Early Summer in Brentwood: Things to See, Do and Enjoy
As the weather warms up and the days stretch longer, early summer is a great time to make the most of everything Brentwood has to offer. From outdoor dining and garden centre visits to local walks and independent shopping, the area combines green space, good food, and a growing selection of places to explore.
Here’s a round-up of things to do in and around Brentwood in the early summer months. Whether you’ve just moved to the area or are thinking about relocating, these activities give a real flavour of the local lifestyle.
Start your day with a visit to Brentwood Cathedral, one of the town’s landmark buildings. The modern interior contrasts with the traditional exterior and it’s a peaceful place to pause. Then head towards Chapel High, home to several independent shops and cafés. On the way, you’ll pass Brentwood Theatre, where you can check for upcoming local performances. If you enjoy art, Brandler Galleries is also nearby and regularly showcases new exhibitions. Brentwood’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. You can cover a mix of cultural stops, local history and casual shopping in a single morning.
Early summer is one of the best times to eat out in Brentwood, especially at venues with outdoor seating. Felix Warley, located in a converted pub on Warley Hill, is a good choice for early evening. It offers views across the town and a menu that focuses on seasonal dishes and modern presentation. The restaurant has become popular with locals and visitors alike since its transformation and is now recognised as one of the top dining spots in the area. If you're after lunch with atmosphere, The Bull in Great Totham, a short drive away, is known for its relaxed garden setting and quality menu. There are also several smart cafés and bistros on Crown Street that make the most of outdoor tables once the sun comes out.
Garden centres in Essex have become destinations in their own right. They now combine plant sales with cafés, interiors shops and family-friendly events. Ongar Garden Centre, just outside Brentwood, has a wide selection of outdoor and indoor plants, plus a café that’s well set up for a light lunch or coffee. If you’re willing to drive 30–40 minutes, Perrywood Garden Centre near Tiptree is often ranked as one of the best in the country. Whether you’re shopping for a few container plants or just want a quiet place to wander, garden centres are a useful addition to a day out.
One of Brentwood’s strongest assets is its access to green space. Two of the best early summer spots are Thorndon Country Park and Weald Country Park, both managed by Essex County Council. Thorndon is home to Warley Place Nature Reserve, where woodland paths run through the grounds of a former Edwardian estate. It’s known for its spring and early summer wildflowers. The wider park offers longer walking trails and picnic spots. Weald Park features a mix of lakes, meadows and enclosed deer paddocks. It’s a practical choice for families with its on-site café and accessible footpaths.
According to TripAdvisor and recent local reviews, Brentwood is home to several low-key places worth visiting: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary offers a quieter alternative to larger wildlife centres, with rescued animals and open paddocks; Coptfold Spa is a small, privately-run day spa hidden just behind the High Street; Brentwood Karting, on the outskirts of the town, has outdoor circuits for groups and family days out; King George’s Playing Fields includes a modern leisure complex, playground and splash pad, making it one of the more active options for weekends.
These places are all relatively close to the town centre and can be combined into half-day or full-day outings depending on your schedule.
If you’re enjoying your garden or outdoor space this season, indoor plants are also worth exploring. Garden centres and home stores in the area often run seasonal workshops and offer care guides for people getting started. Early summer is a good time for herbs, hardy perennials and flowering houseplants like peace lilies or spider plants. A visit to a local garden centre can also help you choose low-maintenance greenery that suits patios, balconies or shaded gardens.
Early summer is one of the best times to enjoy the pace and atmosphere of Brentwood. Cafés open earlier, shops extend their hours, and walking routes become more inviting. The town balances independent businesses with access to major services, and its proximity to parks, dining and events is part of what continues to make Brentwood a desirable place to live.
All the places listed here are within easy reach of Aquilla Row, which makes this time of year ideal for both prospective buyers and new residents to explore the local area.
For more information on living at Aquilla Row or to arrange a viewing of our available homes, contact the team today.