Brentwood is a high-spirited town that puts you between the buzzing British capital and the picturesque Essex countryside. Browse independent boutiques, dine at trendy brunch cafes and admire historic architecture in the town centre. Venture into the countryside to discover beautiful woodland walks and visit cultural heritage sights.
Things to do in Brentwood
Bustling Brentwood High Street is lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Shop designer boutiques along Crown Street and walk down side alleys to discover more fashion, jewellery and homewares boutiques. Visit the 12th-century chapel in the heart of the town centre to retrace the footsteps of pilgrims travelling to Canterbury. Find out more about the town’s colourful past at the Brentwood Museum, which is housed in a postcard-perfect stone cottage.
Pack a picnic and explore family-friendly parks and nature reserves around Brentwood. The famous Gruffalo Trail at Thorndon Hall Country Park is always a hit with kids. Snap photos with hand-carved wooden statues from the beloved children’s book and enjoy the beautiful woodland landscapes.
Rent a bike and cycle to charming villages like Ingatestone. Cycle paths snake through the rolling countryside and take you past fields and forests, while Mountnessing is another fantastic destination to visit on two wheels. Enjoy a ploughman’s platter at the village pub and visit the historic Mountnessing Windmill.
Make friends with donkeys, horses, sheep and goats at the Escape Animal Sanctuary And Conservation Centre. The park offers a home to abandoned animals and is a much-loved local attraction. Head to Old Mac Donald’s Farm for more barnyard fun.
Getting around Brentwood
Brentwood is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the London commuter belt, a one-hour drive from Central London and 30 minutes by train. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Brentwood and explore the county of Essex at your own pace. Heathrow Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.