Parndon Wood Nature Reserve, run by Harlow Council, is officially one of the finest parks in the country. Receiving a sought after Green Flag award, retained in 2023 for the 13th consecutive year. Set on the southern outskirts of Harlow, Parndon Wood has been recorded as a woodland for at least 900 years and therefore can be termed as "ancient woodland". The reserve was also designated a Special Site for Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its flora and value as an educational resource.
Beautiful woodland with a relatively short and easy main trail. Not as accessible for younger visitors as (for example) the nearby Epping Forest due to the requirement to strictly stay on the footpaths, but enough conservation activity is visible for it to be both fun and interesting for all. There is also an excellent den building area near the entrance. A family favourite as a zero cost outdoor space - and one that deserves the full support of the local community
Opening times on the gate do not match the opening times advertised on the website. Took the kids here who were upset when it was closed. Sort it out Harlow Council. Update the website or signs on gate to reflect the real opening times.
Great place has a cafe with really nice coffee and cakes friendly staff and alot of work has been put into making it a great place to walk around for family's as well as nature enthusiast's. allso great for nature photography
Beautiful nature reserve on the outskirts of Harlow. My two-year-old absolutely loved it and the trails were wide enough to let her walk freely. There's also public toilets and a small cafe on the site. Well worth a visit.
Nice couple of trails to walk here and the terrain is suitable for baby pushchairs. The forest is very picturesque and calming and the centre itself has activities for children. The only thing lacking is a souvenir gift shop but the friendly staff provide low price drinks and snacks.
Never got to see it, open and closing at silly times, I'm sure there's good reason but isn't suitable for me. We pulled up and other people were experiencing the same problem, not just me then, I'll go for a walk in a woodland where it's not cordoned off by barbed wire fencing, I thought nature was supposed to be accessible and nurturing not controlled by other humans
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Assistive hearing loop
Hiking
Picnic tables
Public toilet
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Hello! I'm your AI guide for Parndon Wood Nature Reserve. I can help you with information about this attraction, including its history, best times to visit, and tips for your visit. What would you like to know?
Discover hotels in Parndon Wood Rd, Harlow CM19 4SF
Searching for hotels...
Beautiful woodland with a relatively short and easy main trail. Not as accessible for younger visitors as (for example) the nearby Epping Forest due to the requirement to strictly stay on the footpaths, but enough conservation activity is visible for it to be both fun and interesting for all. There is also an excellent den building area near the entrance. A family favourite as a zero cost outdoor space - and one that deserves the full support of the local community
Opening times on the gate do not match the opening times advertised on the website. Took the kids here who were upset when it was closed. Sort it out Harlow Council. Update the website or signs on gate to reflect the real opening times.
Great place has a cafe with really nice coffee and cakes friendly staff and alot of work has been put into making it a great place to walk around for family's as well as nature enthusiast's. allso great for nature photography
Beautiful nature reserve on the outskirts of Harlow. My two-year-old absolutely loved it and the trails were wide enough to let her walk freely. There's also public toilets and a small cafe on the site. Well worth a visit.
Nice couple of trails to walk here and the terrain is suitable for baby pushchairs. The forest is very picturesque and calming and the centre itself has activities for children. The only thing lacking is a souvenir gift shop but the friendly staff provide low price drinks and snacks.
Never got to see it, open and closing at silly times, I'm sure there's good reason but isn't suitable for me. We pulled up and other people were experiencing the same problem, not just me then, I'll go for a walk in a woodland where it's not cordoned off by barbed wire fencing, I thought nature was supposed to be accessible and nurturing not controlled by other humans
