Essex Country Parks
Explore the eight country parks on your doorstep and beyond
Essex Country Parks
Explore and enjoy the eight Essex Country Parks on your doorstep and beyond . . .
Discover the eight Essex County Council run county parks across the county from Belhus Woods in the southwest to Cudmore Grove on Mersea island.
Boasting a range of landscapes and facilities including the famous The Gruffalo trail at Thorndon and Stick Man at Weald, enjoy an affordable day out with family and furry friends.
Find out more about what we're doing to boost nature recovery by restoring landscapes across the 1,000 acres we manage.
Invest in an Explorer Pass to enjoy car parking at our country parks all year round and save on multiple visits.
Read our top dog walks blog to inspire where to go next.
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
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
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
Great Notley Country Park
Home to Essex's longest play trail and Sky Ropes, Great Notley Country Park offers the perfect family day out.
- Braintree, Great Notley, CM77 7FS
Hadleigh Country Park
Hadleigh Park offers something for everyone – idyllic countryside, cycling and walking trails and magnificent views.
- Chapel Lane, Benfleet, SS7 2PP
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
Thorndon Country Park
Colourful woodlands, birdlife, open parkland, fishing and the Gruffalo Trail make Thorndon Country Park the perfect destination for nature lovers, dog walkers and families alike.
- Brentwood, Warley, CM13 3RZ
Weald Country Park
Famous for its deer park and Stick Man trail, Weald boasts spectacular views and space, covering over 520 acres of woodland, wildflower meadows and open grassland.
- Weald Road, Brentwood, CM14 5QS
The Essex Country Parks have been recognised for their excellent standards by being awarded Green Flag status again for 2024/2025.
The Green Flag awards recognise and reward well managed parks throughout the country and demonstrate that the spaces meet the needs of the communities that they serve. Find out more with our Green Flag blog here.
The Essex Country Parks of Belhus Woods, Cudmore Grove, Danbury, Great Notley, Hadleigh, Thorndon and Weald, have all received Green Flag status.
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Read our seasonal blogs to inspire where to go and what to do next
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Four Best Essex Snowdrop Strolls
Stunning swathes of these unique flowers dominate British countryside in the New Year, so look out for snowdrops from January to March with us.
Posted on 30th December 2025
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12 reasons to visit the 8 Essex Country Parks in 2026
Get out more this New Year to feel good. Invest in the Explorer Pass and visit all year round. Buy in January and get one month free: 13 months for the price of 12.
Posted on 23rd December 2025
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A year in the life of a country park
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a country park? Here park manager, Gavin Leonard, reflects on a year in the life of Belhus Woods during 2025.
Posted on 17th December 2025
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