Langdon Visitor Centre

We are in the process of making some major long-term improvements to our much loved Langdon site, including a new, more sustainable Discovery Centre with enhanced facilities, generously supported by postcode-specific funding by Veolia Pitsea Marshes Maintenance Trust. As a result, there will be no central carpark or amenities until the autumn 2020.

Location

Lower Dunton Road

Basildon

SS16 6EJ

Know before you go

Size

210 hectares

Parking information

No central car park until Autumn 2020

Grazing animals

Sheep and cows

Access

Limited access please contact us on 01621 862960 for more information

Dogs

Dogs permitted

Facilities

Picnic area

When to visit

Opening times

Please note that the visitor centre at Langdon is now closed whilst the centre is rebuilt.

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

Set in a stunning nature reserve of 461 acres which comprises woodland, meadows, lakes and former plotland gardens. There are beautiful wildlife gardens and a museum of Plotland Life.

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.