Hainault Forest Country Park

[TeaAtBettys]

Would anyone be able to share some local knowledge with me?

I'm meeting a friend near Epping tomorrow and after googling, Hainault seems like a good place to meet. Does anyone know if it has a play area? Google maps says yes but I can't find anything confirming this and we're travelling quite a long way.

Would you recommend it and if not where would be good to meet? We're meeting half way between Cambridge and Croydon.

Thanks so much!

I must admit I've been going there all my life and never seen a play area. There's a nice boating lake but sadly the kid's petting farm is closed due to Covid.

I can thoroughly recommend Fairlop Waters though, which is not far

They have a lovely clubhouse that sells coffee/tea/alcohol/soft drinks, a really nice restaurant and the walks around the lake are very scenic.

They don't have a kid's play area (although they do have a bookable wall climbing thing) but right now there's a fun fair on site until August.

If you're on Facebook, look them up under 'Fairlop Waters Country Park'.

Thanks, that's so helpful.

I'd love to find somewhere with a playground as the kids range from 18 months to 8 years and that seems the best way to keep them happy. Although there's always snacks!

Actually you wouldn't be that far from Valentine's park which has a lovely play area, beautiful lakes, a cafe, a coffee shop and a museum.

That might be your best bet

That sounds ideal. Thank you!!

Can't help but just wanted to thank you for this flash from my past. Spent a few teenage years helping out at the farm and had a great time there!

Hatfield Forest could be another option maybe?