History, wildlife and incredible scenery all come together

Escape busy city life with a visit to Mardyke Woods, which you’ll find only 20 miles from central London.

,.Enjoy the calm oasis where you can relax and soak up the history of one of the oldest surviving woodlands in Essex.

Maybe the children are learning about the Romans in school? They’ll love going back after the weekend and telling their friends about exploring a place the Romans once called their stomping ground back in 54BC.

Set off on a beautiful walk

There are a variety of paths to explore in the woodland and with no waymarkers, you can head off in any direction you fancy.

Connect to mother nature as you take in your surroundings, admiring the beautiful wildflowers and impressive trees you wouldn’t expect to find so close to London.

It's the perfect place to catch up with old friends or play with the kids after a busy week.

Reward yourself with a scrumptious picnic

Look out for a delightful spot to tuck into your picnic as you shelter under the trees. The sun still beaming through the branches, you'll be cool in the shade as you sip your drink and tuck into delicious sandwiches and yummy cakes.

If you or anyone in your group is a budding cyclist, be sure to pack your mountain bike and helmet as you'll fall in love with exploring Mardyke Woods on two wheels.

The safety of the forest allows even the not-so-confident cyclist to enjoy testing their skills as they admire the view, feeling the wind on your face as you soak up the gorgeous scenery.

Fun for little explorers

Little ones will love a trip to one of the play areas, so sit back and watch their imagination come to life. It's a chance for you to relax and listen to the beautiful sounds of the woodland and nearby wildlife.

This wonderful family day out will be a hit, and everyone will be eager to return and see what they'll discover on their next visit.