Discover Brentwood
Your independent guide to Brentwood, Essex – a charming market town with over 1,000 acres of country parks, a bustling High Street, and excellent Elizabeth Line connections to London.
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Welcome to Brentwood
Brentwood is a charming market town in Essex that perfectly balances town and country living. With a rich history dating back to medieval pilgrims, a bustling High Street with independent shops and restaurants, and over 1,000 acres of country parks on your doorstep, Brentwood offers the ideal escape from city life while remaining just 35 minutes from central London.
Visitor Information
Everything you need to plan your visit to Brentwood.
Brentwood Location
Address: Brentwood, Essex, CM14
Brentwood is located in the county of Essex, approximately 20 miles northeast of central London. The town sits near the junction of the M25 and A12, making it easily accessible from across the region.
Nearby towns: Shenfield (2 miles), Ingatestone (4 miles), Romford (5.5 miles), Chelmsford (12 miles).
Brentwood Directions
Brentwood Station (BRE) is on the Elizabeth Line (TfL Zone 9). Trains run 8 times per hour to London Paddington, with some continuing to Heathrow Terminal 5.
Shenfield Station (SNF) is the next stop east and terminus of the Elizabeth Line. Oyster and contactless accepted at both.
Journey times: Liverpool Street 35 min, Paddington 50 min, Heathrow T5 1hr 15 min.
Tip: Ingatestone Station (INT) is outside the Oyster zone – check fares before travelling.
Brentwood High Street
Brentwood's bustling High Street offers a mix of high-street brands and independent boutiques, with over 300 shops across the town centre.
Key shops: Marks & Spencer, Boots, Specsavers, New Look, plus independent boutiques on Crown Street.
The Baytree Centre: Indoor shopping centre with 555-space multi-storey car park, linking to the High Street.
Country Parks
Brentwood boasts over 1,000 acres of stunning country parks, perfect for walking, cycling and family days out.
Weald Country Park: 520 acres with deer park, Stick Man trail, woodland walks and spectacular views.
Thorndon Country Park: 500 acres featuring the famous Gruffalo Trail, ancient woodland and fishing lakes.
Brentwood Restaurants & Pubs
With over 140 restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs, Brentwood is a vibrant dining destination.
Popular spots: The Fat Turk (Turkish), Alec's (seafood), The Bull (gastro pub), Nando's, Zizzi.
Traditional pubs: The Alma Arms, The Swan, The Boar's Head (Grade II listed), The Merchant (craft beer).
Family Attractions
Old MacDonald's Farm: Award-winning family farm with animals, rides, soft play and outdoor activities.
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary: Home to over 600 rescued animals including horses, donkeys and exotic species.
King George's Playing Fields: Splash play area, crazy golf, skatepark and adventure climbing.
Find Brentwood
Located in Essex, with excellent road and rail links to London and the South East.
Eat, Shop & Services
Find the best local food, shopping, and essential services.
Explore Brentwood
Find everything you need to plan your visit.
Getting to Brentwood
Excellent transport links by train, car, or bus.
By Train
Brentwood (BRE) and Shenfield (SNF) are on the Elizabeth Line (TfL Zone 9), accepting Oyster and contactless. Direct trains run to London Liverpool Street, Paddington, and Heathrow Airport. Ingatestone (INT) is outside the Oyster zone.
By Car
From the M25, take exit 28. From the A12 (eastbound or westbound), use junction 12 and follow signs for Brentwood (A1023). Free 1-hour parking on the High Street; multi-storey at The Baytree Centre.
By Bus
Brentwood is well-served by multiple bus companies, including First Bus (routes 9, 9A, 37, 351), NIBS, Townlink, TfL, Regal, and Brentwood Community Transport.
Things to Do in Brentwood
Discover some of the best attractions and activities in the area.
1. Weald Country Park
Explore 520 acres of woodland, meadows and lakes. Famous for its deer park, Stick Man trail, and spectacular views. Café and visitor centre on site.
2. Thorndon Country Park
Home to the famous Gruffalo Trail, this 500-acre park features ancient woodland, nature trails, fishing lakes and panoramic views to Canary Wharf.
3. Brentwood Cathedral
A striking landmark blending Victorian Gothic and modern architecture. Beautiful interiors with ornate ceiling and stained-glass windows.
4. Old MacDonald's Farm
Award-winning family farm with farm animals, rides, soft play areas and tractor rides. Perfect day out for families with young children.
5. Kelvedon Hatch Secret Bunker
Explore this fascinating Cold War underground bunker hidden beneath a cottage. Interactive exhibits reveal Britain's nuclear history.
Find More to Do
Check our dedicated page for a full list of activities and attractions in Brentwood.
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Secure your seatsExplore the Essex Countryside
Brentwood is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the Ingatestone and Fryerning Nature Reserve managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Enjoy well-marked walking trails through ancient woodland and wildflower meadows, perfect for birdwatching and spotting butterflies. Combined with Weald and Thorndon Country Parks, there's over 1,000 acres of green space to explore right on your doorstep.