Best Picnic Spots at Essex Country Parks
Picnics are a great way to spend time together away from distractions and are a relaxing and affordable way to enjoy long summer days in the great outdoors.
Posted on 1st June 2026
There are many stunning spots in our parks for a picnic with friends and family this Picnic Week and beyond.
Whether you fancy a sheltered picnic bench or spreading your blanket on top of a hill with a good view, choosing couldn’t be simpler. Here we bring you our ideas so you can have the perfect picnic in Essex Country Parks.
Please note, BBQs are NOT permitted in any of the parks, they are a fire risk and can damage the grasslands and habitats.
When you visit please come prepared to take your rubbish home with you and recycle where possible. If bins are full, please don’t leave your rubbish next to the bin or in the park. Please help us keep the parks clean and litter free for everyone and every animal.
Many of the parks also have cafes and vans where you can pick up hot and cold drinks and other refreshments to top up your picnic.
Belhus Woods Country Park
Escape the hustle and bustle and head to Belhus Woods a hidden gem in the southwest of the county where you’ll find lots of relaxing picnic spots.
From the wide open forest glade to the kids play area, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You might like to head off the beaten track and take the park's Butterfly Trail to see what you can spot!
A big favourite is the gazebo spot, offering an undercover area with picnic benches close to the toilets and car park.
Cudmore Grove Country Park
Soak up the sea air this summer at Mersea Island’s Cudmore Grove.
Children will love the play area which is surrounded by picnic benches and welcome shade. Not only can you enjoy the sandy coastline, there’s also acres of wildflower meadows to explore.
The Kiosk at Cudmore is now open on weekends!
Remember to check tides before you travel if you're planning to head down onto the beach.
NB:
Please be aware that one of the three sections of kids play (the pirate ship) is currently closed. We do apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Please remember to keep dogs on the lead and under control if you're heading out to the shingle spit (where ground nesting birds live) and around wildlife in general.
Please also remember to stay back from the cliffs.
Danbury Country Park
Nestled between Chelmsford and Maldon, Danbury Country Park offers history, serenity and open green spaces.
Pick a quiet bench and enjoy the calming sounds of nature beside one of the three large lakes or head to the meadow where you’ll discover a large grassy area that’s perfect for picnics, cartwheels, summer games and more.
Great Notley Country Park
Work up an appetite for your picnic with Sky Ropes, our bookable climbing activity, before settling down with some much earned refreshments on Great Notley’s main picnic field.
Handily located close to the parking area, fly a kite or have a kickaround before you take the bags back to the car before heading off again to enjoy the lakes and Essex’s longest play trail.
Please note: sections of the Great Notley Play Trail are currently closed due to improvement works, but there is still plenty to enjoy. Works are due to be finished by end July 2026.
Hadleigh Country Park
Active families who want to exercise and explore before pitching up should visit Hadleigh Country Park.
Enjoy the many walking or cycling trails before heading uphill for the most scenic picnic spot. Once there you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of Hadleigh Castle, the Thames Estuary and winding tracks of the park.
The Hub cafe at Hadleigh is also open for tasty treats to top up your picnic.
Please look out for other visitors on the multi-use trails.
Remember to keep your dogs on a lead when walking near any grazing animals - which are part of our natural land management programme.
Weald Country Park
Sunseekers will love watching their children play on the main grassy hill area near the deer enclosure and Stick Man trail.
Fly kites, kick balls and enjoy ice cream before heading down to the lake where children can feed the ducks.
For those who prefer a proper seated area close to the car park and facilities, head to the historic Belvedere area of the park which offers an all-weather sheltered picnic area.
Thorndon Country Park
Find The Gruffalo and discover the deep dark wood at Thorndon Country Park before heading over to Thorndon South – the walk will certainly work up an appetite in preparation for a picnic.
Head back to the picnic benches under the shade of the trees near the sensory garden or soak up the sun on a picnic blanket in our big open spaces at Thorndon South.
The cafe and shop at Thorndon is open every day, but remember no dogs are allowed inside.
Car parks available at both Thorndon North and Thorndon South.
Happy Picnicking
If you do visit for a picnic, we’d love to see your photos!
Tag us on social media or email your photos to marketing.exploreessex@essex.gov.uk
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