8 perfect parks for top dog days out at Essex Country Parks

From traffic free landscapes to waterside walks we have eight top dog walks for you and your furry friends.

Posted on 7th October 2025

From rolling open landscapes, to paths through ancient woodland, beaches and waterside ways, Essex Country Parks are open all year round and offer a wide variety of quiet, traffic free routes in beautiful landscapes for you to take a trip with your four-legged friend. Explore top places to take your furry friend(s) for a top day out.

We welcome all well-behaved dogs at Essex Country Parks but please remember to keep them under control at all times and on the lead where they might disturb wildlife, grazing livestock and other visitors.

Read our Responsible Dogs feature to help plan your visit.

1. For dog agility and tranquility: Walk through ancient woodlands at Belhus

An enclosed area is available at Belhus Woods

With over 300 acres at their paws Belhus Woods Country Park is perfect for pooches looking to take their owners on a long walk.

The park combines ancient woodlands, meadows and lakeside walks and there’s a fenced in dog training and agility area that's accessible and free to use.*

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in the tranquil surroundings of Belhus Woods. After a walk, why not treat your canine to a bowl of water from the café?

*The enclosed fenced dog area is available on a Saturday however the agility training area is not available on a Saturday afternoon.

Alicia's Obedience Dog Training offer expert-led puppy training, pet gundog training, and follow-on classes at Belhus Woods.

2. For secluded seaside walks: Take a stroll at Cudmore Grove

Cudmore offers traffic free waterside routes

With meadows, beaches and seawall paths, Cudmore Grove Country Park in East Mersea is a unique destination for a traffic free dog walk.

As a nature reserve of Special Scientific Interest, Cudmore Grove is a flat site with several miles of walking paths and acres of space that circle and cross the park. It’s perfect for pets and people to pootle around, whatever age you both might be.

However, as a site of nature conservation, visitors need to be aware of wildlife considerations.

Please be careful to keep your dogs under control and on the lead near any nesting birds and grazing animals and respect the wildlife at the park. Keep to the footpath along the sea wall during spring to be on the safe side, if you're not sure and enjoy the birds from a distance.

In particular the shingle spit is an important breeding ground for waders and protected species.

Did you know Bird Aware rangers help to patrol and protect nests during the height of the season? Look out for them and have a chat when they are on site to find out more.

3. For easy woodland wanders and lakeside strolls: Have a day out in Danbury

Enjoy a woodland wander and reflection by the lake

Treat yourself and your dog to a day out in the historic Danbury Country Park.

With 45 acres of Grade II listed parkland, you and your hound can ramble through woodlands, around the lakes and through the wildflower meadow.

With well-maintained pathways, traffic free routes, Danbury is the ideal destination for dogs and humans of all ages.

Enjoy well surfaced paths around the historic lakes, take a rest on a bench under dappled shade.

Keep dogs on a lead and under control around the water birds while you enjoy the view and take care not to disturb any ducklings or other wildlife.

4. Get active with family and furry friends: Take the play trail at Great Notley

Located near Braintree, Great Notley Country Park has over 100 acres of open space for you and your pooch to get going on a great walk.

Whether you both take a stroll around the lakes, plod around the grassland pathways or wander through the small woodland, Great Notley is a favourite destination for those with a four-legged friend.

It's also ideal for children, with a play trail of over one kilometre, there is plenty to do for every member of the family.

5. For a scenic loop: Take your hound on a hike at Hadleigh

Home to both a one and nine kilometre walking route, Hadleigh Country Park is ideal for those dogs who like a short or long walk.

With rolling hills, woodlands and a sea wall walk, Hadleigh is great for people and pooches who like changing landscapes, heritage and stunning views over the Thames Estuary.

Be aware that animals, including goats, sheep and red poll cattle graze areas of the park during the summer months as part of our grassland restoration and natural land management programmes.

Please ensure dogs are on a lead and always under control around the livestock.

Enjoy the stunning wildflowers and insects including rare bees and butterflies that the work is helping to boost.

After you and your friend have competed your walk, you can stop off for refreshments at the Salvation Army Hub café.

6. For riverside walks in a quiet setting: Take a meander around Marsh Farm

As a 300 acre country park, Marsh Farm in South Woodham Ferrers is a haven for wetland birds, wildlife and walking enthusiasts.

Surrounded on three sides by the River Crouch, Clements Green Creek and Fenn Creek, Marsh Farm is a great place for dogs that enjoy coastal and riverside walks.

A great place for solitude and contemplation, Marsh Farm has approximately 10 miles of public rights of way and permissive footpaths throughout the country park for you and your canine friend to enjoy.

As a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and conservation for the migratory birds, waders and water voles, please be careful to keep your dogs under control on the lead and under control at all times.

Please be particularly careful near any nesting birds and grazing animals and respect the wildlife at the park.

7. For Deep Dark Woods: Explore the picturesque woodlands at Thorndon

Take a trip and delve into the deep, dark woods at Thorndon Country Park, home to the famous The Gruffalo trail and discover miles of tranquil walking routes and a dog agility training area* in the south of the park.

With natural and clearly marked paths traversing Thorndon north’s beautiful ancient woodlands, dogs and people can enjoy the foliage.

With plenty of places to take a break you can meet with friends and explore Thorndon throughout the year, experience the changing seasons.

Please be aware that we have goats, sheep and red poll cattle on site as part of our funded landscape restoration and natural land management programmes to boost biodiversity for the future.

Please ensure that dogs are on a lead and under control at all times around livestock and respect the wildlife that calls the park home at all times.

*The dog agility area is located at Thorndon south.

8. For rolling open spaces: Visit the historic parkland at Weald

Boasting spectacular views, wide open spaces, rolling hills and historic parkland, Weald Country Park is perfect for wayfaring wanders and their pets.

While Weald is famous for its deer park and Stick Man trail, the park offers much more for dogs and their owners.

With over 500 acres it’s delightful for dogs, with pathways through the woods, around the lakes and a number of networks and routes that they can wander along.

We have recently launched the Pete Wicks Dog Walking Trail at Weald Country Park!

We suggest starting the route at the Cricket Ground car park, but you can access it from all others.

The cafe is dog friendly and there’s also a number of taps and dog bowls throughout the park for your dog to find refreshment.

Please be aware that Weald Country Park is home to a wide range of wildlife including an enclosed and wild deer herd, many water birds and grazing livestock during the summer months in certain, fenced, areas.

Please ensure you keep dogs on a lead and under control around these animals.