Hylands Estate

Hylands Estate is a large public park on the edge of Chelmsford, built around a Neo-Classical villa that families can visit on set open days. The grounds include formal Victorian gardens, ancient woodland, lakes and open parkland, so there is room for a long walk, a picnic or a bike ride. The centrepiece for younger visitors is the Adventure Castle play area, an accessible children's playground that has received an award, and there is a high ropes treetop course for older children and teens. The Stables courtyard holds a café, a bookshop, an information point and resident artists' studios, and the estate runs seasonal events and children's activities through the year. Dogs are welcome on leads in most of the park, and the grounds suit relaxed days out whatever the season.