Broadfields Farm, Pike Lane, Upminster RM14 3NS

Thames Chase Forest Centre

Mixed-habitat reserve

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5.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WoodlandParklandRemote countrysideWalkersFamiliesYoung childrenDogsCyclists

Why it's Wildland

5.8

At Broadfields Farm, a former farmstead sits within a community forest shaped by decades of landscape regeneration. The centre offers trails through woodland, ponds and meadows, with the original 17th-century threshing barn in the farmstead’s quadrangle.

A useful green escape on London’s eastern edge, with more variety than a simple woodland stroll: surfaced trails, ponds, meadows, an orchard and historic farm buildings. Its appeal is an accessible mix of landscape and local history rather than remote wilderness.

Peaceful · Family-buzz

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Broadfields Farm, Pike Lane, Upminster RM14 3NS

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The experience

Choose a surfaced trail through the forest-centre landscape, with ponds, meadows and an orchard among the features described by Forestry England. The historic farm buildings and café make this a practical short visit as well as a walk. Trail conditions may be muddy after rain.

Things to do

Walk a surfaced forest trail

Explore the trail network through the forest-centre landscape. Trail length and conditions vary; check local maps and signage for a suitable route.

Varies

See the historic farmstead buildings

Visit the grass quadrangle behind the visitor centre, where Forestry England identifies the original 17th-century threshing barn, stables and farmhouse.

Look around the ponds, meadows and orchard

These are among the features of the forest-centre landscape. The orchard includes traditional Essex apple and pear varieties, according to Forestry England.

Stop at the visitor-centre café

Forestry England describes the Thames Chase Visitor Centre as serving snacks and lunch. Check opening times before relying on it.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1–2 hours

Quick Escape: a forest-centre walk

01
Start at Thames Chase Forest Centre and choose a surfaced trail for a short walk through the forest-centre landscape.
02
Look out for ponds, meadows and the orchard described by Forestry England.
03
Return to the centre and visit the farm quadrangle to see the historic barn and associated farm buildings.
04
Check current centre and car-park opening arrangements before setting out.

Half day · About 2–3 hours

Make a Half Day of It: trails, farmstead and café

01
Allow time for a longer wander on the surfaced trails; select a route on arrival, as no specific circuit is verified here.
02
Pause at the ponds, meadows or orchard, depending on the route available and conditions.
03
Explore the grass quadrangle behind the visitor centre for the original 17th-century threshing barn, stables and farmhouse.
04
Finish with a snack or lunch at the café if it is open; check current hours before visiting.

Verified history

Forestry England identifies the site as formerly Broadfields Farm and says the grass quadrangle behind the visitor centre contains the original 17th-century threshing barn, stables and farmhouse. The source describes the wider Thames Chase Community Forest as a landscape regeneration project. More detailed dates or a specific history of the farm are not established by the supplied sources.

Hidden details

The barn in the quadrangle — The original 17th-century threshing barn is behind the visitor centre, in the grass quadrangle alongside the stables and farmhouse.

Traditional Essex fruit varieties — The orchard is planted with traditional Essex apple and pear varieties; the supplied source does not identify specific cultivars.

When to go

April · May · June · July · August · September · October · Check the visitor-centre and seasonal car-park hours before visiting; no quieter time is verified.

Forestry England describes a landscape of woodland trails, ponds, meadows and an orchard, making the warmer growing season a reasonable time to experience the range of habitats. Exact seasonal highlights are not verified.

Paths may become muddy after rain, according to the supplied AllTrails description. Wear footwear suited to conditions and check route information on arrival.

What to look for

Look for the original 17th-century threshing barn, stables and farmhouse in the grass quadrangle. The site also has surfaced trails, ponds, meadows and an orchard planted with traditional Essex apple and pear varieties.

The story

Historic farmstead and 17th-century threshing barn; community forest landscape regeneration.

Best time to go

Spring to autumn for changing woodland and meadow colour; check conditions after wet weather.

Visit during the visitor centre’s listed opening hours, but check current hours and seasonal car-park access before setting out. For a quieter walk, an early visit may help; this is a suggestion, not a verified quiet period.

How long to spend

1–2 hours; allow longer for a café stop or additional trails

Perfect for

Walkers · Families · Young children · Dogs · Cyclists

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Broadfields Farm Cottage, Thames Chase Forest, Broadfields Farm, Pike Ln, Upminster RM14 3NS

Phone

+44 1708 642970

Website

thameschase.org.uk

Listed hours

Monday: 10am-4pm
Tuesday: 10am-4pm
Wednesday: 10am-4pm
Thursday: 10am-4pm
Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.4 · 1,190 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Public visitor centre and forest site. Forestry England lists surfaced trails and visitor facilities; check seasonal car-park hours before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

Car park at the centre; Forestry England lists a £3 suggested donation and a 2m height restriction. Seasonal opening hours; check signage on arrival.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Toilets and an accessible toilet are listed by Forestry England.

Food & drink

Café serving snacks and lunch, according to Forestry England.

Dogs

Dogs are listed as allowed; assistance dogs are welcome. Check current site guidance and signage.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Forestry England lists accessible parking, an accessible toilet, an easy-access trail and all-terrain mobility scooter hire. Check current arrangements and route suitability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Donation for parking; Forestry England lists £3 as a suggested donation. Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Water

Ponds; no swimming or paddling permission verified.