Local attractions in Brentwood

Known as the London commuter hub, with its excellent location right on top of the M25, Brentwood is an increasingly popular place to call home. It’s not just because of convenience, though – the town holds a surprising wealth of amenities and attractions. Whether you’re a working professional, retiree, or a family with children, you’ll never struggle to find something to do in Brentwood. Here are some of the local must-visits:

Sitting proudly at the heart of the Diocese of Brentwood, the Cathedral Parish of St Mary and St Helen, often referred to simply as Brentwood Cathedral, is one of the most significant landmarks in the town. Initially built as a Gothic style parish church in 1861, the building received a cathedral status in 1917, despite its relatively small size. In the late 20^th century, the church was enlarged, wrapping Italianate classical style features around the older structure and creating the unique cathedral that we know today. While it is primarily serving as the central place of worship for the Essex and East London area, this Grade II listed building is open to visitors outside mass hours.

Founded in 1977, Brentwood Museum houses hundreds of years of human history and culture. With the aim to make the past come to life, the carefully curated exhibits include a wide variety of artefacts, ranging from everyday items used at schools and hospitals to Brentwood’s military and industrial past. The building itself is situated in a small, charming Victorian lodge, once home to the sexton and his family, surrounded by a tranquil cemetery, which is now managed as a nature reserve. Since it’s run by a small group of volunteers, the opening times of the Brentwood Museum may vary, but the admission is free to all visitors.

Located just outside Brentwood, on Weald Road, Old MacDonald’s Farm and Fun Park is a purpose-built attraction for family entertainment, particularly appealing to those with younger children. Although small, the farm is home to a variety of animals, including pigs, sheep, goats, alpacas, wallabies, and even owls. Families can enjoy petting sessions with the farm inhabitants as well as thrilling rides, educational experiences, an indoor soft play area, and a café. It’s also a popular place for children’s birthday parties, hosted in a farm themed party room.

Right on Brentwood’s busy High Street, you will find the fascinating ruins of the Chapel of St Thomas a Becket. This Scheduled Ancient Monument dates back to around 1221, originally built to serve pilgrims travelling from East Anglia to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury, as a stop-off point. The chapel’s irregular ragstone and flint walls are a testament to the medieval origins of Brentwood itself, whose name derives from the “burnt wood” (a clearing made in the woods by burning trees, to provide easier access to these pilgrims).

Spanning over 500 acres, Weald Country Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike, offering spectacular views, open grassland, woodland, and wildflower meadows. This 700-year-old green space was originally used as a medieval deer park, back in the 12th century, and today visitors can still see herds of fallow deer amongst other local inhabitants, including cattle, herons, and mallard ducks. Beyond the wildlife, Weald Country Park features accessible walking and cycling trails, a variety of play areas, beautiful picnic spots, fishing areas, and the cosy Wiggly Bush Café.

Once the home of renowned horticulturist Ellen Willmott, Warley Place is a stunning nature reserve managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. The site is famed for its impressive assortment of flowers and trees from all around the globe, including snowdrops, crocuses, bluebells, daffodils, magnolias, camellia, aconites, a line of huge sweet chestnuts, and many others. This 25-acre reserve provides the ideal getaway for a quiet walk, spotting the variety of butterflies and birds attracted by the woodland and meadows. The best time to visit is February to June, when the gardens are at their most colourful.

Located at the Thorndon Country Park, The Gruffalo Trail is a must-do experience for families. The park brings Julia Donaldson’s best-selling books to life, with a self-guided walk that takes about 45 minutes to complete. The little ones will have fun searching for hand-crafted carvings of the beloved Gruffalo characters, simultaneously learning about the native flora and fauna, while adults will recharge their batteries in the scenic woodlands. The Thorndon Country Park itself has various facilities and activities available, promising a fun-filled day out!

Those interested in history should not skip a visit to the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker. Hidden underground, this large bunker offers a captivating (and certainly chilling) insight into the Cold War, when it was maintained as the headquarters for regional government. What looks like an ordinary bungalow, inside houses a 100-yard-long tunnel, which can sustain hundreds of personnel for up to 3 months. Although it has been decommissioned in 1992, Kelvedon Hatch is open to visitors as an attraction, featuring a museum too. Not just that, it was used as a filming spot in numerous famous TV shows, such as BBC’s “Top Gear” and “The Murder Game”.

Brentwood is home to an exceptional mix of attractions. Whether it’s a tranquil wander through the woodlands or a mind-blowing insight into the past, there’s something here for all ages and interests.

But, if you’d like this town to become more than just a day visit, you’re in the right place! Reach out to our Brentwood branch, and we’d love to show you around the available properties to buy or rent.