Belhus Woods Country Park

For Children

Children love our musical themed play area. Featuring multiple types of play for all ages, children can play musical instruments, climb and swing the hours away. The play area is surrounded by a short grassland which is perfect for a picnic. There is also seating available within the play area and around the edges.

At Belhus Woods children can also enjoy story bags which are available from the visitor’s centre. These contain books, activity sheets and den building kits and can be used free of charge during your visit to the park.

For Dogs

Belhus Woods is perfect for dog walking with large trails through the woodland and round the lake. There is also a large fenced area and dog agility training area.

Walking

Belhus Woods is an accessible site for walking, with a flat terrain and open and denser areas of woodland. You can pass through many habitats, such as ancient woodland, coppice plantations and wildflower meadows and see our expansive lakes abundant in flora and fauna. It really does feel like you’re escaping the hustle and bustle.

Cycling

Cycle paths at Belhus Woods take you through all kinds of surroundings, from grassland to meadows and lakes. The flat terrain makes it a great place for the novice cyclist and families, and the large car parks offer plenty of space to load and unload bikes.

Bike racks at the visitor centre make it easy to pop in and grab a drink or snack. Please note that we do have a height barrier into the entrance to the car park so if you have bikes on the top of your car you will need to come into the visitor centre and we will be happy to open it for you.

Birdwatching & Wildlife

Birdwatchers will find interesting species in abundance at Belhus Woods. Bird life includes mute swans, tufted ducks, woodpeckers, kingfishers, kestrels and lapwings. In winter, you’ll see small flocks of finches, such as siskins and redpolls.

Major tree species include English oak, field maple, hazel and hornbeam.

You’ll also see many beautiful wildflowers such as bluebell, early purple orchid and lily-of-the-valley.

Archery club

West Essex Bowmen’s archery club is one of largest in country, meeting regularly in the field near the visitor centre, catering to all from beginners to advanced. Beginner courses are held over three Saturdays in April and September, with qualified coaches teaching safety and basic technique. Contact the club for more information: link

Model boats

Families love to come and watch the beautifully made model boats on the main lake each Sunday 9am to 2pm with model boat enthusiasts Grays Thurrock Model Boat Club. If you would like to join the club can be contacted [link)

Fishing

There are two large fishing lakes in the park. You can fish all year round with up to two rods but you must have a rod licence before you visit.

A daily permit is available from the ranger for £6 per rod or £3 per rod concession. If you fish regularly, come to the visitor centre and buy a season ticket for £100, or £55 concession. Bring two passport photos, your rod licence, proof of address and a form of ID.

Volunteering

Volunteering at Belhus Woods is hands-on and is a great way to meet people, learn about conservation, get a bit of exercise and make a difference to the woods. You'll get to have a go at many tasks, such as coppicing, charcoal making and creating habitats for a variety of different wildlife. Our weekly volunteer sessions are led by our Rangers on Thursday mornings from 9:30am til 12:30pm. If you are interested in joining us, please call 01708 865 628 or email country.parks@essex.gov.uk