Thorndon Country Park in Brentwood, Essex is full of beautiful woodlands. The Essex Country Park is split into two sections - North and South Thorndon.
Thorndon Country Park is the home to the Gruffalo trail. The Gruffalo Trail consists of several wooden character sculpture from the Julia Donaldson Gruffalo tales. You can find all the classic Gruffalo characters including snake, fox, mouse, owl, the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's Child . The sculptures are substantial and the attention to detail is brilliant. The self guided trail takes you through the woods at Thorndon Country Park. This trail can get muddy!
Where is the Essex Gruffalo Trail?
The Essex Gruffalo Trail starts close to the Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Discovery Centre.
📍Thorndon Country Park
Brentwood
Warley
CM13 3RZ
Maps Link 🅿️ Where to Park for the Essex Gruffalo Trail There are several car parks at Thorndon, including overflow car parks as this Country Park is extremely popular. Following car park signs for the Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre (not Thorndon South). There are accessible car parking bays.
Car Parking Charges at Thorndon Country Park
Up to 1 Hour - £2.80
Up to 2 Hours - £4
Up to 4 Hours - £5.20
All day - £6.30
Payment machines or pay via MiPermit App. Location Code 702103.
How Much Does The Gurffalo Trail Cost
The Gruffalo Character Trail is Free. You can buy a trail map from the visitor centre. Last time we visited it cost 50p.
How long is the Gruffalo Trail?
Trail length - the Gruffalo trail take around 30 - 45 minutes to complete.
Is the Gruffalo Trail Dog Friendly?
Yes! The Gruffalo Trail is based in the woods and there are often lots of dog walkers along the route.
Visitor Centre
There is an Essex Wildlife Trust visitor centres at Thorndon Country Park. Inside the visitor centre there is a gift shop with lots of great Gruffalo gifts. You can also find homeware, cosmetics and other lovely gifts. Inside the visitor centre there is also a cafe.
Cafe at Thorndon Country Park
The Cafe at Thorndon is run by Essex Wildlife Trust. The Thorndon cafe serves hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams and pre-packaged sandwiches.
Is there a playground at Thorndon Country Park?
There is no playground at Thorndon.
What else is there to do at Thorndon Country Park
There are wonderful woodland walks at and biking trails at this fantastic country park. There is so much space to explore including plenty of dens to discover.
Character Trails in Essex
Essex is home to many great family friendly character trails!
Gruffalo Trail
Stick Man Trail
NEW Guess How Much I Love You Trail NEW Stick Man Adventure Trail
Peter Rabbit Trail
Wind in the Willows Trail
Bramley Hedge Trail
Arty's Sculpture Trail
Facilities
🛝 Playground ❌
☕ Cafe ✅
ℹ Visitor Centre/Shop ✅
🚻 Toilets ✅
♿ Accessible ❌
🪑 Picnic Tables ✅
🐶 Dog Friendly ✅
⏰ 90 minutes +
Last Updated February 2025
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