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 with of over 102 acres of unique coastal landscapes and habitat and heritage 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
Not only one of the UK's top mountain biking courses, Hadleigh Park offers something for everyone – idyllic countryside, magnificent views, a café and important historical sites.
- 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. The coastal location is quite special. The surrounding marshes and beaches make it the ideal environment for shore-based studies with access to a small field study centre in a creek nearby, only reachable by boat. A new Lake will also be available to our customers in 2020!
- Rewsalls Lane, Colchester, CO5 8SX
Essex Outdoors Bradwell
The Essex Outdoors centre at Bradwell is a coastal outdoor education centre, based on the River Blackwater Estuary, a lovely stretch of sheltered tidal water on the east coast of Essex. Delivering high-quality residential and day-based outdoor education programmes, Bradwell is recognised as a leading provider of sailing, yachting and water sport activities. The small waterside site packs in a lot: full residential facilities in our main building plus extra spaces in our new onsite tent village.
- Waterside Road, Southminster, CM0 7QY
Discover more places
Featured events
23 ways to Explore Essex in 2023 with family and friends
23 ideas to kick start 2023 from walks to birdwatching, kid's play to family history, there's something for everyone.
- Dates: January 1 - April 30, 2023
- Times: 8:00am - 7:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Mostly free - see feature for more information
Woodland Play at Danbury Country Park
Join us for woodland play sessions, aimed at the under-5's. Activities include forest crafts and building dens.
- Dates:
February 6, 2023- February 27, 2023
- March 27, 2023
- April 17, 2023
- May 22, 2023
- (continued …)
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- For under 5s
- Price:
Home education Forest School sessions at Danbury Country Park
Aimed at home educated children, this series of six sessions at Danbury Country Park includes nature activities, forest crafts, imagination, physical play and building things.
- Dates:
February 6, 2023- February 27, 2023
- March 27, 2023
- April 17, 2023
- May 22, 2023
- (continued …)
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price:
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.