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: Great Arcana Journey
Discover the timeless wisdom and symbolism of the Major Arcana through stunning collages by Josie Staessen, inspired by the classic tarot Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
- Dates: February 18 - March 8, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Parkrun Junior: Great Notley Country Park
Join this free, weekly 2k run aimed specifically at juniors aged 4 to 14 years-old.
- Dates:
- March 8, 2026
- March 15, 2026
- March 22, 2026
- March 29, 2026
- April 5, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 6:00pm
- 4 to 14
- Price: Free

Great Notley Country Park: Great Greyhound Walks
Greyhound Walks are for sighthounds, greyhound and lurcher owners who meet on a Sunday morning for an hour's stroll.
- Dates:
- March 8, 2026
- April 12, 2026
- May 10, 2026
- June 14, 2026
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 10:30am - 11:30am
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 2026
- April 11, 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:
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 2026
- April 11, 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:
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 2026
- April 11, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
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