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.

Archive Explorers Club: Essex Record Office
Come along to our free stay and play session for parents, carers and under-fives for an opportunity to meet other parents, enjoy a hot drink, and look through a selection of historic records.
- Dates:
- November 12, 2026
- November 26, 2026
- December 10, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- For under 5s
- Price: Free

Chai Lates at Colchester Arts Centre
A masala blend like no other; Chai Lates is a series of four unforgettable cabaret-style evenings at Colchester Arts Centre, packed with performances which will leave you craving another cup.
- Dates: November 13, 2026
- Times: 7:30pm - 9:30pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £5.00

North Essex Astronomical Society at Great Notley
North Essex Astronomical Society is one of the larger astronomical societies in the UK with over 200 members. They are also one of the few providing members with access to a full-sized observatory at a dark-sky location
- Dates:
- November 14, 2026
- December 12, 2026
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 7:00pm - 9:30pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- November 14, 2026
- November 21, 2026
- November 28, 2026
- December 5, 2026
- December 12, 2026
- (continued …)
- 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:
- November 14, 2026
- November 21, 2026
- November 28, 2026
- December 5, 2026
- December 12, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Cudmore Grove Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free

Parkrun: Hadleigh Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- November 14, 2026
- November 21, 2026
- November 28, 2026
- December 5, 2026
- December 12, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
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