Langdon Visitor Centre
PUBLIC NOTICE: Please note that the visitor centre at Langdon is now closed whilst the centre is rebuilt. During the renovation of the visitor centre there will be no toilet or playground facilities available for our visitors however the car park will be kept open as much as possible so that our visitors can still enjoy the nature reserve.
For any enquiries, please contact our admin team at:
email or call us on 01621 862960
Location
Know before you go
Parking information
Free on site car parkBicycle parking
YesGrazing animals
Sheep and cowsAccess
Limited access please contact us on 01621 862960 for more information
Dogs
Facilities
When to visit
Opening times
Open daily 9am - 5pm(November, December & January 9am - 4pm)
Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day
Please note that the visitor centre at Langdon is now closed whilst the centre is rebuilt. During this time the car park will remain open as much as possible to allow visitors to enjoy the nature reserve.
Best time to visit
All year roundAbout the reserve
Langdon visitor centre is set in a stunning nature reserve of 461 acres which comprises of woodland, meadows, lakes and former plotland gardens. Langdon nature reserve is the largest inland reserve managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. The nature reserve occupies some of the highest land in the county, has some commanding views and offers miles of excellent walks, where an abundance of wildlife can be enjoyed. A beautiful wildlife garden is situated directly behind the visitor centre (sorry dogs are not permitted in the garden).
In the summer there is the opportunity to enjoy Turtle Doves, Nightingales and Woodcock, while in the winter thrushes and finches can be enjoyed. There are thirty butterfly species at Langdon including White Admiral, Green Hairstreak, Marbled White and Grizzled Skipper, making this a spectacular reserve for butterflies in Essex. Langdon also offers seven species of wild orchids in bloom in Many and June. Over 350 wild flowering plants have been recorded. Badgers, Foxes and Weasels all thrive in the meadows.
The nature reserve offers walks through many different areas and habitats and can offer the visitor a really interesting day out. The visitor centre has a display room, gift and bookshop, and refreshments. A full schools programme is available as well as activities for children during holidays and adults / families throughout the year.
The Haven Langdon also has the Haven plotlands museum. This 1930’s/1940’s museum gives a glimpse in to the life of Londoners who purchased land to turn in to a country getaway. The Haven is the last remaining bungalow out of hundreds which once stood on the reserve. Visit the Haven museum itself complete with authentic memorabilia, gardens, workshop, washroom and Anderson shelter.
Please note the Haven museum is NOT open the same hours as the visitor centre. For further information please visit The Haven Plotlands Museum page.