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
Over 102 acres of magical coastal landscapes, heritage features, picnic areas and kids play 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
Butterfly Trail at Belhus Woods Country Park
Take the new butterfly trail at Belhus Woods Country Park - suitable for everyone.
- Dates: May 1 - August 31, 2026
- Venue: Belhus Woods Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free*
Rockwise Music Production Workshops
Take part in these rock music workshops for young people.
- Dates:
June 16, 2026- June 23, 2026
- June 30, 2026
- Times: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
- 12 - 19-years-old
- Price: Free
Design Create Play with Karen Ketchup
Enjoy sustainable fashion design workshops for young people.
- Dates:
June 16, 2026- June 23, 2026
- June 30, 2026
- Times: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
- 12 - 19-years-old
- Price: Free
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- June 20, 2026
- June 27, 2026
- July 4, 2026
- July 11, 2026
- July 18, 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:
- June 20, 2026
- June 27, 2026
- July 4, 2026
- July 11, 2026
- July 18, 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:
- June 20, 2026
- June 27, 2026
- July 4, 2026
- July 11, 2026
- July 18, 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.