Car parking

Essex Country Park car parking income is reinvested into the upkeep and development of the parks and protection of the wildlife within.

Why is there a car parking charge?

Over the last few years we've invested more than £1million in the Essex Country Parks for the benefit of our visitors, with improvements to footpaths and accessibility, facilities, signage and play equipment, and there are plans for further investment to come. We need to make sure we continue to invest in our country parks for you and future generations to enjoy.

From April 2022 the hourly charge will increase in line with the current rate of inflation. The change will occur as parking fees were frozen last year due to the health and wellbeing benefits that Essex Country Parks provided to local communities during the pandemic.

Current costs and ways to pay

To find the cost of parking at your local park, find the park under places to go. Costs are also displayed at each of the parks on the tariff boards by each payment machine.

Costs apply to all vehicles, including Blue Badge holders and tax-exempt vehicles. Coaches and minibuses of over 15 seats are charged £15 a day. Motorcycles park free.

We are continuing to try to make it easier for you to pay, investing in new methods that are rolling out across the parks. Whilst all parks should have a machine which accepts cash, there is also a new way to pay via an online app, as well as contactless methods.

MiPermit

MiPermit is a versatile, cashless service that means you can arrange your parking by telephone, SMS text message from your mobile, online or through smartphone apps. You can also extend your stay easily. It is free to register your vehicle, and you can do this in advance of your visit. MiPermit is a fully electronic system, meaning you do not need to display a paper ticket in your vehicle.

For two cars, register your first car and it will then give you the option to add another.

Please note that MiPermit is not currently available at Hadleigh or Great Notley Country Park.

Explorer Pass (Season Ticket)

Our Explorer Pass is more than just a car parking season ticket. This annual pass will allow you to park for free at seven Country Parks and receive discounts in many cafes and shops too. Read more about the benefits of investing in an Explorer pass.

Parking Enquiries

For car parking enquiries, please email: parking.explore@essex.gov.uk