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Thorndon Country Park

Telephone: 01277 232944

Email: Click here

Opening: Daily (except Christmas Day) 10.00am - 5.00pm during the summer, 10.00am until dusk in the winter.

Address: Thorndon Park North, The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ

Grid ref: TQ 605 915 (click for O/S map)

Few areas offer such variety as Thorndon Park and its surroundings. Ancient woodland and historic deer parks lie close alongside recently planted woodland and a landscape of small pastures, while nearby is the high forest of Hartswood and former common land.

Thorndon Country Park is in two parts, the northern section on a gravel ridge and the southern part on clay soil lower down. The two parts are now linked by Old Thorndon Pastures, which is farmland that has been restored to a traditional farming landscape with small hedged fields, grazed by cattle.

For more about the visitor centre click here

Booking is essential for most centre events, so make sure you call or visit the centre in advance to avoid disappointment. Please note there is a £2.00 per day parking charge that goes toward the maintenance of the park.


Thu 1st Jul 2010

9:00-16:00 Childrens Birthday Parties at Thorndon

For a childrens birthday party with a difference phone 01277 232944. Themes include Indiana Jones, Dinosaurs, Pond Dipping, Bug Hunts, Den Building and lots more.

Location: Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sat 10th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sun 11th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Mon 12th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Tue 13th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Wed 14th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Thu 15th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Fri 16th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sat 17th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sun 18th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Mon 19th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Tue 20th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Wed 21st Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Thu 22nd Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Fri 23rd Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

10:45-12:45 kite making

ECC Event. Make your own kite and fly it in the best place in Essex. Pre-booking essential, contact 01277 211250 for more details and to book. Thorndon Park South.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sat 24th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sun 25th Jul 2010

10:00-17:00 Art Exhibition

Long established and popular exhibition of over 300 pictures for sale from local artists. Portfolios from £10. Donation requested. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Tue 27th Jul 2010

10:30-12:30 Family Nature Day Make for cover!

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 Family Nature Day Creature Safari

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Wed 28th Jul 2010

10:30-12:30 Knights Princesses Dragons Quest

ECC Event. Pick up a secret map and lead yourselves through the woods. Solve the riddles about magical long a go times. Collect a prize at the end. Suitable for accompanied children ages 3 to 8 years. Pre-booking essential, contact 01277 211250 for more details and to book. Cost £3.00 per child.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Thu 29th Jul 2010

10:30-14:30 Wildlife Discovery Day 1 Smorgasbord !!

A mixture of outdoor activities for 8-12 year olds. You will need a packed lunch and suitable clothing.pre-booking essential. Donation £10.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Tue 3rd Aug 2010

10:30-14:30 Wildlife Discovery Day 2 Smorgasbord !!

A mixture of outdoor activities for 8-12 year olds. You will need a packed lunch and suitable clothing.pre-booking essential. Donation £10.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Wed 4th Aug 2010

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club August am

Two hours of fun and games in the Park for pre-school children and their families. Pre booking essential. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

11:00-13:00 The Happy Unbirthday Party

ECC Event. Come and celebrate your unbirthday in the woods at Thorndon Park South. Fun and games, singing, balloons the works! And a present to take away! Suitable for accompanied children over the age of 3 years. Pre-booking and payment essential, contact 01277 211250 for more details and to book.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 Caterpillar Club August pm

Two hours of fun and games in the Park for pre-school children and their families. Pre booking essential. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Thu 5th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Family Nature Day The Challenge

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 The Challenge Family Nature Day

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Fri 6th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 I'm a kid get me out of here!

ECC Event. Follow bushcraft expert Roy Spears' tips and pointers to learn how to survive in the wild. A self led trail with a prize at the end. Suitable for families, come in explorer costume! Pre-booking essential, contact 01277 211259 and meet a the Pavilion Cafe at Thorndon Park South. Cost £3.00 per child.

Sat 7th Aug 2010

14:00-16:00 Grub Club

Two hours of themed fun in the woods for accompanied children ages 5 to 7 years. Pre-booking essential, donation £5.00 per child.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Tue 10th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Family Nature Day Am I lost yet?

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 Am I lost yet? Family Nature Day

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Wed 11th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Pirate and Princess Treasure Trail

ECC Event. Pick up a treasure map and lead yourselves through the woods, follow the clues, answer the riddles and you can collect a prize at the end. Suitable for accompanied children aged between 3 and 8. Pre-booking essential, contact 01277 211250 for more details or to book. Meet at the Pavilion Cafe at Thorndon Park South. Cost £3.00 per child.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Thu 12th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Family Nature Day Den Challenge

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 Den Challenge Family Nature Day

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Fri 13th Aug 2010

11:00-12:30 Explorers and Adventurers

ECC Event. An exciting adventure in the woods learning about famous explorers and adventurers. Suitable for accompanied children aged 4+. Come in costume! Pre-booking and payment essential, contact 01277 211250 for more details and to book. Meet at the Pavilion Cafe, Thorndon Park South. Cost £5.00 per child.

19:30-21:30 Nightwatcher

A family evening out with fun and games about bats, moths and owls.suitable for children aged 5 and over. Pre booking essential. Thorndon south. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sun 15th Aug 2010

13:30-16:30 Buzzin Stuff

Discover the wonderful world of bees in the UK and what it takes to become a bee keeper. Our tutor for the day is local expert Pat Allen who also keeps the hives here at Thorndon. Pre-booking is essential, unsuitable for children, donation £6.00 per person please.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Mon 16th Aug 2010

11:00-13:00 Bushcraft firelighting

ECC Event. Learn the techniques of firelighting bushcraft style. Can you get flames with just one match? Suitable for families, pre-booking essential, contact 01277 211250 for more details and to book. Cost, £4.00 per child.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Tue 17th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Family Nature Day Critter Safari

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 Critter Safari Family Nature Day

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Wed 18th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Wild west trail

ECC Event. Pick up a pioneer guide and lead yourselves through the woods. Answer the questions about wild times in the wild west. Collect a prize at the end. Suitable for accompanied children aged between 3 and 8 years. Come in costume! Pre-booking essential, contact 01277 211250 for more details or to book. Meet at the Pavilion Cafe, Thorndon Park South, cost £3.00 per child.

