3 Fabulous Festive Walks

We have three fabulous festive park walks for you, from the wild Essex coast to historic landscapes, there's a walk for everyone.

Posted on 21st November 2024

The Explore Essex team have compiled some of our favourite walks in the Essex Country Parks to help you get out more and enjoy this festive season with your friends and family.

Whether its a traditional Boxing Day or New Year's Day stroll, a way of escaping the crowds, or taking some time for reflection - blow away the cobwebs with these rambles through our beautiful Essex landscapes.

Choose from the historic gardens, lakes and ancient woodlands at Danbury near Chelmsford, the 'Deep, Dark Woods' and stunning views at Thorndon near Brentwood or the captivating coast at Cudmore Grove on Mersea Island.

Remember to check the individual place pages for opening times. Some cafes will be shut over the festive periods.

Discover all the Essex Country Parks and find one near you, or visit somewhere new.

1. The coastal walk at Cudmore Grove

Take a wild winter walk at Cudmore Grove Country Park

A nature reserve of over 102 acres of unique coastal landscape overlooking the Colne and Blackwater estuaries, Cudmore Grove Country Park is on the eastern side of Mersea Island.

Enjoy several miles of footpaths that circle and cross the site including the sea wall walk which takes you alongside the estuary and grazing marshes.

Venture off-piste onto the beach at low tide and you’ll see a wealth of shells – particularly oyster. The very lucky visitor may even find a small bronze-age artefact, small mammal bone or shark’s tooth. The stunning orange cliffs date back to the interglacial period and once revealed prehistoric hippopotamus bones!

Cudmore Grove is perfect for a wide-range of walkers from nature-lovers, dog walkers and families with young children. Children may enjoy the themed marine play area.

Facilities include car park, toilets and refreshment kiosk. (The kiosk is only open at weekends in the winter).

Plan your visit here.

Family and dogs at Cudmore Grove — Family and dogs walk at Cudmore Grove

2. A circular walk through historic landscapes at Danbury

Enjoy accessible paths around the landscaped lakes at Danbury Country Park

Forty-five acres of grade II listed park and gardens, this historic country park at Danbury is centrally situated near the city of Chelmsford and ideal for anyone looking for a shorter or more accessible yet scenic winter walk.

Park at the Lakes car park and take the path towards the lake’s toilet block and Middle Lake. Follow the path around the lakes, up to the ornamental garden and back round. Take a slow stroll and delight in the veteran trees and historic landscaping.

The lakes were hand dug in the medieval period and the site was also once home to the Tudor house, Danbury Palace.

Take the accessible trails around the lakes or wander off the path with your toddlers and dogs.

If you are looking for a woodland walk, park at the Woods car park and head in the other direction to enjoy a winter wander through the ancient trees.

Facilities include car parks and toilets. No refreshments on site.

Plan your visit here.

3. Choose a dog and child friendly walk at Thorndon

Thorndon South Country Park — Wintery open spaces at Thorndon Country Park (South)

Enjoy the wide-open spaces and views of the historical landscape at Thorndon South - and discover the dog agility course.

Park at Thorndon South (CM13 3LL) close to the A127 and A128 on the edges of Brentwood and explore the historical landscape of Old Thorndon Hall with spectacular views across the countryside, over the Thames estuary and even as far as Canary Wharf.

Head past the Octagon Pavilion towards Old Hall Pond, then roam up the hill towards Ruin Wood (watch out for grazing animals during certain seasons) and towards Pigeon Mount then stroll leisurely back down the hill. Once back past the pond and Mill Wood, head down the field to the dog agility course and test your dog’s skills and balance!

Facilities include car park and limited toilets. Refreshments available at Thorndon North, CM13 3RZ. Woodland management work has been taking place, find out what has been happening and why.

Venture into the 'Deep Dark Woods' at Thorndon North - a magical experience for young children

Park at Thorndon North and head to the Essex Wildlife Trust run Countryside Centre to pick up a trail map for a small cost.

Head into the woods and find the six enchanting wooden characters - including The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child.

Head back to the café to warm up with a hot chocolate and browse the gifts.

Did you know this activity at Thorndon Country Park (North) was the very first official licensed trail in England!