Explorer Pass

Save with your Explorer Pass

Explorer Pass

Save money on car parking and more with the Essex Country Parks Explorer Pass

8 Parks. 1 Pass. Enjoy multiple visits for less with our annual car parking pass.

From just over £1.63 a week, or £1.21 for over 66s.

Our Explorer Pass will give you the freedom to explore some of the incredible green spaces that Essex has to offer with your family and furry friends.

Enjoy parking at seven country parks (the eighth is already free) and 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres within the parks. Visit as many times as you like throughout the year.

The Essex Country Parks are:

  1. Belhus Woods
  2. Cudmore Grove
  3. Danbury
  4. Great Notley
  5. Hadleigh
  6. Thorndon
  7. Weald
  8. Marsh Farm

Enjoy the coast at Cudmore Grove on Mersea Island, discover Essex's longest play trail and Sky Ropes at Great Notley, set imaginations free with the Stick Man trail and deer park at Weald and The Gruffalo trail in the deep, dark woods at Thorndon.

Don't forget the music-themed children's play and dog agility area at Belhus Woods, the beautiful lakes and ancient woodlands at Danbury and the stunning open spaces at Hadleigh and Marsh Farm.

Explore all eight Essex Country Parks.

What else can I do?

With an Explorer Pass you will receive a discount to use at The Barns Tiptree Tea Rooms at Cressing Temple Barns.

You will also receive a two for one Sky Ropes voucher and two day's free parking for family and friends. And don't forget your discount at the Essex Country Park cafes.

Scroll down for a full list of Explorer Pass benefits.

Discover the Essex Country Parks

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.

Meet friends in our beautiful country parks and enjoy a small discount on coffee and snacks in the cafes and boost your wellbeing.

What are the benefits?

Your pass will entitle you to:

  1. Car Parking at seven country parks for a whole year: Belhus Woods, Cudmore Grove, Danbury, Great Notley, Hadleigh, Thorndon and Weald.
  2. Two days free parking for family or friend
  3. Sky Ropes two for one voucher
  4. 10% discount at The Barns Tiptree Tea Room at Cressing Temple Barns
  5. 10% discount at the Wiggly Bush Weald café at the visitor centre
  6. 10% discount at the Nightingale Belhus café at the visitor centre
  7. 10% discount at Great Notley Country Park on food and drink at the Skylark Café
  8. 10% discount on food and drink at The Salvation Army Hub café at Hadleigh Park
  9. 2 for 1 on tea and coffee at Thorndon Country Park countryside centre café (valid after 1.30pm, Mon-Fri, term time only, excludes bank holidays)

*Discounts exclude events and any other product discounts or bundle offers

*Cafés and car parks can be closed at short notice due to severe weather, staff illness and other unforeseen circumstances

*Where possible we try to ensure information is up to date on our website. Check before you travel.

Two children playing with leaves in the woods

Price and how to buy

Black Friday Flash Sale: Save 15% Quote BF24 to claim in 'notes'.

To claim before midnight Friday 6 December 2024.

Discount only available on standard passes (not second cars and VRM).

The cost of the pass per year from 1 April 2024:

  • £85 standard pass for one car
  • £30 for a second car at the same address
  • £63 for over 66s (national pension age)
  • £57 for blue badge holders
  • £175 for business users

If you are thinking of visiting more frequently it makes a lot of sense to invest. It's the equivalent of £1.63 a week for a full priced pass, you'll save money and be incentivised to get out more at the same time!

If you are business user then it also makes sense to invest. A business pass is for anyone using the park and parking as part of their business activity.

e.g. Professional dog walker, personal trainer, mountain bike coach. This is not for commercial vehicles that are transporting goods. e.g. Taxi driver, tradesperson.

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 66’s or blue badge).

*Remember to enter your promotional code into the text box to receive your discount if you have one.

What will I need?

You will need your car registration number, name, contact details* (email or telephone number, for your online application).

For a new over 66s, disabled and second car application 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.

For existing over 60’s customers you can ring MiPermit direct to extend your existing annual pass.

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