Thu 19th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Family Nature Day Jurassic Thorndon

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Fri 20th Aug 2010

11:00-12:30 Teddies in their dens

ECC Event. Bring your teddy for an adventure in the woods making mine dens, with games and stories. Suitable for ages 3+. Pre-booking essential, contact 01277 211250 for more details and to book. Meet at the Pavilion Cafe at Thorndon Park South. Cost £4.00 per child.

Sun 22nd Aug 2010

10:30-16:00 Herb Walk

A one day workshop looking at herbs for your health. Tutor is Sue Koton, a fully qualified medical herbalist. Donation £20-00 per person, places are limited. Pre-booking and payment essential. For more information please telephone 01277 232944 or email: susannee@essexwt.org.uk

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Tue 24th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Family Nature Day Follow that sign !!

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

10:30-14:30 Wildlife Discovery Day 3 Smorgasbord !!

A mixture of outdoor activities for 8-12 year olds. You will need a packed lunch and suitable clothing.pre-booking essential. Donation £10.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 Follow that sign !! Family Nature Day

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Wed 25th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Sheerluck Holmes and Dr Watsit the case of the kidnapped ranger

ECC Event. Are you a super sleuth? Follow the arrows and lead yourselves through the woods, work on the clues to solve the case and collect a prize at the end. Suitable for families, pre-booking essential, contact 01277 211250 for more details and to book. Meet at the Pavilion Cafe, Thorndon Park South. Cost £3.00 per child.

Thu 26th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Family Nature Day I will survive!

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 I will survive! Family Nature Day

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Fri 27th Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Storytelling adventure walk

ECC Event. Experience a journey through the woods where you can listen to stories and create your own. Pre-booking and payment essential, contact 01277 211250 for more details and to book. Cost £4.00 per child.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Tue 31st Aug 2010

10:30-12:30 Family Nature Day Arty time

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 Arty time Family Nature Day

Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Wed 1st Sep 2010

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club September am

Two hours of fun and games in the Park for pre-school children and their families. Pre booking essential. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 Caterpillar Club September pm

Two hours of fun and games in the Park for pre-school children and their families. Pre booking essential. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Thu 2nd Sep 2010

10:30-14:30 Wildlife Discovery Day 4 Smorgasbord !!

A mixture of outdoor activities for 8-12 year olds. You will need a packed lunch and suitable clothing.pre-booking essential. Donation £10.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sat 4th Sep 2010

10:00-16:00 Photography Day Course September

Learn how to get the very best from your camera. Tutor Daniel Bridge, for more information www.danielbridge.co.uk Pre booking essential. Donation £35.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sun 19th Sep 2010

10:00-16:00 Badger Day Course

Find out about one of our most elusive mammals on this fascinating course with local expert Don Hunford. Pre-booking essential. Donation £20.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Wed 6th Oct 2010

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club October am

Two hours of fun and games in the Park for pre-school children and their families. Pre booking essential. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 Caterpillar Club October pm

Two hours of fun and games in the Park for pre-school children and their families. Pre booking essential. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sun 24th Oct 2010

10:00-16:00 Macro photography course at Thorndon

Close up photography with Daniel Bridge, for more information go to www.danielbridge.co.uk. Pre-booking essential. Donation £35.00 per person. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sat 30th Oct 2010

10:00-16:00 Family Halloween Fun

Themed fun for all the family including a walk in the park in the dark. Suitable for under 7's and their families. Pre-booking essential. Donation £4.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Wed 3rd Nov 2010

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club November am

Two hours of fun and games in the Park for pre-school children and their families. Pre booking essential. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 Caterpillar Club November pm

Two hours of fun and games in the Park for pre-school children and their families. Pre booking essential. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Fri 19th Nov 2010

19:00-21:00 Campfire Night

Songs and stories around the fire with a sweet treat for all. Donation £3.50 per person or £10 for a family of 4. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Sun 28th Nov 2010

10:00-16:00 Christmas Fayre at Thorndon

Craft items, tombola, lucky dip, home made cakes, childrens activities and face painting, come along for a festive atmosphere in a relaxed setting and perhaps find an unusual gift idea or two! Please telephone the visitor centre for more information. Free event.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Wed 1st Dec 2010

10:00-12:00 Caterpillar Club December am

Two hours of fun and games in the Park for pre-school children and their families. Pre booking essential. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

14:00-16:00 Caterpillar Club December pm

Two hours of fun and games in the Park for pre-school children and their families. Pre booking essential. Donation £5.00 per child. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information or to book your place.

Location Thorndon Countryside Visitor Centre

Categories

Exhibitions and Sales
Walks and Runs
Talks and Courses
Families and Children
Special Events
Work Parties
Adult Courses

Visitor Centres

Abberton Reservoir
Abbotts Hall Farm
Bedfords Park
Chafford Gorges
Fingringhoe Wick
Hanningfield Reservoir
Langdon
Thorndon

Local Groups

Basildon Natural History Society
Braintree
Brentwood and Billericay
Castle Point
Chelmsford
Colchester
Epping Forest
Havering
Maldon & South Woodham Ferrers
Southend and Rochford
Tendring
Thurrock
Uttlesford

Protecting Wildlife for the Future