High Woods Country Park
🏟 Playground & park · Highwoods, Colchester
High Woods Country Park
A 270-hectare country park north of Colchester with three play areas near the Visitor Centre, a lake, woodland walks and free parking, open all year.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 The park is open seven days a week all year round, with 21 pedestrian entrances that are never locked. · Free · No booking needed
📍 Location & directions
🗺️ Show map ▾
Address: Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 9UN
Plus Code: 9F32WW67+42
About High Woods Country Park
High Woods Country Park is a large country park run free of charge by Colchester City Council, lying between Turner Road and Ipswich Road beyond North Station. Opened in 1987, it forms part of the roughly 270 hectares of country parks and nature reserves the council's Countryside Team looks after across Colchester, mixing woodland, grassland, meadows and a lake. The park is open seven days a week all year round and has 21 pedestrian entrances that are never locked, with two car parks for visitors arriving by car. Families head for the three separate play areas spread over locations leading from the Visitor Centre car park. These combine natural elements such as wooden beams with traditional playground equipment and have been designed for children of all abilities, from toddlers through to young teenagers; much of the kit was replaced in December 2023. Beyond the play areas there is a Visitor Centre, a lake, a Nordic walking trail, a community garden run by Together We Grow, seasonal fishing for permit holders and volunteer-led wellness walks. Dogs are welcome across the park, which is a popular local spot for walking, though they are not allowed in the play areas, making this a flexible free day out in every season.
⭐ What makes this place special
- Visitor Centre
- lake
- Nordic walking trail
- community garden (The Big Garden)
- fishing (seasonal, permit holders)
- wellness walks
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Parking: Yes. There are two car parks, including one at the Visitor Centre.
- Accessibility: The play areas have been designed for children of all abilities, from toddlers through to young teenagers.
- Dogs: Yes. The park welcomes dog walkers and is a popular place to exercise dogs, though dogs are not allowed in the play areas.
🧒 Ages & play
- Ages: Toddlers to young teenagers
- children's play equipment
- natural wooden play beams and structures
- climbing equipment
📍 Nearby places to play
- Castle Park · approx 1.3 miles · Town Centre
- Old Heath Recreation Ground · approx 2.0 miles · Old Heath
- King George V Playing Field · approx 3.2 miles · Lexden
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is High Woods Country Park free to visit?
Yes. High Woods Country Park is managed by Colchester City Council and is free to enter, including the car parks and play areas.
Is there a children's playground at High Woods Country Park?
Yes. There are three separate play areas near the Visitor Centre car park, combining natural wooden play elements with traditional equipment for all abilities.
What are the opening times for High Woods Country Park?
The park is open seven days a week all year round, with 21 pedestrian entrances that are never locked.
Is there parking at High Woods Country Park?
Yes. There are two car parks, including one at the Visitor Centre from which the play areas lead.
Are dogs allowed at High Woods Country Park?
Yes. The park welcomes dog walkers and is a popular place to exercise dogs, although dogs are not permitted in the children's play areas.