beach scene

High Woods Country ParkHigh Woods Country Park

A place to feel good!
A walk or cycle in the park with some friends is a great way to relax, exercise and enjoy the company of others. Waymarked paths lead you through bluebell woods with glimpses of the lake and wildflower meadows with great views of Colchester.

Relax and Play
There are many ways to enjoy your time at High Woods. Relax in one of the many peaceful glades while the kids let off steam in the adventure play areas. Enjoy a hot drink at the visitor centre. Anglers can enjoy a day’s fishing (permits apply). If you want something more organised join our Health Walks on Fridays and Sundays, an ideal way to improve fitness in a sociable atmosphere. If you like vegetable gardening come along to the BIG Garden on alternate Saturdays.

We welcome responsible dog owners. All we ask is that you aid the enjoyment of other visitors by keeping your dog under close control at all times and on a lead in some areas, you ‘scoop the poop’ and use the dog bins at the entrances.

Good for you – good for wildlife
The park is run by its team of country park specialists who follow a site plan to conserve and enhance this beautiful place. Volunteers give tremendous help. All are committed to caring for High Woods and the animals and plants that share it. Management is carried out in a traditional way for wildlife and for future generations to enjoy. If you are looking for a social activity, work experience, to get fit, or simply have a passion for the park why not volunteer? Don’t worry if you are not an expert – training is provided.

For more information on the park and its facilities go to www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

View key to symbolskeyAccepts groups Baby changing facilities Disabled access Disabled toilets Education/study area Facilities for educational visits Gift shop On-site light refreshments Picnic site Public toilets Wheelchairs available Children welcomeDisabled accessDogs accepted

Prices


Free entry

Opening details

Season Dates and Opening Hours
Season Dates Opening Hours
Notes Visitor Centre open daily 1 April - 30 September.
Monday - Friday 10am - 4.30pm.
Weekends 10.30am - 5pm
1 October - 31 March - weekends only.
10am - 4pm
Car park open 7am-10pm Summer, 7am-7pm winter.
   
 

Contact

Visitor Centre
Tel: 01206 853588
View the High Woods Country Park websitewww.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark
Send this link to a friendemail a friend

Venue

High Woods Country Park

Visitor Centre, Turner Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR

View the High Woods Country Park websitewww.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

See location of High Woods Country Park on Google maps.See location on Google maps.    

Map reference: TL 997271  Lat: 51.90663  Long: 0.90172


By Road:
Come out of the train station and take the second exit on the roundabout, Bruff Close. Follow this road to the end where it meets Northern Approach Road (A134) Cross over the A134 and turn right into Turner Road. Continue along Turner Road and High Woods Country Park is the fifth turning on your right.

Parking : free

Accessible by Public Transport : 1 mile (1.6 kms) from Colchester North station

Green Flag AwardSelf-assessed Accessibility Information

Events at this venue

Select event title for details
date event
Sat 25 May 2013 Beginning of History @ Gosbecks Archeological Park
Sun 26 May 2013 Sunday Stroll
Tue 28 May 2013 Lagoon side wildlife walk @ Hythe Lagoons
Wed 29 May 2013 Deeply Dippy
Fri 31 May 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sun 2 Jun 2013 Fishing for Beginners
Sun 9 Jun 2013 Sunday Stroll
Tue 11 Jun 2013 Meadows wildlife walk at Cymbeline Meadows
Fri 14 Jun 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sun 23 Jun 2013 Sunday Stroll
Fri 28 Jun 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sat 29 Jun 2013 Country Park wildlife walk
Sun 7 Jul 2013 Annual Headway Dogathon
Sun 7 Jul 2013 Sunday Stroll
Fri 12 Jul 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sat 13 Jul 2013 Summer Insects & Butterflies @ Hilly Fields
Sun 21 Jul 2013 Sunday Stroll
Tue 23 Jul 2013 Gosbecks Archaeological Park wildlife walk
Fri 26 Jul 2013 Friday Health Walks
Mon 29 Jul 2013 - Sun 4 Aug 2013 Love Parks Week
Mon 29 Jul 2013 Potato Planting
Tue 30 Jul 2013 Tracks and trails
Sat 3 Aug 2013 Bat Walk @ Lexden Park
Sun 4 Aug 2013 Sunday Stroll
Tue 6 Aug 2013 Let’s go Fly a Kite
Fri 9 Aug 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sat 10 Aug 2013 Bat Walk @ Colchester Cemetery
Sun 11 Aug 2013 Summer Safari
Sun 11 - Fri 16 Aug 2013 Young Ranger Club
Sun 18 Aug 2013 Sunday Stroll
Tue 20 Aug 2013 River side wildlife walk @ Rowhedge Meadow
Wed 21 Aug 2013 Dens and Dream-catchers
Fri 23 Aug 2013 Friday Health Walks
Wed 28 Aug 2013 Wet and Wonderful
Sun 1 Sep 2013 Sunday Stroll
Fri 6 Sep 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sat 14 Sep 2013 Apple Day
Sun 15 Sep 2013 Sunday Stroll
Fri 20 Sep 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sun 29 Sep 2013 British Heart Foundation Sponsored Walk and Treasu
Sun 29 Sep 2013 Sunday Stroll
Fri 4 Oct 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sun 13 Oct 2013 Fungi Forage
Sun 13 Oct 2013 Sunday Stroll
Fri 18 Oct 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sun 27 Oct 2013 Halloween self-guided Fun Trail
Sun 27 Oct 2013 Sunday Stroll
Wed 30 Oct 2013 Halloween Super Sleuthing
Fri 1 Nov 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sun 10 Nov 2013 Sunday Stroll
Fri 15 Nov 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sun 24 Nov 2013 Sunday Stroll
Fri 29 Nov 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sat 7 Dec 2013 Tree Dressing Day
Sun 8 Dec 2013 Sunday Stroll
Fri 13 Dec 2013 Friday Health Walks
Sun 22 Dec 2013 Sunday Stroll
Wed 1 Jan 2014 New Year’s Day Walk.

Self-assessed accessibility details

Parking

  • Designated parking for guests with disabilities
  • Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
  • The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
  • is solid
  • The route from the parking area to the entrance:
  • Is flat (i.e. without steps)

Entrance

  • Entrance is well lit

Public Areas

  • Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
  • From the entrance to reception / ticket area
  • To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
  • To the gift shop
  • Good contrast between the floor and walls
  • Baby changing facilities

General

  • Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
  • Clear signage
  • Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
  • Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
  • Audible alarm system