Summer Magic at Essex Country Parks

Make it an enchanted summer at the Essex Country Parks with our free trail and more

Posted on 29th June 2026

Summer Magic Trails

Our Rangers are sure that magical creatures, including fairies, trolls and maybe even unicorns and dragons live deep in the hidden corners of the parks.

But some children seem to have stopped believing in them!

Can you find and count the magical creatures on our Summer Magic trail, to help make the magic stronger?

Pick up a free trail activity sheet from participating sites, or download and print at home.

You can also pick up or print a family summer spotter's sheet.

Running throughout the school summer holidays, from Saturday 18 July 2026 at:

The Summer Magic trail is supported by Essex Year of Numbers.

A Bugs and Butterflies trail is running at Hadleigh Country Park summer 2026.

NB: Car parking fees apply at all sites except for Cressing Temple Barns.

Summer Magic illustration of wizard, fairy and troll
child in tutu skirt holding a wand doing a star jump against the sun and sky

Make your own woodland wand

Make your own woodland wands and bring them when you visit to make magical memories.

Find out how in Essex Explorer magazine.

You might also like FREE Family Forest School at Danbury Country Park. Wild Wednesdays run throughout August.

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Events

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:
    • September 19, 2026
    • October 24, 2026
    • November 14, 2026
    • December 12, 2026
  • Venue: Great Notley Country Park
  • Times: 7:00pm - 9:30pm
  • For the whole family
  • Price: Free
Find out more about North Essex Astronomical Society at Great Notley

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