FREE Family Friendly Day Out in Essex - Where to Feed Deer in Essex

There are some truly picturesque pockets of Essex, filled with stunning landscapes and tranquil woodlands. We have a great FREE day out in Essex to share! Have you been deer feeding in Essex? Deer feeding is popular with children and adults alike. Feeding deer can be a memorable way to engage with nature, providing unforgettable experiences for animal loving children. Keep reading to discover where to feed deer in Essex.

Deer Feeding Etiquette

Before exploring the best locations, let's look at the rules of deer feeding. It is important to know where to find deer and how to feed them responsibly. Feeding deer can interfere with their natural hunting for food and create a reliance on what humans provide. Always choose deer-friendly options like apples, carrots, or specially formulated deer feed (often available to buy from visitor centres), and steer clear of processed human foods.

Both of these Essex locations to feed deer are country parks which are dog friendly. However, please keep dogs under control when near to the deer.

Remember to only feed deer in designated areas. Following local wildlife regulations is vital for both the safety of the deer and the preservation of their natural habitat.

Free Family Friendly Things to do at Christmas in Essex - Deer Feeding

Deer feeding is a special experience year round, but is especially popular at Christmas. Both the locations mentioned in this guide are free to enter, making this a FREE family friendly day out in Essex.

However, please be mindful that that deer feeding is an extremely popular family activity at Christmas time. Expect busy car parks through the month of December.

Where to Feed Deer in Essex

If you are wondering where to feed deer in Essex - Bedfords Park and Weald Country Park are the Parks of Essex Top Spots for Deer Feeding in Essex. This guide has everything you need to know about deer feeding at Weald Country Park and deer feeding at Bedfords Park. Discover some of the history behind deer at these country parks, where to find the deer, where to park, facilities at the country parks and the play areas to explore!

Deer at Weald Country Park

Visit the Deer at Weald Country Park! Weald Country Park originated as a medieval deer park during the 12th century. Today you can observe and feed the fallow deer herd, which are in an enclosed deer park. It is free to enter Weald Country Park, parking charges apply.

If you were wondering where to find the deer at Weald Country Park, the deer park is located at the bottom of the play area, which is close to the car park. You can buy deer food from the cafe for £1 to feed the deer through the chutes provided.

As well as deer feeding, there are plenty of things to do at Weald Country Park. Weald Country Park is home to the Stick Man Trail, which is one of the most popular character trails in Essex. The Stick Man sculpture trail contains several carved Stick Man characters along the trail. For more information about the Stick Man Trail, check out our comprehensive guide - Everything You Need to Know about the Essex Stick Man Trail.

There are also two play areas at Weald Country Park. The first play area is next to the car park. There are baby swings, a nest swing, a sand area and a stoney area with lots of balancing equipment. Is best for children up to 10 years old.

There is a further play area on the opposite side of the lake. It is best suited for children 4 years old and older due to the height of the equipment. There is balancing equipment and a challenging climbing frame with a large slide.

There are good facilities at Weald Country Park including toilets and a cafe, which serves drinks and snacks. We thoroughly recommend the hot chocolate! If you prefer your park visits caffeinated them check out our guide - Parks with Coffee Shops and Cafes.

Deer at Bedfords Park

There are also great deer feeding opportunities at Bedfords Park in Romford. Bedfords Park is large, Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve consisting of over 200 acres of parkland. There are lots of things to do at Bedfords Park, Romford including country walks, exploring the play area, visiting the Walled Garden and feeding the red deer!

It is free to enter Bedfords Park and car parking is also free, making this a great family friendly free day out in Essex.

The friendly deer at Bedfords Park are a real highlight of the park. The Red Deer are fenced off but come right up to the fencing. The deers can be fed through the fences - bring your own carrots or you can buy deer food from the visitor centre for £2.

The playground at this park is great, particularly for kids who love climbing. There are plenty of things to climb on and jump off. There is balancing equipment and a large wooden climbing frame. There isn't much for toddlers and preschoolers but there is a small maze, baby swings and a nest swing. The playground is not enclosed.

There is an Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Discovery Visitor Centre at Bedfords Park with good facilities including toilets, a cafe serving hot and cold food and shop with brilliant gifts. The local artwork on display throughout the centre is very impressive. There are also views across Essex and London from outside the visitor centre.

Always follow local guidelines and respect the deer’s habitat to ensure a positive experience for you and these magnificent creatures. Happy deer feeding!