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HATFIELD PRIORY

18 ha
BirdsWildlifeHeritage
Public accessDogs welcome18 ha

About HATFIELD PRIORY

Hatfield Peverel Priory was a Benedictine priory in Essex, England, founded as a secular college before 1087 and converted into priory as a cell of St Albans by William Peverel ante 1100. It is in the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England and is located on the south side of the village of Hatfield Peverel, about 5 miles north-east of Chelmsford. At the Dissolution of the Monasteries, a timber-frame structure dominated the property.

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Benedictine abbeyscheduled monumentc. 1001

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🐦60+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Woodpigeon and Blackbird
  • Historic character is a year-round quality here — summer brings its own atmosphere to the setting
  • 🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days

Good to know

  • 🐕Dogs welcome
Parking

Best for

6 activities

Bird watching

Birds — Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Blue Tit +57 more · last seen 2025; Birds — Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Blue Tit +57 more · last seen 2025

Free

Wildlife

Multi-group wildlife — Birds, Mammals; Multi-group wildlife — Birds, Mammals

Free

Heritage

Historic site with public access

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — Small White, Green-veined White, Gatekeeper +50 more · last seen 2025; Insects — Small White, Green-veined White, Gatekeeper +50 more · last seen 2025

Free

Dog walks

Dogs allowed with public access

Free

Foraging

Deciduous woodland — fungi, berries and wild garlic

Varies

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

5 signed routes nearby · 27 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
John Ray WalkWalking route
Named routeLocal walking route
Admiral McHardy WayWalking route
Named routeLocal walking route
Blakes Wood to Lingwood Common Walk, DanburyWalking route4 km

Woodland paths can be hilling in places, with occasional protruding tree roots. Paths can become muddy, suitable footwear is necessary. Not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or cycles. Can be connected with Lingwood trails and Danbury trails.

Named routeLength 4 kmDuration 01:30Round tripLocal walking route
Essex Way (Epping to Stratford St Mary)Walking route
Named routeRegional walking route
Lingwood Common to Blakes Wood Walk, DanburyWalking route5.6 km

Circular walk with a mix of environments. Easy walking on a numbered route. There are grass tracks and some tree roots. It may not be suitable for push/wheelchairs as some areas become muddy in wet weather and during winter.

Named routeLength 5.6 kmDuration 02:00Round tripLocal walking route
Old School Courtpublic footpath · 36 m
Public pathpublic footpathLength 36 mSurface asphaltPath type: residential
🚴

Cycling

87 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
EuroVelo 2 - Capitals Route - part United Kingdom 8Cycling route
Named routeRef EV2International cycle route
EuroVelo 2 - Capitals Route - part United Kingdom 7Cycling route
Named routeRef EV2International cycle route
NCN Link PathCycling route
Named routeRef (16)National Cycle Network
Regional Route 50Cycling route
Named routeRef 50Regional cycle route
NCN National Route 1Cycling route
Named routeRef 1National Cycle Network
EuroVelo 12 - North Sea Cycle Route - part United KingdomCycling route
Named routeRef EV12International cycle route

Wildlife to spot

Photos

1 / 21

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