Visit this kid friendly Essex Nature Reserve which is a hidden gem! Parndon Wood

Essex Parks
Feb 13, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Jul 19

Parndon Wood Nature Reserve is home to beautiful ancient woodlands. Whilst we always love a walk in the woods, this reserve is especially kid friendly. Set in Harlow, this nature reserve is also a bit of a hidden gem. There is so much for children including den building, minibeast hunting, walking trails and nature hides.

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Where is Parndon Wood Nature Reserve?

📍Parndon Wood Nature Reserve

Harlow

CM19 4SF

Maps Link

🅿️ Parking

Free car parking ⁣in car parking bays directly outside the entrance to the nature reserve.

Parndon Woods Opening Times

Mondays: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 11am to 4pm

Thursday: 4pm to 9pm

Friday: 11am to 4pm

Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Sunday: 11am to 4pm

Conservation Centre at Parndon Woods

The Conservation Centre is conveniently located close to the entrance of Parndon Woods Nature Reserve. At the centre you there are nature book to read through and some interesting artefacts. There are also toilets (including accessible and baby change). There are also a lot of benches outside of the conservation centre. Bring a picnic because at present there is no cafe or anywhere to get refreshments on site.

Conservation Centre Parndon Woods Nature Reserve — Conservation Centre

Den Building at Parndon Woods Nature Reserve

Who doesn't love den building? There is a designated Den Building at Parndon Woods. The area is close to the entrance and conservation centre, before you reach the main trail. Whilst of course you can build dens throughout woodlands, it's lovely that these dens remain. My children love seeing what has been added to the dens, or changed on each visit.

Den Building Area Parndon Woods Nature Reserve — Den Building Area

Bug Hotel at Parndon Woods Nature Reserve

Now that is a big bug hotel! Children will love bug spotting. The large bug hotel is located opposite the den building area.

Bug Hotel Parndon Woods Nature Reserve — Bug Hotel

Kid Friendly Trails

The main train at Parndon Woods is around 1.5km in length and takes you through the woodland. It takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to complete. For us it was the perfect length with children. There are further trails if you would like a longer walk. The pathway is mainly grassy/leafy with some wooden bridge footways. The trails are hilly but passable with a sturdy buggy.

Nature Hide at Parndon Woods

Along the main trail route there are two nature hides. The Fazakerley Hide offers a spectacular elevated view point across the pond. Inside the Fazakerley Hide there are lots of informative posters to help wildlife spotting. The views really are beautiful.