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The Recreation Ground

3 ha

Plan your visit

BirdsWildlifeInsects
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome3 ha

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🐦72+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Woodpigeon and Blackbird
  • 🐕Early mornings are best for dog walks in summer — visit before 9am to avoid the heat and find quieter trails
  • 🅿️Parking 168m away — 3 car parks within reach

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome
Parking· Paid

Best for

6 activities

Bird watching

Birds — Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Robin +69 more · last seen 2025

Free

Wildlife

Birds — Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Robin +69 more · last seen 2025

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — Banded Demoiselle, Brown Hawker, Willow Emerald Damselfly +22 more · last seen 2025

Free

Dog walks

Dogs allowed with public access

Free

Family friendly

Urban park — family destination

Free

Picnic day out

Urban park — open green space

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

4 signed routes nearby · 16 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
John Ray WalkWalking route
Named routeLocal walking route
Paycocke's Tudor Coggeshall Walk, Paycocke's House and GardenWalking route4 km

Paths across fields may be muddy after wet weather, so we advise wearing suitable footwear. Take care when crossing roads especially where there's no footpath along The Gravel. Expect a very gradual uphill approach along Grange Hill and East Street.

Named routeLength 4 kmDuration 01:00Round tripLocal walking route
Essex Way (Epping to Stratford St Mary)Walking route
Named routeRegional walking route
Grange Barn and Paycocke's House Circular Walk, Grange BarnWalking route4.8 km

Grange Barn is one of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings. Paths are muddy and boggy after wet weather, so boots may be necessary. Please note that the river bridge is braced by metal bars which you'll need to climb over, so take care when crossing.

Named routeLength 4.8 kmDuration 01:30Round tripLocal walking route
Ewell Hall Chasepublic footpath · 233 m
Public pathpublic footpathLength 233 mPath type: service
Brockwell Lanepublic footpath · 171 m
Public pathpublic footpathLength 171 mPath type: residential
Ewell Hall Chasepublic footpath · 385 m
Public pathpublic footpathLength 385 mPath type: track
🚴

Cycling

60 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
EuroVelo 2 - Capitals Route - part United Kingdom 8Cycling route
Named routeRef EV2International cycle route
NCN Link PathCycling route
Named routeRef (16)National Cycle Network
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
Route 16Cycling route
Named routeRef 16National Cycle Network
Main RouteCycling route5.6 km
Named routeRef 1Length 5.6 kmNational Cycle NetworkOn-roadSurface asphalt

Wildlife to spot

Photos

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