Category: Parks & PlaygroundsSee venue photos

Parks & Playgrounds

Thames Chase Forest Centre

Havering, Havering· RM14 3NS

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 11 public reviews (Mar 2025 – Apr 2026)

52/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Moderate confidence

Based on the 11 most recent of this venue's many Google reviews. Scores may shift as more reviews come in.

Breakdown

NoiseMixed

Crowds & queuesOK

Staff supportOK

PredictabilityChallenging

Calm spacesGood

Book ahead for busy timesAccessible paths & parkingNoise from motorwayQuieter mornings bestCafé can get hecticOutdoor sensory spaceMobility aid friendly

Parent summary

Thames Chase offers a natural environment with well-maintained paths, structured activities like the Easter hunt, and useful facilities including disability scooter hire and an on-site café. The woodland setting provides outdoor activity opportunities. The café can become quite busy during peak times, and some visitors have noted occasional noise from the nearby motorway.

Best times to visit

Weekday visits or early mornings tend to be quieter; visiting outside school holiday peaks may reduce crowds

Worth avoiding

School holidays and weekends, particularly around mealtimes when the café reaches capacity

What visitors say

Visitors praise the natural setting, well-maintained paths and accessibility features, with many finding the structured activities and café amenities helpful. Some have noted that the café can get busy during peak times, making table availability difficult, and occasional visitors have mentioned noise from the nearby motorway, which may be relevant depending on your child's sensory needs.

Based on a sample of public reviews. Experiences vary - every child and every visit is different.

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

sensory support resourcesaccessible playgroundautism-specific eventswellbeing activities

Sensory bags available to borrow for visitors with additional needs
New accessible playground designed for children with additional needs
Free Winter Wellbeing Day event for autistic residents and families
Autism Ramblers walk and talk sessions available at venue
SEN-funded activities through HAF programme with meals included

Sourced from Facebook, Instagram, local authority, charity within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

Potential challenges

Café may have long waits or table availability issues during busy periods—consider visiting outside mealtimes or bringing a packed lunch
Motorway noise can be noticeable in some areas; the forest setting generally provides shelter, but this may affect some sensory-sensitive visitors
Busy periods increase overall noise and crowding in the venue

What works

Nature-based outdoor setting with woodland paths
Well-maintained, accessible paths suitable for mobility aids
Disability scooter hire available
Structured activity (Easter hunt) provides focus
Affordable parking
On-site café with comfortable seating
Spacious environment

Photos

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible Blue badge parking

Tips for your visit

Website currently experiencing technical issues. Children's activities and health & wellbeing programs mentioned but details unavailable. Contact the Forest Centre directly on 01708 642970 or visit in person to discuss specific SEND requirements and activity suitability.

Getting in & parking

Step-free entryYes
Disabled parkingYes
Wheelchair accessibleVisitors report yes
Accessible toiletVisitors report yes
Accessible seatingYes

Visitors report: Disabled bays are available at the Broadfields site car park (home of Thames Chase Forest Centre).

Accessibility details from Google.

Parking

Paid parking on-site♿ Blue badge spaces

Accessibility

Website mentions 'Accessibility' in navigation menu but content not accessible due to reported technical issues. Contact venue directly on 01708 642970 for accessibility details including wheelchair access, terrain management, and buggy-friendly pathways.

Opening Hours

Monday10:00-16:00

Tuesday10:00-16:00

Wednesday10:00-16:00

Thursday10:00-16:00

Friday10:00-16:00

Saturday10:00-16:00

Sunday10:00-16:00

Frequently asked questions about Thames Chase Forest Centre

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is Thames Chase Forest Centre autism friendly?

Thames Chase Forest Centre has a mixed SEN profile, suitable for some but not all sensory needs, with an overall SEN score of 52/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. Thames Chase offers a natural environment with well-maintained paths, structured activities like the Easter hunt, and useful facilities including disability scooter hire and an on-site café. The woodland setting provides outdoor activity opportunities. The café can become quite busy during peak times, and some visitors have noted occasional noise from the nearby motorway.

Does Thames Chase Forest Centre have step-free entry?

Yes. Thames Chase Forest Centre has step-free entry.

Is there disabled parking at Thames Chase Forest Centre?

Yes. Thames Chase Forest Centre has disabled (blue badge) parking.

Does Thames Chase Forest Centre have parking?

Yes. Thames Chase Forest Centre has paid on-site parking.

Is Thames Chase Forest Centre outdoors?

Yes. Thames Chase Forest Centre is primarily an outdoor venue in Havering. Check the weather and bring suitable clothing. Wet or very hot days may be challenging for some sensory-sensitive children.

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