Best Family-friendly Places In Brentwood

Curated by The City Brief · Edited by Dean Withey · Updated 23 July 2026

Brentwood feels like a town where community matters. It’s a town that balances a traditional feel with modern living – you’ll find families, professionals, and a genuine local spirit. The High Street is a focal point, attracting people with its range of shops, and you quickly get a sense of a town that's proud of its local businesses. Moving outwards, areas like Dunton Hills Garden Village offer a different pace, geared towards new builds and accessible amenities, while Stondon Massey maintains a quieter, more rural character. Nearby, Blackmore, Hartswood, and Wyatts Green also offer peaceful residential settings.

For a day out with the kids, Weald and Thorndon Country Parks provide sprawling green spaces and walking trails, offering a great escape from town. Explore over 1,000 acres of woodland, meadows, and lakes. If the weather isn't cooperating, Brentwood Karting provides competitive fun indoors. The Brentwood Centre is also worth checking for events; it regularly hosts the Brentwood Festival, a celebration of community spirit with real ales, street food and family fun, as well as other gatherings. The Summer Community Festival, an annual event with music, food and children's activities, is also a good option.

Shenfield, a short drive away, offers a more upmarket feel, with boutiques and cafes. It’s a nice change of scenery if you’re looking for a slightly different atmosphere. Hopefield, with its animal sanctuary, is a wonderful place to connect with nature and support a local cause. For a longer walk, consider a visit to Thorndon Park, with its historic gardens designed by Capability Brown. Or, venture further to Ingatestone, a village popular for cycling and walking. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there are many places to visit in Brentwood that will enrich your day. Take the time to browse the listings and discover what this area has to offer. Consider attending the weekly market which transforms the High Street into a lively commercial hub, or the annual Brentwood Art Trail.

Brentwood’s geography dictates how you’ll likely spend your time. The High Street and the immediate centre are best explored on foot, allowing you to browse the over 300 shops and enjoy the atmosphere. However, to reach the larger green spaces like Weald and Thorndon Country Parks, or the more residential areas like Dunton Hills Garden Village and Hartswood, cycling or driving is more practical. Shenfield, while accessible, has a distinctly village feel, with upmarket boutiques, cafes and delis, best enjoyed with a leisurely stroll. Consider also the historic Thorndon Park, with gardens designed by Capability Brown. For those interested in recreation, Brentwood Karting offers leisure activities.

Consider who you’re with. The Brentwood Centre is suited to larger groups and scheduled events, particularly the annual Brentwood Festival and Summer Community Festival. Hopefield, with its proximity to the Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, is ideal for a quieter, family-focused outing. If you are visiting from further afield, the convenience of the Elizabeth Line into Brentwood Station might influence where you base yourself. The frequency of events changes seasonally, so it’s worth checking the listings regularly to find something that suits your plans – the weekly market is a regular feature on the High Street. You might also like to explore the residential areas of Stondon Massey, Blackmore, Wyatts Green or Hook End.

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How Can I Find Out What's On In Brentwood This Weekend?

Brentwood has been an administrative and commercial centre since medieval times, with its origins dating back over 1000 years. For current events, your first stop should be our ‘this weekend’ listings. These are updated daily, showcasing everything from community gatherings at the Brentwood Centre to seasonal events within Weald and Thorndon Country Parks. You can filter by category – family activities, arts & culture, food & drink – to find something that suits your interests. Don’t forget to also check the Brentwood Festival schedule if it’s running, as this is a major annual event. Regular updates ensure you’re always in the loop with the latest happenings.

How Often Are Brentwood Event Listings Updated?

We strive to keep Brentwood event listings as current as possible. New events are added daily, and existing listings are checked for accuracy at least twice a week. However, event details can change, so always verify the information with the venue directly before heading out. You can rely on a consistent selection of activities, including the weekly market on the High Street, the annual Brentwood Art Trail, and the Brentwood Festival held at the Brentwood Centre. For family days out, consider exploring Weald and Thorndon Country Parks, or a visit to the Hopefield Animal Sanctuary. The Summer Community Festival also provides annual entertainment. Keep an eye out for the Christmas Beer Festival, too, a seasonal favourite. We also feature regular events like these, to help you make the most of your time in Brentwood.

What Kinds Of Events Happen In Brentwood During The Week?

During the week, Brentwood offers a mix of regular and special events. The High Street is always active with shoppers and diners, and you’ll often find smaller performances or demonstrations. Weald and Thorndon Country Parks are ideal for weekday walks or picnics. The Brentwood Centre may host business meetings or smaller workshops. While large festivals are generally weekend affairs, you can frequently find daytime activities suitable for families or individuals throughout the week, and Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is open daily.

What Are The Most Popular Event Categories In Brentwood?

The most popular event categories in Brentwood are consistently family-friendly activities, outdoor events, and community festivals. Weald and Thorndon Country Parks attract many visitors with extensive walking trails and open space, ideal for family days out. The Brentwood Centre regularly hosts events for all ages, including the annual Brentwood Festival and Summer Community Festival. The weekly market on the High Street is a consistent draw, with over 300 shops nearby. Seasonal beer festivals, such as the Christmas Beer Festival at the Brentwood Brewery, and arts events like the Brentwood Art Trail also gain considerable traction. For those seeking recreational activities, Brentwood Karting provides entertainment. You’ll find a diverse range of offerings to suit different tastes, with options available in neighbourhoods like Dunton Hills Garden Village and Hartswood.

Where Can I Find Live Music In Brentwood?

Check our nightlife category for the latest gigs. There aren't currently any venues on our list specifically dedicated to live music performances. The Brentwood Centre, a key venue for the annual Brentwood Festival and other community activities, occasionally hosts music events alongside its other activities, so it’s worth checking their schedule. You may also find smaller acoustic performances in some of the pubs and restaurants on the High Street, a bustling commercial area with over 300 shops, although these aren't consistently advertised. Consider exploring venues in Shenfield, a short drive away, known for its upmarket cafes, if you’re seeking further options. The Summer Community Festival also occasionally features live music as part of its programme.

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Events In Brentwood This Weekend

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Events In Brentwood This Week

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