Cedars Park, Theobalds Lane, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross EN8 8RU
Cedars Nature Centre
Unusual place
Place photograph
5.6
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Paid
Cost
Family-buzz
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.6A small community zoo sits within Cedars Park, among the surviving traces of Theobalds Palace. The centre’s animals include familiar species such as meerkats and owls alongside less familiar ones including zorilla and tenrecs.
The appeal is the combination of a compact animal centre and a park with a substantial royal history. It is a short, family-friendly visit rather than a wild landscape destination; the former palace site and restored flint arch give the wider park a distinctive thread to follow.
Family-buzz · Quirky
Find your way
Open mapCedars Park, Theobalds Lane, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross EN8 8RU
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Allow under an hour for the nature centre, then extend your visit around Cedars Park if you want to explore its historic features. The supplied sources mention animal talks and the remains of Theobalds Palace, but check current details before setting out.
Things to do
Meet the animals
Explore the small community zoo. The supplied source names meerkats and owls, as well as less familiar animals including zorilla and tenrecs; displays may change.
Under 1 hour
Find the restored flint arch
ParksHerts identifies a recently restored flint archway as a historical point of interest in Cedars Park.
Explore the former Theobalds Palace site
ParksHerts identifies ruins of Theobalds Palace in the park and records its connections with Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I. The precise extent of visible remains is not specified in the supplied source.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
Quick visit to the animal centre
- 01
Visit Cedars Nature Centre in Cedars Park.
- 02
If available during your visit, attend one of the centre’s animal talks; the supplied Tripadvisor source describes talks every 45 minutes.
- 03
Check current admission and talk arrangements before travelling.
Half day · Half day
Animals and the park’s royal history
- 01
Start with a visit to Cedars Nature Centre; confirm opening and admission details first.
- 02
Walk through Cedars Park to see the restored flint arch and the site of the former Theobalds Palace.
- 03
Use the park café if it is open; check current arrangements before visiting.
Verified history
Cedars Park contains the site of Theobalds Palace. ParksHerts says the palace was owned by James I and was the birthplace of Charles I; it also records that Elizabeth I visited as a guest of William Cecil, Lord Burghley, and that James persuaded Burghley to exchange Theobalds for the royal estate of Hatfield. The source identifies palace ruins in the park but does not detail which specific structures remain visible.
Hidden details
The park’s royal connections — Theobalds Palace links the park with Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I. ParksHerts says James I persuaded Lord Burghley to exchange Theobalds for Hatfield.
Restored flint archway — ParksHerts lists a recently restored flint archway as a historical point of interest in Cedars Park.
When to go
· No specific time is evidenced; check current opening and talk times before visiting.
The supplied sources do not identify seasonal highlights for the centre or park.
Check the forecast before visiting the outdoor park; the supplied sources do not give site-specific weather advice.
Worth pairing with
Cedars Park café
ParksHerts lists a café within Cedars Park. Check current opening times and menu before relying on it.
Theobalds Palace site and flint arch
Historic features listed within the surrounding park, making a natural extension to a visit to the animal centre.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the restored flint arch and the site identified by ParksHerts as the ruins of Theobalds Palace. Within the centre, the source describes both familiar animals and less usual species
- 02
current animal displays may vary.
The story
Royalty
Best time to go
Check current opening arrangements before travelling; the supplied sources do not identify a best season.
No best time of day is established by the supplied sources. Check the centre’s current schedule before visiting, particularly if you want to attend a talk.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Families · Young children · Wildlife lovers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-5pm
- Tuesday: 10am-5pm
- Wednesday: 10am-5pm
- Thursday: 10am-5pm
- Friday: 10am-5pm
- Saturday: 10am-5pm
- Sunday: 10am-5pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A small community zoo in the grounds of Cedars Park. The supplied sources describe admission as paid; check current prices and opening arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
ParksHerts lists free car parking on site, accessed from Theobalds Lane. Check current availability before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
ParksHerts lists a café in Cedars Park serving meals, snacks and drinks; check current opening arrangements.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. Other accessibility details are not supplied; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Pond
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Cedars Nature Centre
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
