Everything you need to know about the NEW Brambly Hedge Character Trail in Epping Forest
- Essex Parks
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
NEW for Autumn 2025!
There is a BRAND NEW wooden character trail! Parks of Essex has all the details including where to find the NEW Brambly Hedge Trail, where to park for the Brambly Hedge Trail, how long the trail is and facilities nearby.
But did you know there is also a Brambly Hedge Trail at Abberton Reservoir? The trail at Abberton Reservoir is smaller, with 7 characters from the book series to find.
The author of the classic Brambly Hedge stories is Jill Barklem. Jill Barklem spent a lot of time in and around Epping Forest and the beautiful woodlands inspired the Brambly Hedge tales. There are seventeen carved, wooden sculptures to find along the route of the Brambly Hedge Trail. All seventeen sculptures are hand-carved from sustainably sourced wood.
Where is the Brambly Hedge Trail?
The Brambly Hedge Trail has now opened in Epping Forest. The Brambly Hedge Trail starts at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre in Chingford. Chingford is a London Borough and the Visitor Centre is based just outside of Essex. The address for the Epping Forest Visitor Centre is - 6 Ranger's Road, Chingford E4 7QH. Epping Forest is a LARGE forest and there are several visitor centres, so make sure you navigate yourself to the right one! Maps Link Here.
The trail can be followed between the Epping Forest Visitor Centre and Connaught Water. There is an easy access, circular trail around the lake at Connaught Water - the Willow Trail.
Where to Park for the Brambly Hedge Trail
There are several parking options for the Brambly Hedge Trail. There is accessible parking bays for blue badge holders in front of the Epping Forest Visitor Centre - 6 Ranger's Road, Chingford E4 7QH. There are also a few car parking spaces for permit holders only.
There is a larger car park opposite the visitor centre, with 120 parking spaces - Barn Hoppit Car Park, Rangers Road, Chingford, E4 7QH.
Car park charges - 1 Hour - £1.75, 2 Hours - £3, 3 Hours - £4.50, 6 Hours - £7.
Pay via RingGo - Location Code: 36109
How Much Does the Brambly Hedge Trail Cost?
The Brambly Hedge Trail is FREE at entry! Follow the path from the Epping Forest Visitor Centre to Connaught Water.
Trail maps and a trail pencil is available to buy from Epping Forest Visitor Centre for £3. The map includes a tick list for each sculpture. Once all 17 sculptures have been found, children can collect a Brambly Hedge sticker from the Epping Forest Visitor Centre.
How long is the Brambly Hedge Trail?
The trail is 1.5 miles long and predominantly flat.
Is the Brambly Hedge Trail Accessible and Buggy Friendly?
The Brambly Hedge Trail follows the Gloucester Ride between the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford and Connaught Water. The trail is generally flat with a short incline close to Connaught Water. The path around the lake is flat. though once there you’ll find a surfaced path around the lake. The pathway around the lake can be be muddy in wet weather.
Each of the wooden characters feature their names in braille. There is also a wooden tactile panel at the back of each sculpture.
Epping Forest Visitor Centre
The Epping Forest Visitor Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. The Epping Forest Visitor is closed on Mondays. The visitor centre is dog friendly.
The visitor centre has several free exhibitions exploring the wildlife and history of Epping Forest. There is also a small gift shop at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre. The visitor centre is based on two floors with lift access to galleries on the first floor. There are great views of the forest from the covered balcony on the first floor.
Are there toilets at the Brambly Hedge Trail
There are accessible toilet and baby change facilities in the Epping Forest Visitor Centre.
Where to eat and drink at the Brambly Hedge Trail
There is a hotel/pub next to the Epping Forest Visitor Centre - The Royal Forest.
Chingford High Street is a few minutes drive away where there is a Co-op supermarket, Costa Coffee, Tesco Express, Caffe Nero, various takeaway options and independent restaurants.
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