Brentwood is a charming Essex town offering a blend of historic character, beautiful green spaces, and lively community activities. Whether you're a resident or visitor, Brentwood and its nearby villages of Shenfield and Ingatestone have plenty to explore – from expansive country parks and heritage sites to boutique shopping and family fun.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Brentwood is blessed with an abundance of parks and countryside, perfect for fresh-air outings and nature walks.
Weald Country Park
South WealdOver 500 acres of rolling parkland, woods, and lakes. Famous for its resident fallow deer herd and the popular Stick Man sculpture trail for children. Perfect for walking, kite flying, or admiring Essex countryside views.
Thorndon Country Park
North & South sectionsA vast woodland and meadow area with miles of trails through ancient forest. Split into North and South sections connected by scenic paths – ideal for walking, cycling, or a peaceful picnic. Home to the Gruffalo Trail.
Warley Place Nature Reserve
Great WarleyA 25-acre reserve on a former Edwardian estate garden, now managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. In spring, it bursts into bloom with rare flowers and enchanting woodland scenery – a hidden gem for peaceful walks and birdwatching.
King George's Playing Fields
Central BrentwoodRecently revitalised as a fantastic outdoor leisure park near the High Street. Features expansive lawns, a skatepark, sensory garden, and in summer a splash pad water play area plus adventure playground for children.
Shenfield Common
ShenfieldA lovely green common convenient for Shenfield residents, offering grassy areas, a small woodland and pond. Popular with dog walkers and families out for a relaxed short stroll.
Ingatestone & Fryerning Reserve
Essex Wildlife TrustManaged by Essex Wildlife Trust, this reserve offers well-marked walking trails through ancient woodland and wildflower meadows. Perfect for birdwatching and spotting butterflies in season.
Cultural & Historic Attractions
Brentwood and its environs boast a rich history, with attractions that appeal to history buffs and culture lovers.
Ingatestone Hall
16th-century Tudor manor houseA magnificent manor built by Sir William Petre, Tudor statesman, and still home to the Petre family today. Retains original Tudor architecture with brick chimneys, mullioned windows, and oak-panelled halls. Surrounded by 10 acres of gardens including formal lawns, walled gardens and a stew pond.
Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker
Cold War underground museumThe biggest and deepest Cold War bunker open to the public in Southeast England. Descend 125 feet underground and explore tunnelled corridors, operation rooms, and dormitories via self-guided audio tour. A fascinating, eerie insight into Cold War Britain.
Brentwood Cathedral
Cathedral of St. Mary and St. HelenOne of Brentwood's most striking landmarks. Completely rebuilt in classical style in the 1990s incorporating an older Victorian church. The light-filled interior features an impressive dome and elegant columns reminiscent of Wren's architecture.
Mountnessing Windmill
Grade II* listed post millA picturesque white post mill dating back to 1807 and one of Essex's best-preserved windmills. On open days (typically one Sunday a month in summer), you can step inside to marvel at the wooden machinery and learn how grain was milled.
More Heritage to Discover
Volunteer-run museum packed with Victorian and wartime artefacts. Open weekends.
Medieval chapel ruins on High Street – Brentwood's origins as a 12th-century pilgrim stop.
Local theatre with drama, comedy, children's shows and annual pantomimes.
Markets & Local Shopping
Brentwood's shopping scene combines high-street convenience with local character and charm.
Brentwood High Street
Town centre shoppingThe main retail hub with a mix of national chains and independent boutiques. The Baytree Shopping Centre hosts popular retailers, while Crown Street offers unique local shops – from family-run jewellers to speciality food shops.
Brentwood Market
Every Friday & SaturdayThe market transforms the High Street into a bustling outdoor marketplace. Browse stalls selling farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, flowers, clothing, crafts and street food. Perfect for artisan bread, organic honey, or unique gifts.
Shenfield - Hutton Road
Village feel, upmarket boutiquesShenfield's high street has a lovely village atmosphere with upmarket boutiques, interior design stores, cafés, and delis. A relaxing place to browse and then settle in for a coffee.
Ingatestone High Street
Historic buildings, independent shopsKnown for its independent shops and boutiques housed in historic buildings. Find elegant ladies' fashion, antiques dealers, gift shops and cosy tea rooms – perfect for a more relaxed shopping experience.
Calcott Hall Farm Shop
Just on the edge of town – buy fresh local produce, plants, and artisan treats in a charming farm setting. A lovely day out in itself!
