Hylands Park

Updated: June 27, 2025
Featured image for Hylands Park

Walk Highlights

Location:
Chelmsford
Postcode:
CM2 8FS
Parking:

There are several large pay and display car parks at Hylands Park in Essex, located at different entrances to the estate (e.g., London Road main entrance, Writtle entrance/Greenbury Way). Parking charges apply (check Chelmsford City Council website for current rates and payment methods, often by phone/app or card). These car parks provide good access to different parts of the park, Hylands House, and facilities. They can get very busy, especially at weekends, during holidays, and when large events are being held at this major Essex attraction.

Distance:
2.20 miles
Time:
1.00 hours
Difficulty:
Easy
Terrain:

The terrain in Hylands Park, Essex, is generally flat to gently undulating, with some more noticeable slopes in certain parkland areas. Main paths through the gardens, around the house, and key parkland routes are often well-surfaced (tarmac or compacted gravel) and accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Woodland trails and paths in more remote parkland sections can be earth, more uneven, and muddy after rain. This Essex park offers a good mix of path types.

Facilities:
Toilets
Get Directions:

Get driving directions to the starting point:

Dog-Centric Details

Poo Bins Available:
Yes
Secure/Fenced Area:
No
Dog Water Source:
No
Dog Notes:

Hylands Park in Essex is extremely dog-friendly and very popular with dog owners. There are vast areas for off-lead exercise throughout the parkland and woodland. However, dogs MUST be on leads in specific signed areas, such as within the formal Pleasure Gardens, near Hylands House, the Stables Visitor Centre, cafes, and children's play areas. Dog waste bins are widely available throughout the park. Please clean up after your dog. This Essex park is a top choice for dog walkers, with specific dog-friendly events sometimes held.

EV Charger Nearby:
No
Fuel Station Nearby:
No
Livestock Information:
Off-Leash Policy:
Partial Off-Leash
Dog Traffic:
Busy
Seasonal Advice:
Height Restriction:
No
Printable Version:
PLUS Feature

Explore Hylands Park in Essex, a magnificent Grade II* listed public park surrounding the stately Hylands House, offering over 574 acres of historic parkland, ancient woodland, beautiful gardens, and tranquil lakes. Located on the western outskirts of Chelmsford, this extensive Essex park, managed by Chelmsford City Council, provides a stunning setting for walks, family outings, and major public events (like music festivals). Hylands Park is renowned for its beautifully restored Hylands House (often open for tours and events), its Capability Brown influenced landscape, and its excellent visitor facilities. This Essex gem is a premier destination.

An extensive network of well-maintained paths and trails winds its way through Hylands Park, suitable for walkers of all abilities, cyclists (on permitted routes), and families with pushchairs. Key features include the impressive Hylands House, stunning formal Victorian Pleasure Gardens, extensive areas of open parkland with ancient trees, serene lakes and ponds, a children's adventure playground (the "Adventure Castle"), a visitor centre with a cafe, shop, and artist studios. This Essex park is excellent for a full day out, offering diverse scenery and activities.

 

  • Discover Hylands Park in Essex, a vast historic estate and public park near Chelmsford.
  • Walk or cycle along miles of paths through beautifully landscaped parkland, ancient woodland, and around serene lakes.
  • Explore Hylands House (check opening/events) and its stunning formal Pleasure Gardens.
  • A premier Essex park for families, with excellent facilities including a large adventure playground, visitor centre, and cafe.

 

Walks in Hylands Park can be of any length, from gentle 1-2 mile accessible loops through the gardens and near the house, to much longer 5-7 mile routes exploring the full extent of this magnificent Essex estate and its varied landscapes. There are waymarked trails to help guide visitors.

Information Accuracy

Conditions can change. Please verify critical information locally. Your safety is your responsibility.

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