5 festive fun ideas at the Essex Country Parks and places

Enjoy the free family Elf Trail and more at the Essex Country Parks and Places this December.

Posted on 20th November 2025

1. Free Festive Elf Trail at the Essex Country Parks

Illustration of three elves (one holding a present) and a reindeer

Pick up* or download a free** Festive Elf Trail this December from the Essex Country Parks.

Find and count the cheeky elves hiding in the park and discover the magic number to enter our prize draw to win an Explorer Pass and goody bag.

Running throughout December 2025 at the following participating parks:

Wrap up warm and escape from the crowds. Revel in the fresh air and enjoy the extra activities at home.

Remember to collect the letters and unscramble them to find the magic word - to help make your Christmas wishes come true.

*While stocks last

** Car parking charges apply. (Money taken for car parking is ultimately reinvested into the park, its maintenance and upkeep for visitors and the wildlife living within.)

2. Festive Fairy Door Trail at Cressing Temple Barns

Illustration of two fairies and an elf

Take the free Festive Fairy Door Trail at Cressing Temple Barns near Witham and Braintree and explore the atmospheric and historic site.

Find the Christmas fairy's name to win goodies from Tiptree Tea Rooms. And enjoy a treat at the tea room when you visit.

3. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Trails at the country parks

Why not also enjoy the Stick Man Trail, feed the deer and take part in our colouring competition to win £50 of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler themed goodies at Weald Country Park.

Meet The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child at Thorndon Country Park and take a magical trip through the Deep Dark Woods.

Young families with The Gruffalo's Child at Thorndon Country Park
Young families with The Gruffalo's Child at Thorndon Country Park

4. Meet the deer at Weald Country Park

Deer at Weald Country Park
Deer at Weald Country Park by Andrew Adams

Our herd of fallow deer can found in the deer enclosure at Weald Country Park.

The deer are a reminder of the park's rich former past when the park and surrounding countryside was a royal hunting forest for the Kings of England.

Now, you can get up close to the herd and purchase deer food from the Wiggly Bush café.

Please use the chutes provided and enjoy this festive activity with all the family.

5. Make at home festive Stick Man Cookies

These yummy Stick Man cookies are sure to brighten up a cold winter's day.

Pop on your aprons and spend time together making these iconic festive character treats.

Give them away as presents or take them to school and show off your baking skills to all your friends.

Read our latest Essex Explorer Magazine for the instructions on how to make them.

Make at home Stick Man cookies
Make at home Stick Man cookies

You might also like . . .

Take a Wonderful Winter Walk, find the one that suits you best with our blog.

Read our Essex Explorer magazine for more seasonal inspiration on what to do and where to go. Discover make at home ideas, panto guide and day's out listings.

Mum and child take an Essex Country Parks trail
Mum and child take an Essex Country Parks trail

You may also enjoy

Share:

Related blogs