Hatfield Forest

From the west: From M11 exit 8 roundabout, take B1256 towards Takeley. From the east: From the A120, take the junction for Takeley. Once in Takeley, turn into the road opposite the Green Man pub (at the brown sign). Follow this straight road for 3/4 mile to the entrance car park which will be on your right.

Parking: Parking charge: £8.00. Free parking for National Trust members, please remember your card. Follow the 'P' signs to two large grass car parks and a central access-friendly tarmacked car park near facilities. Exit Gate is locked at Dusk. Smaller Entrance Car Park is open until 4pm.

Sat Nav: Our postcode is CM22 6NE, The main entrance is around 1km further down the road from the Estate Office which this post code takes you to.

Flitch Way footpath runs along nothern border of Hatfield Forest. Three Forests Way and Forest Way permissive paths pass through Hatfield Forest National Nature Reserve

The nearest railway stations are Bishops Stortford (5 miles) and Stansted Airport station (3 miles). From there, take a bus, Arriva service 508, to The Green Man, Takeley Street.

The closest bus stop is The Green Man, Takeley Street, on the northern border of Hatfield Forest. This can be reached by Arriva bus service 508 which runs from Harlow, via Bishops Stortford to Stansted Airport bus station. Walk through the Forest approximately 1.5 miles (2.1 km) to visitor facilities. The bus stop at the Four Ashes, Takeley is served by a wider range of buses. The Forest can then be reached by walking along the Flitch Way (about 1 mile (1.5 km)).

The Flitch Way (a disused railway track which is now a country park, National Route 16) runs from Braintree to Start Hill (near Bishop's Stortford). There are 2 entrances to Hatfield Forest off the Flitch Way, at the eastern and western ends, which bring you into the northern end of Hatfield Forest National Nature Reserve. You can leave your bike in the storage racks located in the main lakeside area

By bicycle - more information