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
The Lock Climbing Wall: Give it a go sessions (Adults)
If you want to see what all the fuss is about and want to try climbing for the first time, then this is the course for you. No experience required, just a desire to give it a go!
- Dates:
March 12, 2026March 12, 2026
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Harlow
- Times: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
- For adults
- Price: £24.00 (course fee includes all tuition and kit hire).
Jaywick Martello Tower Spring Talks: The British Storm and Flood of 1953
The storm of 31 January 1953 brought tragedy on land and sea. Join Adam Wright for this talk.
- Dates: March 13, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £3.00
North Essex Astronomical Society at Great Notley
North Essex Astronomical Society is one of the larger astronomical societies in the UK with over 200 members. They are also one of the few providing members with access to a full-sized observatory at a dark-sky location
- Dates:
- March 14, 2026
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 7:00pm - 9:30pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 2026
- April 11, 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:
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 2026
- April 11, 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:
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 2026
- April 11, 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.