Get active
Simply being outdoors and getting active improves both mental and physical health. From taking a walk across rolling grasslands to cycling and kids’ play trails we’ve got something for you in many different locations across the county. So come on and get out more.
Read more about the benefits of being outside in our blog.
Places to go
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*
Make a day of it at Great Notley Country Park
A proper family day out, right on your doorstep. Park all day for just £6.55.
- Dates: July 17 - August 31, 2026
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free entry. Park all day for £6.55.
Make a day of it at Hadleigh Country Park
A proper family day out, right on your doorstep. Park all day for just £6.55.
- Dates: July 17 - August 31, 2026
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free entry. Park all day for £6.55.
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- August 8, 2026
- August 15, 2026
- August 22, 2026
- August 29, 2026
- September 5, 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:
- August 8, 2026
- August 15, 2026
- August 22, 2026
- August 29, 2026
- September 5, 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:
- August 8, 2026
- August 15, 2026
- August 22, 2026
- August 29, 2026
- September 5, 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.