The best parts of Danbury – as loved by locals
Danbury is a charming village with a population of around 6000. There is an abundance of activities available and a wonderfully vibrant community.
Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood
Located in rural Essex, Danbury is blessed with sprawling beautiful countryside, allowing residents to enjoy nature at its best. Take a stroll through Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood, a large, ancient woodland owned and maintained by the National Trust and famously carpeted with bluebells each spring. Follow one of the walking trails through a variety of habitats or forge your own path through the ancient woodland.
Danbury Country Park
Danbury Country Park is situated in the grounds of Danbury Palace. This country park provides a path perfect for buggies, prams and wheelchairs, allowing access for the whole family. Family-friendly events are organized often, such as the Woodland Play Forest School and Wild Wednesday, so keeping the kids entertained is easy. There are three lakes within the country park, as well as beautiful gardens and flower displays. This is the perfect place for a spot of birdwatching! Keep an eye out for the historical icehouse, once used for stored ice from the nearby lakes for use by the palace.
RHS Hyde Hall Gardens
The Royal Horticultural Society’s Hyde Hall Gardens are located just outside of Danbury village. Take a walk through the pristine gardens, or perhaps attend an art exhibition or Jazz evening. Visitors can also attend gardening and flower arranging sessions, to help recreate the beauty of the gardens at home.
Sports and Leisure Activities
Perhaps you aren’t particularly drawn to nature and would prefer something different. Visit Danbury’s popular Sport and Social Centre for fun, fitness and a wonderful sense of community. The centre consists of a high-quality gym with the latest fitness equipment, a snooker room and facilities for activities such as Pilates, ballroom dancing, badminton and bridge. For children, some of the activities offered are gymnastics, karate, football and kickboxing. Alternatively, Zumba classes are offered at the Village Hall, which also hosts the weekly village market.
Danbury’s Clubs and Societies
There’s nothing quite like being part of a club or society to feel at home in a community. Luckily, despite its small size, Danbury has a wide range of groups to join! Perhaps angling is a favourite pastime, or cycling has always been your activity of choice. Maybe the opportunity to try bellringing is exciting. Amateur radio and amateur dramatics societies are available, as well as bowling, cricket and even a ‘Wine Circle’.
Eat & Drink in Danbury
After an action-packed day, why not relax at home with a book from the well-stocked library, with a cup of tea or coffee at one of Danbury’s popular cafes, or even a pint at one of the three public houses, each with its own historical story.
Danbury has a rich history, stunning surroundings and a real sense of community often lost nowadays. There is plenty to keep everyone entertained and - to sum it up - Danbury really is a perfect location in which to live.