Wat Tyler Centre - Basildon

Dave S.

I went there with my daughter in some spare time in December in hope to do a bit of bird watching and was very disappointed. The RSPB building appears to have closed now. Of the 2 Hides, one was locked up and the staff never offered a key, and the other Hide had no seating or information panels.
The footpaths are unmarked and poorly maintained. We we unsure where we were and one grass trail was completely churned up by vehicles.
We came across some Information panels about different kinds of aggregate, but it was so overgrown we couldn't see what it was about.
The best thing we came across was the wooden statues (pictured).
It's a real shame as the park is in a great location for wildlife; it just felt a bit run down.
In the Wat Tyler building there appeared to be educational things going on for children, which is great.
The gift shop is tiny, as was the Christmas Market.

Ricky M.

Presently surprised.
The wife said 'I've found this kids park'
So we went to take a look and it's a lovely area.
The park is a good size, lots to do.

There is a cafe/hut next to the park, the coffee and hot chocolate they make is lovely.

Lots of nice long walk around the area and the marina too 😀

Margaret G.

Pitsea’s Wat Tyler Country Park is great for a walk with its even paths, open aspect and rescued historic buildings for added interest. The large play area has lots of equipment to keep children of all ages happy and parents and carers can take their own chairs if they wish to sit on the perimeter and keep an eye on their young ones.
The cafe is kept clean and tidy and serves a variety of well-portioned dishes at reasonable prices freshly made to order. Coffee and cake round off a meal or can be ordered on their own. I am always impressed by the helpfulness and kind consideration of staff and their friendly professionalism that make it our place to always head for at either the beginning or end of our visit.

Christina W.

I love this country park. I've been visiting here since I was a little girl with my mum and then schools as I grew. It has a rich historic background which is incredibly interesting and I have recently introduced my children to its wonder. You can follow the path around the perimeter for a nice comfortable stroll and look out across the creeks, walk through the green areas to discover random statues and historic buildings or be more adventurous and walk through the trees and brush. There's the visitors centre and play area to visit as well as the green museum. This place has such a place in my heart and I strongly recommend a visit.

Andrew F.

Parking is free but a bit small when it is good weather, The access road is not so good speed humps are big and might not be good for some cars.
Playground equipment was well maintained and quite a lot of it.
There are toilets and gift shop on site, shame the small railway hasn't run for years it is a waste of that facility.

Konna M.

For walks with the dog it's great although morning walk is not posible for me as they open at 9am. You can choose paths that are reinforced with concrite or go to the more meadowy parts. Walk from the first parking lot at the gates around the park takes about 45 minutes of leasurly pace. You need to take it into account as gates are closed at 5pm and if I remember correctly there are some fines for overstaying.
There are 4 parking lots: gates, beginning of the main trail, near facilities with children atractions and at the marina.

Kim F.

Don't get me wrong it's great for the playground. But other than that there is nothing else to do especially for little ones. Not much shade. Couldn't find a bin either in playground. On a hot day the tunnels slide get really hot so beware.

Stephanie N.

This place is probably gorgeous for a long walk on a sunny day but in the peak of winter it is very mucky.

The marina is still rather lovely albeit a bit chilly.

Kids play area looks like great fun and there is a cafe, though it wasn't open when we were there.