South Ockendon: Nature and Architectural History

When planning your trip to South Ockendon, you can choose between nature and architectural history as separate themes. Belhus Woods Country Park is a landscape of ancient woodland, grassland and lakes. Mardyke Woods and Oakwood and Ash Plantation add different trails to the nature theme; churches, a gatehouse and historic buildings bring other layers of history into view.

Nature and trails

The varied landscape at Belhus Woods Country Park includes ancient woodland, grassland and lakes. The park has a visitor centre with refreshments available on site. Guided tours are possible by prior arrangement. If a tour suits your plans, remember when planning that it must be arranged in advance.

Mardyke Woods is officially designated as “Ancient Semi Natural Woodland”, meaning ancient semi-natural woodland. There are 1.2 km of unsurfaced trails for walking, and a network of paths with various route options for cycling. The information highlights different aspects: a specific trail length is given for walking, while several route options are the focus for cycling. This can help you consider which of these activities is more important for your stay.

In the southern area of Oakwood and Ash Plantation, there are mown paths that provide easy access. This specific area is therefore a useful reference point if mown paths are relevant to your plans. Together with the unsurfaced walking trails and cycling route options in Mardyke Woods, it offers different trail features to consider when choosing a nature theme.

Churches and historic buildings

The Church of St Nicholas has a circular west tower dating from the 13th century; some elements from the 12th century have been preserved. St Nicholas of Myra is the only surviving church with a round tower in Thurrock. The type of tower and the older elements offer two perspectives on the church’s architectural history.

At South Ockenden Old Hall, the gatehouse and moat are protected as a Scheduled Monument under number 1002155. A Roman burial mound lies 260 m northeast of South Ockenden Hall and is also protected as a Scheduled Monument. The protected features differ: here, it is the gatehouse and moat; there, a Roman burial mound at a precisely specified location.

The Moat Bridge and Gatehouse at South Ockenden Hall includes an 18th-century red brick bridge with three round arches. The Royal Oak Inn is a timber-framed building from the 15th or 16th century with rendered exterior surfaces. The bridge is notable for its masonry and arches, while the Royal Oak Inn is distinguished by its timber frame and render. The buildings also differ in age: the Royal Oak Inn is older than the bridge, while surviving elements of the Church of St Nicholas date back to the 12th century.

Plan your journey

Ockendon Station is served by c2c trains to Southend Central. If you would like to use this connection for your trip, check the timetable before departure. This will let you include the rail connection in your plans and weigh up South Ockendon’s nature and cultural themes as separate focuses for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Stanford-Le-Hope, Purfleet, West Thurrock, Tilbury, Linford, Horndon On The Hill, Grays, Aveley

Return to the main travel overview: Thurrock.