4 shaded summer strolls at Essex Country Parks

Visitors can wander through more than 300 acres of ancient woodland, flower meadows and lakeside trails at Belhus Woods Country Park.

With flat pathways and benches tucked among the trees there are plenty of pathways to explore and shady spots for you to rest and recuperate. Or take a break and enjoy the sounds of nature around the lakes and spot waterfowl such as mute swans.

For the best woodland stroll, take a detour off the main pathways and use the alternative (non-surfaced) tracks through Running Water Wood towards Brick Kiln Wood.

Escape the hustle and bustle and embrace the peace and tranquility at Belhus Woods this summer.

View a map of Belhus Woods and plan your walk.

Step back in time and enjoy relaxed woodland walks beneath towering veteran oak trees and through wildflowers meadows at the historic Danbury Country Park.

This Grade II listed park has 45 acres for you to explore and with hardpacked level pathways running throughout the site it’s ideal for a mid-week meander or a weekend walk.

Weave your way through the woodland and around the three lakes. There are plenty of benches in shaded spots by the water’s edge where you can rest, reflect and escape the scorching sun and watch the wildfowl glide serenely by.

Take a trip to Danbury and discover its scenic shaded spots this summer. View a map to plan your visit.

Weald offers wide open green spaces, wonderful woodlands, lakes, a Stick Man trail and cooling shaded spots, making it a favourite for all ages.

With both short and long woodland walks throughout the park you can create your own route. There are plenty of benches so you can sit and enjoy the summer scenery. Or bring your own picnic blanket!

For a shady route, park at Lincolns Lane then walk across the ridgeway towards ‘The Forest’ where you can explore the vast wooded area to your heart’s content. With plenty of canopy from the trees the woods are nice and cool on a hot summer’s day.

Here lots of woodland work has been taking place in the winter which has opened areas up a little, the plants and flowers including Foxgloves are enjoying the light reaching the woodland floor. Take one of the newly created tracks to explore this quieter area of the park.

Never crowded, the vast landscape makes Weald the ideal place for solitude and reflection or meeting with friends.

View a map to plan your visit.

For a walk in a shaded woodland, look no further than Thorndon.

The cool forest trails at Thorndon north make it a favourite on warm summer days. The park offers walking routes through mature woodland, where wildlife thrives (it’s also where The Gruffalo and his sculptured friends reside).

With much to enjoy at Thorndon North, many are unaware of the hidden shaded spots at Thorndon south, such as the Old Deer Park or Ruin Wood.

The Thorndon woodlands are magical in summer as the sunlight filters through the trees and wildlife thrives on the warm soil beneath the canopy.

View a map to plan your visit.

When you visit please remember:

• Keep dogs under control particularly around wildlife and livestock and other visitors
• Respect other users on multi-use trails
• Be water aware and supervise children and dogs near ponds, rivers and lakes
• Note that swimming is prohibited
• No BBQs or wildfires are allowed, be aware of wildfire risks
• Come prepared to take your rubbish home with you

Avoid the hottest hours of the day, remember to wear sun cream, a hat and bring plenty of water.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and being outdoors at Essex Country Parks and embrace all that they have to offer this summer.

If you are planning to visit multiple parks a number of times you can save money with our annual Explorer Pass. Discover more before you visit.