Hadleigh Castle in the distance

This is the place to visit for the best scenic views in the whole of Essex! The Country Park gets its name from Hadleigh Castle, an impressive ruin of a fortress built over 700 years ago. Although the castle is not within the park's boundary, it is easy to reach. Just follow the Wildside Walk markers from Chapel Lane car park.

The mix of scrub, grassland and woodland provides many places for plants and animals to live in the park. You will find lots of wildlife on your visit: a Kestrel hovering high above a flock of geese feeding on the marshes, and if you listen carefully the sound of Green Woodpeckers and Jays both of which the park has in abundance.

In summer the park is one of the best places in Essex to see butterflies which like to bask on the sunny, south-facing slopes. Dragonflies and Damselflies dart around the ditches and ponds on the marshes. You may even be lucky enough, if you look carefully, to see a lizard or a snake. Other wildlife that has been seen in the park includes; rabbits, badgers, foxes and even Muntjac Deer.

The trail can be followed either left or right from here

The Rangers of the park host many events and activities throughout the year such as; stargazing walks, glow worm hunts and children's activity days. All these guided events are shown in leaflets available from the park and also in Essex Tourist Information Centres. Special activities can also be organised for your group or school. For more information call in to the Information Room at the Chapel Lane car park. (open Sundays and bank Holidays from April to October).

Directions

The main car park can be found from Chapel lane, off the A13 opposite the Waggon and Horses public house. Just follow the brown road signs.

The woodland trails are very good for butterflies in the summer

Other Walks in the Area

From Chapel Lane follow the hilly trail and take in the best view in Essex. Where else in the County are Kent, Canvey, Southend Pier, Canary Wharf and the Dartford Bridge all visible from the same place?

Superb views can be had from various spots in the park

From Leigh or Benfleet you can take a bracing walk along the seawall, have a pub lunch and then return by train to your starting point

The start of the walk View south-west towards Benfleet Hills Astounding (for Essex!) views across to Canvey Island Surely one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in Essex

For Essex Ranger Country Park Events Click Here

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