Activities in Enfield

Once a royal hunting ground, Trent Park has turned into one of the go-to destinations around Enfield. The sprawling 400-acre park is made up of woodland, pretty lakes and plenty of activities, including Go Ape Cockfosters, horse stables, Trent Park Golf Club, a water garden and nature trail, plus miles of walking and cycling routes to explore. Located a few miles west of our Enfield town centre, the park also has an informative visitor centre and café.

While the restored glory of Forty Hall, a 17th-century country house with a stunning garden, is more than enough reason to visit, there’s plenty else to explore at this vast rural retreat. As well as tours around Forty Hall and its museum, the site also includes a farm, orchard, vineyard, café, farm shop and also hosts dozens of events throughout the year, including film screenings, family events and live music. Plus, it hosts its very own music festival each year, with the one-day Livestock Festival held every July with a varied lineup and affordable ticket prices.

Covering 6,000 acres of historic forest in a broad swathe that cuts through Northeast London and close to Enfield, Epping Forest is a magical space alive with nature, wildlife and plenty of activities. The ancient forest dates back to the Iron Age, with the oldest tree dating back over 500 years. There are four visitor centres dotted around the forest that delve deeper into its history, while the park offers a wide array of leisure pursuits like angling, horse riding and golf, plus dozens of walking and cycling trails.

There is no shortage of green spaces in and around Enfield, but keen gardeners will appreciate the magic and majesty of the Myddelton Gardens. The eight-acre restored gardens include a large Victorian glasshouse, carp lake, visitor centre, museum and café. Pick a sunny day and admire the heritage kitchen garden and flower beds before heading to the Bowles Tea Room in the courtyard for a cuppa and a slice of cake.

Like Epping Forest, Lee Valley Park cuts a green swathe through North London, with the 26-mile space including a 10,000-acre park, whitewater rafting, ice skating, nature reserves and more. The site is also home to several of the London 2012 Olympics sites, including the VeloPark for BMX riders and cyclists and the Whitewater Centre. There are plenty of more sedate activities, too, including walking, cycling, farm parks and more.

Looking for a fun family day out that covers 400 animals, mini-golf, a petting zoo, soft play and dozens of dinosaurs? Paradise Wildlife Park offers that and more, with some of the more exotic animals including snow leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, zebras and more. The park is located around 10 minutes from our London Enfield hotel and is also close to the Speedway Museum.

The dinosaur fun continues at Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf, an 18-hole mini-golf course with an impressive layout and theme close to the A1. Once you’ve finished navigating the holes – including water obstacles and dodging triceratops – there’s also a decent on-site café for drinks, snacks and light bites.