Summer Events: Read, Count and Explore in the Parks
Free family summer fun days at the Essex Country Parks with Essex Libraries, TLC, ACL and our very own Education Rangers
Posted on 19th June 2023
Come and join us for FREE* family fun at the Essex Country Parks this summer and ‘Read, Count and Explore in the Parks’ this school holiday.
Enjoy story times and sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge with Essex Libraries, take part in drop-in craft sessions with ACL and our Park Rangers.
Pick up an Animal Mysteries Summer Trail booklet, borrow a Read and Count Under a Tree book bag, and much more.
Bring a blanket and join the teddy bear’s picnic!
Running from 10am to 2pm at various Essex Country Parks from Monday 31 July to Friday 11 August.
These events are part of the Essex County Council Year of Numbers initiative and Year of Reading legacy.
*Car parking charges apply
Read, Count and Explore in the Parks
The events will run from approximately 10am to 2pm on the following dates.
Monday 31 July: Hadleigh Country Park
Thursday 3 August: Thorndon Country Park
Monday 7 August: Cudmore Grove Country Park
Friday 11 August: Great Notley Country Park

Plan your visit
Plan your visit to Hadleigh Country Park.
Plan your visit to Thorndon Country Park.
Plan your visit to Cudmore Grove Country Park.
Plan your visit to Great Notley Country Park.
Good to Know:
Car parking charges apply at all Essex Country Parks.
Cafes, kiosks or vans serving light refreshments available at all sites.
Toilets open at all sites.
Look out for the Read, Count and Explore Gazebo and come join in the fun.

Jaywick Martello Tower Exhibition: St Helena Hospice - Life Stories
St Helena Hospice is celebrating its 40th anniversary with two exhibitions at the historical Jaywick Martello Tower.
- Dates: May 1 - June 22, 2025
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

*Sold Out* Extraordinary Essex Film Screening: 'Don’t Fight The Land That Feeds You'
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- Dates: May 2, 2025
- Venue: High Street
- Times: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
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- Price: Free

Cressing Temple Barns: Willow workshop garden decorations
Join our workshop and create wonderful willow dragonflies and bulrushes for your garden
- Dates: May 3, 2025
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £70 to 80

Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free to take part

Parkrun: Cudmore Grove Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Venue: Cudmore Grove Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free

Parkrun: Hadleigh Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
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