Explorer pass

Modern lifestyles can mean we don’t get out as much as we perhaps should. But the benefits of exercise to both adults and children are huge. There is lots of research to show that regular exercise boosts mood and self-esteem as well as reducing risk of illness. Studies also show that ‘green exercise’ in natural surroundings has the biggest impact on mood.

At the Explore Essex group of parks and places there is plenty of space to get out and about and let yourselves run free. Dress up warm, and take a stroll along beautiful footpaths, or run wild across the rolling grasslands. Discover all that nature has to offer throughout the seasons. Jump in puddles, build dens, and spot wildlife.

Get your kids out and set their imaginations free as they play, climb and soar in beautiful outdoor locations. Specially designed, natural and unique play equipment has been commissioned and developed at many of the parks. Great Notley Country Park for example boasts the longest play trail in Essex and is also home to Sky Ropes.

Meet friends in our beautiful Country Parks and enjoy a small discount on coffee and snacks in the cafes.

Your pass will entitle you to:

• Car Parking at 7 country parks for a whole year: Belhus Woods, Cudmore Grove, Danbury, Great Notley, Hadleigh, Thorndon and Weald.
• 2 days free parking for family or friend
• Sky Ropes voucher for one
• 10% discount at The Barns Tiptree Tea Room at Cressing Temple Barns
• 10% discount at the Wiggly Bush Weald Café at the visitor centre
• 10% discount at the Nightingale Belhus Café at the visitor centre
• 10% discount food and drink at the Skylark Café (minimum spend £5) at Great Notley Country Park
• 2 for 1 on tea and coffee at Thorndon Country Park (valid after 1.30pm, Mon-Fri, term time only, excludes bank holidays)

The cost of the pass per year:

£85 standard pass for one car

£23 for a second car at the same address

£57 for over 60’s/blue badge holders

If you are a regular visitor to the parks, or are thinking of visiting more frequently it makes a lot of sense to invest. It's just £1.50 a week for a full priced pass or just £1.00 a week for an over 60's, so you'll save money and be incentivised to get out more at the same time!

You can purchase the Explorer Pass through our supplier MiPermit.

The best way to do this is online, but you can also call them directly on:

0345 520 7007

Once you’re on the MiPermit website you’ll need to select Permit Type from the drop-down box (basic options include one vehicle standard, over 60’s or blue badge).

What will I need?

You will need your car registration number, name, and contact details (email or telephone number, for your receipt).

You will need to enter your postal address so that your physical pass can be posted to you.

For over 60s, disabled and second car you will also need to have proof of status or vehicle ownership ready as a photograph or image.

Then simply follow the instructions, and use your credit or debit card details to make payment. Payment will appear as ‘MiPermit Ltd’ on your bank statement.