12 reasons to visit the 8 Essex Country Parks in 2026

Spend time in nature to boost mind, body and soul in 2026.

Meet with friends, treat your dogs to new adventures, enjoy with the family and young children, or simply get out and appreciate the tranquillity – because spending time in the great outdoors is good for everyone. However you choose to do it.

Why not make it your resolution to make the most of the Essex Country Parks near you this year.

Read our blog on the benefits of visiting a park.

Explore our collection of eight country parks, spanning right across the county, discover the parks on your doorstep – and beyond.

Over 1,000 hectares of unique landscapes, four registered park and gardens.

1. Belhus Woods, Aveley, Thurrock
2. Cudmore Grove, East Mersea, Colchester
3. Danbury, near Chelmsford
4. Great Notley, Braintree
5. Hadleigh, Castle Point
6. Marsh Farm, South Woodham Ferrers
7. Thorndon, Brentwood
8. Weald, Brentwood

Find out more about the Explorer Pass to save money on your visits.

Buy the pass in January 2026 and receive one month extra for free!

That's 13 months for the price of 12. Help make your resolutions a reality. 

Read on for twelve ways to visit the parks, one for every month of the year.

Wander in ancient woodlands at the wonderful sites of Belhus Woods, Danbury, Thorndon and Weald Country Parks.

Enjoy snowbells, foxgloves and bluebell walks and experience the changing seasons, from the first growths in spring to stunning autumnal displays.

Take a moment to reflect by a lake at Belhus Woods, Danbury, Great Notley, Thorndon and Weald Country Parks and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Disconnect from digital devices and the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience a moment of tranquillity.

Meander along a sea wall or take a waterside walk at Cudmore Grove, Hadleigh and Marsh Farm Country Parks. From beachside walks to accessible waterside pathways, there’s something for everyone.

Stroll, or take a mobility scooter, through stunning historic parkland and discover the heritage that makes Danbury, Thorndon and Weald Country Parks sites a must visit in 2026.

Each park is steeped in history, with Thorndon (South) and Weald Country Parks offering heritage discovery trails for those who want to step back in time and learn more about the history of the landscapes.

Ramble through wildflower meadows when the weather warms up and discover the rare flowers and plants found at Belhus Woods, Cudmore, Danbury, Hadleigh, Great Notley, Marsh Farm, Thorndon and Weald Country Parks.

Pack a picnic and enjoy a family friendly day out amongst the flora and fauna.

Take a breath with a view and enjoy the wide sweeping vistas at Cudmore Grove, Hadleigh, Marsh Farm, Thorndon (South) and Weald Country Parks. Perfect for those who love wide open landscapes. Stop a take a moment to enjoy a change of scene and boost your mood, each park offers something unique.

Enjoy accessible routes and surfaced paths whatever your age or ability at Danbury, Great Notley, Hadleigh and Weald Country Parks.

Visit Essex’s longest play trail at Great Notley or let younger family members swing, swoop and slide at the children’s play areas at Belhus Woods, Cudmore Grove and Weald Country Parks.

Explore the dog agility courses at Belhus Woods and Thorndon (South) Country Parks with your furry friend. 

Take them on an adventure and let them experience the different landscapes each park offers.

Delight in the magical Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler themed trails of The Gruffalo at Thorndon and Stick Man at Weald Country Parks.

Search for the hand-crafted carvings of much-loved characters from Julia Donaldson’s bestselling picture books and set imaginations free.

Keep on running, pick a parkrun near you at Cudmore Grove, Hadleigh and Great Notley Country Parks and embrace a New Year, new you healthy lifestyle in 2026.

Or take your own walk, jog or run at the green space near you.

Experience naturein all its glory and spend time listening to the sounds of the local wildlife or get up close and feed the ducks and deer. Food available from the cafes at Belhus Woods (duck) and Weald (duck and deer).

Take your binos for a touch of bird spotting at Cudmore Grove and Marsh Farm, particularly during the winter months when huge numbers of overwintering geese and waders make the parks their homes. You might even spot water voles at Marsh Farm.

Walk along the lower paths at Hadleigh for views and wildlife spots over the grazing salt marshes and creek.

Enjoy the water birds on the lakes and spot ducklings and goslings in the late spring months at Danbury, Great Notley and Thorndon (South).

Also, discover our works taking place due to the Countryside Stewardship funded Landscape Restoration programme to boost biodiversity and strengthen habitats for rare, declining and protected species for the future.

Enjoy, but take care around our grazing livestock, who do a great job keeping the grass at just the right length to allow flowers, insects and wildlife to thrive.