - Where to park at Hainault Country Park

There is a car park close to the playground

Up to 1 hour: £1.40

Up to 2 hours: £2.40

All day: £5.20

Cashless parking - RingGo

Chrismas Events at Hainault Forest Country Park

There are plenty of Festive Events at Hainault Forest Country Park. Christmas Events at Hainault Forest 2024 include the Hainault Forest Christmas Market on 23rd November, a FREE Christmas craft drop in on 24th November, Wreath Making on 16th December and Winter Solstice celebrations for children on 21st December. There are further drop in Christmas Crafts every weekend from 2nd to 17th December. Find out More about Whats On this Christmas at Hainault Forest.

Check out our guide: Free Festive Family Events in Essex

What play equipment is there at the Hainault Forest Country Park playground?

The playground at Hainault Forest Country Park is suitable for children of all ages. There is equipment for toddlers through to teenagers. The playground is wooden and has climbing frames with a tube slide. There is plenty of climbing and balancing equipment. There are also tunnels.

Adventure Playground at Hainault Country Park

Thomas Train Ride, the Hainault Express Train

Did you know there is a Thomas Train Ride at Hainault Park? You can Train journeys are only £3 per person! Read More about in our post:

Everything you need to know about the Thomas the Train Hainault Express

Thomas Train at Hainault Forest Country Park

Is there a cafe at Hainault Forest Country Park?

There is a cafe at Hainault Forest Country Park - 1856 Cafe. The cafe at Hainault Forest Country Parks serves hot food and drinks. Alternative milks are available.+ The 1856 Cafe serves breakfast (including an all day breakfast), jacket potatoes, street food pots, paninis and kids meals. Kids meals at Hainault Forest Cafe include beans on toast and the usual nuggets/sausages and chips. Check out the Menu 1856 Cafe Hainault Forest Country Park.

Are there toilets at Hainault Forest Country Park?

There are toilets at Hainault Park including accessible and baby change toilets. There are changing places facilities.

Visitor Centre at Hainault Forest Country Park?

The visitor centre at Hainault Forest Country Park is managed by the Woodland Trust. There is information about the trails at the Hainault Forest Country Park and also a gift shop. The Hainault Forest Country Park Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week between 10am and 4pm.

There are also a range of shops in the courtyard at Hainaulf Forest Country Park. A variety of artisan craft shops can be found.

Foxburrows Farm Hainault Country Park

Animals at Foxburrows Farm include pigs, ponies, alpacas, sheep, duck, chicken, peacock and goats. Foxburrows Farm is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm (4pm in Winter). Admission to the farm is free, although a minimum donation of £1 per child and £2 per adult is encouraged to support running costs. Read more about Foxburrows Farm Here.

Boating Lake at Hainault Country Park

In the summer season you can hire boats at Hainault Country Park. You can also get a discount on boating hire if you also visit the Thomas Express Train at Hainault Forest!

Weather permitting, Hainault Country Park boat hire is open from 12pm to 5:30pm. Prices are as follows; 30 minutes - £15, One hour - £20. You can find out more on the Hainault Boats website.