Local gems in Brentwood

Tucked away in southern Essex, Brentwood is known for its diverse range of attractions, from fascinating historical sites to stunning nature getaways. However, today we’ll be looking beyond the popular tourist spots like Brentwood Cathedral or Chapel Ruins. Let’s explore the local gems – lesser-known attractions that Brentwood residents recommend.

As much of a sanctuary to animals as it is to visitors, Hopefield sits on 53 acres of picturesque Essex countryside. It is home to over 100 species of rescued animals, with a mission for over 40 years to provide a safe and loving environment for the creatures in need. Visitors can interact with the animals through ethical experiences, such as cuddling a cow or tickling a pig’s belly, enjoy gentle walks around the peaceful grounds, or grab a drink in the plant-based Max’s Café. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is a truly heartwarming experience, perfect for family days out or a cute date idea.

Consisting of four grassland fields, woodland, wetland, scrub, and a pond, Merrymeade Country Park is an oasis for wildlife. The 34-hectare area is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK and is home to a diverse flora and fauna, including a variety of wildflowers, like cuckoo flower, birdsfoot trefoil, heath bedstraw, and devils-bit scabious. Here, you can also findtrees, such as large oaks of various ages, hawthorn, hornbeam, and field maple. The meadows attract lots of grassland butterflies, while the trees offer the perfect nesting environment for many birds. Located right on top of Brentwood’s busiest roads, the Merrymeade Country Park provides a quick escape from the town’s hustle and bustle.

Speaking of green spaces, Brentwood boasts several parks ideal for families with children or dog walkers. One of the most popular is the King George’s Playing Fields, featuring wide open spaces and children’s play areas. There are also football pitches, a skate park, mini golf, a splash pad, picnic tables, a café, and toilet facilities. Adjacent to it, you will also find the King George’s Ornamental Garden, a true feast for all senses, and the Hartswood Ancient Woodland, with its accessible trails and 73 acres of majestic oak, hornbeam, and sweet chestnut trees, dating back to at least the 7th century.

If you’re looking for a bit of retail therapy, Crown Street in Brentwood is where it’s at! Among its highlights is the French Quarter, a beautifully curated shop selling unique gifts and artisan accessories, My Violet Hill, an independent clothing store offering anything from activewear to designer brands, and Taylor Wines, an excellent spot to grab a delicious bottle of wine or attend a wine tasting experience. The Baytree Shopping Centre is also nearby, if you’re looking for well-known high street names, like Watersone’s, WHSmith, Sports Direct, and Clarks.

Brentwood residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to charming cafés and eateries. A few of the local favourites include the Levain Bakehouse, for tasty fresh bakes, Konch’s Kafe, known for their homemade pie & mash, Miracles Café, with their morish selection of sweet and savoury breakfast options, Eightea9, providing a friendly setting for a coffee catch up, Midpoint Café Bistro, serving up mouthwatering brunch options, and Café a'Moore, a family-run establishment catering to varied diets. The options are endless, so you don’t have to go far to get a delicious coffee in Brentwood!

Calcott Hall is a family run farm shop selling fresh local produce. With nearly 50 years of heritage, this 120-acre farm prides itself on the quality of products and friendly shopping experience, which keeps the customers coming back. From seasonal fruit and veg, to fish, meat, bakery, and flowers, Calcott Hall Farm covers all of your daily needs. Not just that, their Barnyard Café is a lovely stop-by for tea, coffee, cake, or a light lunch.

Being one of the UK’s premier campsites and activity centres, the Thriftwood International Scout Campsite is packed with outdoor activities for scouts and families. With 40 camping sites dotted around the 96 acres of woodland, Thriftwood also welcomes visitors for activity days, suitable for groups of various sizes. Attendees can try their hand at archery, axe throwing, bouldering, bushcraft, canoeing, fishing, shooting, water rolling, and many other adrenaline-inducing activities. The campsite also hosts birthday parties for children, who can try three different activities of choice!

With many more gems to be discovered, life in Brentwood is truly vibrant and full of surprises. Historical sites to explore, nature trails to walk, activities to try, and cosy cafés to unwind in with a cheeky slice of cake… Yes, Brentwood will keep you coming back for more.

So, why not consider extending your explorations by making it your home? Our knowledgeable estate agents in Brentwood will be happy to guide you through the currently available properties locally!