Halloween at the Essex Country Parks

For a spooktacular experience this half term holiday head to the Essex Country Parks.

Posted on 27th September 2023

Monster Mysteries Trail

Head to the Essex Country Parks this October half term and pick up or download a free Monster Mysteries Trail.

Count the curious creatures lurking in the park. Find the magic numbers and help the rangers to create a spell to send the monsters home!

Available at:

  • Belhus Woods Country Park
  • Cudmore Grove Country Park
  • Danbury Country Park
  • Great Notley Country Park
  • Thorndon Country Park (North)
  • Weald Country Park

Running from Saturday 14 October to Tuesday 31 October.

Find the individual listings at the bottom of this page.

Discover how to enter the prize draw to win an Explorer Pass below.

Trails are funded by the Essex Year of Numbers.

Infographic of Monster Mysteries Trail with bright coloured monster illustrations

Spooky Forest School Sessions

*These sessions are currently fully booked*

To add your name and email to a waiting list please contact: Education.rangers@essexoutdoors.com

Please include the following information: Childs name, age, AM or PM session and a mobile number.


Book your little ones on to the FREE Spooky Forest School sessions at Danbury, Thorndon and Great Notley Country Parks this half term holiday.

Enjoy amazing activities such as potion and broomstick making, cook ghoulish marshmallows on the camp fire, take part in a scary Scavenger Hunt and so much more (activities may vary depending on the site and weather!).

Running on Monday 23 October at Thorndon, Wednesday 25 October at Danbury and Friday 27 October at Great Notley Country Park, at 10am to 12pm and 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Sessions must be booked online in advance.

(Please note that in order to provide a high-quality experience and materials, we won't be able to accommodate drop-ins on the day.)

Sessions are funded by the Essex Year of Numbers.

Three children around a pumpkin with sticks
Book Spooky Forest School here >

Monster Mysteries Trail Prize Draw

Complete the Monster Mysteries Trail and encourage your children to add up their answers to find the 'magic number' to help complete the spell to send the monsters back to where they came from.

Email in your magic number total to: Explore-Essex@essex.gov.uk to enter our prize draw.

You could win an Explorer Pass (worth £85) and a goody bag or Sky Ropes voucher.

Good luck!

These activities are both supported by the Essex Year of Numbers, a countywide campaign that aims to inspire a love of learning, with a focus on numeracy.

Essex Year of Numbers