Family-Friendly Activities
The Brentwood area is fantastic for families with its wealth of parks and special attractions.
Old MacDonald's Farm & Fun Park
Award-winning family attraction with 30+ animal species including meerkats, ponies, wallabies and owls. Funfair rides, roller coaster, tractor rides, and two indoor soft play barns – brilliant in any weather!
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
A much-loved non-profit sanctuary caring for 500+ rescued animals – horses, donkeys, goats, tortoises and parrots. Wander the paddocks, meet the animals and learn their rescue stories. Heartwarming and educational!
Stick Man Trail
Weald Country ParkInspired by the Julia Donaldson children's book, this sculpture trail brings Stick Man to life with imaginative natural play. Free to use during park hours – pick up a trail map for 50p from the Visitor Centre.
Brentwood Karting
Outdoor go-karting track – one of the fastest in Essex! Karts and sessions suitable for ages 8 and up. Perfect for birthdays or an exciting family afternoon chasing lap times.
Laser Warfare
Outdoor laser tag experience set in woodland. Paintball-style team fun using harmless laser guns – great for birthdays or an energetic weekend treat for older kids, teens and competitive parents!
The Brentwood Centre
Large leisure centre with two swimming pools (25m lane pool + learner pool), gym, exercise studios, and sports halls. Weekend family swimming sessions are perfect for rainy days.
Sports & Leisure
From skiing in Essex to golf courses and cycling trails, Brentwood offers plenty of ways to stay active.
Brentwood Ski & Snowboard Centre
Yes, you can ski in Essex! Dry artificial slopes for skiing and snowboarding lessons, plus snow tubing – slide down in a big inflatable tube. Great for all abilities and learning before a winter holiday.
Golf Courses
Warley Park Golf Club offers 27 holes in scenic lakes and trees. Brentwood Golf Centre (Hartswood) has a driving range and 9-hole course for beginners. Thorndon Park Golf Club is a beautiful championship course.
Cycling & Walking Trails
South Weald's trails and Thorndon's paths are popular with weekend joggers and ramblers. The country lanes around Ingatestone and forest tracks in Thorndon are great for cycling.
Local Sports Clubs
Local clubs welcome newcomers in cricket, rugby, and tennis. Shenfield and Ingatestone each have long-established cricket clubs that play on village greens during summer – lovely to watch on a sunny afternoon.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
The community spirit in Brentwood really shines through its calendar of seasonal events.
Lighting Up Brentwood
Late November | High StreetBrentwood's largest annual event with 15,000+ attendees! High Street closed for festive market stalls, Santa Parade, fairground rides, live entertainment and the Christmas lights switch-on. Giant Christmas Bauble for selfies!
Brentwood Art Trail
June | Borough-wideAnnual event transforming Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone high streets into art galleries. Local artist works displayed in shop windows and public spaces, plus workshops, pop-up exhibitions and interactive events.
Festive Shenfield
Early December | Hutton RoadHutton Road taken over by festive activities including entertainment, walkabout acts, live music in and around local businesses. Food and drink from the wide range of Shenfield eateries.
Ingatestone Christmas Market
Early December | High StreetQuaint High Street decorated with locals in Victorian costume. Carolers, brass bands, roasted chestnuts, and late-night shopping at independent boutiques – like stepping into a classic Christmas card scene!
Brentwood Half Marathon
March | Borough-wideAnnual charity running event with runners taking to the streets supported by lots of local cheering. A great community atmosphere whether you're participating or spectating!
Summer Village Fairs
Summer | Various locationsSmaller village fairs and fetes throughout summer, plus seasonal events at Old MacDonald's Farm (Halloween pumpkin patches, Easter activities). Open garden events bring traditional charm.
Practical Information
Getting Here
- Elizabeth Line: Brentwood & Shenfield stations
- To Liverpool Street: ~39 minutes direct
- Frequency: ~260 trains/day
- By car: M25 Junction 28, A12
- Payment: Oyster & contactless accepted
Top Tips
- Book Old MacDonald's Farm tickets online for discounts
- Weald Park car parks fill quickly on sunny weekends – arrive early
- Ingatestone Hall is only open Easter–September
- Nuclear Bunker has no mobile signal – let people know!
- Brentwood Market: Friday & Saturday for best selection
Ready to Explore Brentwood?
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, culture, or family fun, you'll find plenty of reasons to explore Brentwood and its charming neighbouring villages all year round.