Sensory Walk - Waltham Abbey Gardens

Starting point: Waltham Abbey Gardens car park, Abbey View, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2ES

A circular route that takes in the wonderful area surround the Abbey which offers rich mix of sensory highlights from nature to stone structures.

Download the route information which contains a map and all the sensory highlight information given below.

Sensory highlight points

1. As you enter the gardens what flowers, plants trees can you see? Shapes, colours, small or big? Touch the different textures of leaves.

2. Can you spot and smell the lavender flowers. Listen out for the different birds sounds.

3. Can you spot the artwork on the wall? What colours can you see? How does it feel?

4. Look out for the different tree shapes, touch the tree barks to find different textures.

5. Spot Waltham abbey and describe the shape of the building. Listen out for the chiming of bells.

6. Can you spot mosaics on the path, what colours can you sport? Feel the different textures

7. Touch the building to find out if it is smooth or rough feeling? Notice the wind rustling through the trees.

8. Can you hear running water? Can you see anything reflecting in the water? Perhaps close your eyes and notice and feelings or memories that the sounds bring up for you.

9. Look out for variety of birds on the water. Take a moment to feed ducks.

10. Look up at the overhanging branches and reach to touch them. Notice how the leaves feel underfoot – dry, wet, crunchy, soft?

11. Walk past the tress and feel the different textures of bark on different trunks. Compare the shapes, colours and sizes of leaves.