Coastal, rivers and lakes
Explore some of the best places to walk, picnic and play by the water’s edge.
Coastal, rivers and lakes
There’s sometimes nothing better than being by water, whether it’s the sea, river or lake. Each has its own magic. Explore coastal Cudmore Grove on Mersea Island, or picnic by the lakes at Danbury or Belhus Woods. Take a scenic riverside ramble at Marsh Farm Country Park by the river Crouch. Explore somewhere new and let the peace and beauty wash over you.
Cudmore Grove Country Park
A nature reserve of over 102 acres of unique coastal landscapes and habitat and heritage features overlooking the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries.
- Broman's Lane, East Mersea, CO5 8UE
Marsh Farm Country Park
A 300-acre country park adjacent to the River Crouch, offering scenic walks with fantastic views over the country park and the river.
- South Woodham Ferrers, , Chelmsford , CM3 5WP
Hadleigh Country Park
Hadleigh Park offers something for everyone – idyllic countryside, cycling and walking trails and magnificent views.
- Chapel Lane, Benfleet, SS7 2PP
Danbury Country Park
Featuring 45 acres of grade II listed park and gardens with lakes, ancient woodland, wildflower meadow and historic features. Ideal for walking, families and picnics with friends.
- Woodhill Road , Chelmsford, Danbury, CM3 4AW
Belhus Woods Country Park
Over 300 acres in South Essex, Belhus Woods Country Park combines ancient woodland, kid's play area, meadows and lakes with a visitor centre and café.
- South Ockendon, Aveley, RM15 4XJ
Essex Outdoors Mersea
With over 60 acres of beautiful grounds and commanding far-reaching views across the estuary, you can discover many thrilling adventures at Essex Outdoors Mersea. Enjoy activities for children, school groups and businesses.
- Rewsalls Lane, Colchester, CO5 8SX
Essex Outdoors Bradwell
Bradwell is a purpose-built coastal outdoor education centre, based on the River Blackwater Estuary. Offering water based sports and more to families, schools and businesses.
- Waterside Road, Southminster, CM0 7QY
Discover more places
Featured events
Essex Libraries: Winter Reading Challenge
Join the Pawfessionals for a winter of reading and fun!
- Dates: January 10 - February 22, 2026
- Times: 12:00pm - 12:00pm
- 4 to 12-years-old
- Price: Free
Essex Outdoors Danbury: School Holiday Activity Days
Action-packed kids holiday club activity days at Essex Outdoors Danbury.
- Dates:
- February 18, 2026
- February 19, 2026
- February 20, 2026
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Danbury
- Times: 8:30am - 5:00pm
- 8-16
- Price: £20.00 per child per day. Half price for February.
Essex Outdoors Mersea: School Holiday Activity Days
Action-packed kids holiday club activity days run at our four Essex Outdoors centres during the school holidays.
- Dates:
- February 18, 2026
- February 19, 2026
- February 20, 2026
- Times: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- 8-16
- Price: £20.00 per child per day during February.
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- February 21, 2026
- February 28, 2026
- March 7, 2026
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 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:
- February 21, 2026
- February 28, 2026
- March 7, 2026
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 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:
- February 21, 2026
- February 28, 2026
- March 7, 2026
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
Explore Essex
Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out
Need to know
Explorer Pass
Save money with your Explorer Pass
Our annual Explore Essex Pass will give you and your family the freedom to explore some of the incredible places and green spaces that Essex has to offer, as many times as you like throughout the year, with free parking at seven country parks, 2 or 1 on Sky Ropes, priority booking on specific events, and 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres.