Parking in Hatfield Forest

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Measuring 403.2 hectares Hatfield Forest Park is a Nature Conservation Review site and National Nature Reserve in Essex. There are several notable things about Hatfield Forest Park including the medieval warren in the forest, and the fact that it is the last intact Royal Hunting Forest in the country.

Hatfield Forest Park was likely established as a Royal Forest in the 11th or 12th centuries but archeological records date back to the Iron Age. Portingbury Hills is a notable feature within Hatfield Forest where Iron Age artifacts have been discovered. Earthworks still visible in this area can be visited and are also thought to date back to the Iron Age.

Other places to visit in Hatfield Forest Park include the Grade-II listed Warren Cottage, Shell House which overlooks the man-made lake, and The Fishermans Shelter. If you’re feeling like a coffee or snack the on-site cafe is open between 9:00am and 4:00pm.

Hatfield Forest Park is unique as it has never been ploughed, meaning that the forest and wildlife are almost exactly as they were throughout history. Bird Spotting is a popular pastime for visitors, with everything from woodpeckers, chaffinches and nightingales to be found. 

This National Nature Reserve is also a prime example of a managed landscape. Management techniques that can be observed today include pollarding, coppicing and grazing. You’ll also be able to find over 3,500 different species of wildlife and some trees that are over 1,000 years old.

If you’re lucky and quiet you might spot some of the deer that call Hatfield Forest home, and if you visit around dusk you can often see bats. Dogs are welcome at the park but must be kept in sight and under control at all times due to the livestock and wildlife in the area. There are also clearly signed dog-free zones.

Fishing and horse riding permits are also available for the park in either day or season passes, as is boat hire for the lake over summer. Check the National Trust website for the most up to date information on these permits. While you’re on the National Trust website download one of their spotters sheets so you can keep track of the flora and fauna you see around Hatfield Forest Park.

Looking for a parking space close to Hatfield Forest Park? YourParkingSpace can help. We provide a simple online platform for reserving a parking space in advance. Long-term and short-term off street parking options include driveways and lock-up garages, all within easy reach of Hatfield Forest Park.

Hatfield Forest parking must be booked in advance before you visit. Parking is free of charge for National Trust members and Blue badge permit holders, but otherwise costs £8.00.

You must arrive within the 30-minute window you selected when you booked your space, but can stay until closing.

You can also browse the parking options available at YourParkingSpace. Our service is available 24 hours a day. Download our free app and get parking in your pocket!

Bishop’s Stortford is the closest large town to Hatfield Forest Park where you will find the Jackson Square shopping mall, a flourishing town market, and anything else you might want to pick up on your way to Hatfield Forest Park. 

London Stansted Airport is also close to Hatfield Forest Park, so you can plan a visit to this historic wildland on your way to or from the airport.

Planning a weekend away near Hatfield Forest Park? Find convenient parking with YourParkingSpace within walking distance of the area’s main attractions.

By Train: You can catch the Stansted Express and greateranglia trains out to either Bishop’s Stortford or London Stansted Airport. You will need to walk from both of these places to Hatfield Forest Park itself. You can also use the CM22 6NE post code in your sat nav.

By Bus: You can catch the 508 bus from Bishops Stortford or Stansted Airport stations to Takeley Street. You will then need to walk to the forest.

By Car: If you are travelling from London the most direct route is to get on the M11 and follow it to the B1256.

By Plane: London Stansted Airport is close to Hatfield Forest Park, so you are able to visit on your way to or from the airport.

Blue Badge holders can use the Hatfield Forest parking free of charge but will need to book ahead and arrive within the chosen 30 minute time frame. Once you have arrived you are able to stay at Hatfield Forest Park until it closes.

To search for the disabled car park that is closest to Hatfield Forest Park, see the Blue Badge Parking website. 

Do you own an empty parking space near Hatfield Forest Park? Turn your vacant driveway, parking space, or lock-up garage into income with YourParkingSpace. List your space for free in only 2 minutes.

What time is Hatfield Forest Park open?

Car entry is from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The cafe is also open between 9:00am and 4:00pm.

Are barbecues and fire stoves allowed at Hatfield Forest Park?

No, due to the fire risk barbeques and stoves are not allowed.

How can I contact Hatfield Forest Park?

You can call the park on 01279870678 or email them at [email protected]

What is Hatfield Forest Park’s address?

Bush End Road, Takeley, Bishop's Stortford, Essex, CM22 6NE

Are there toilets available at Hatfield Forest Park?

Yes, public toilets are available in the lake area.