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
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
Jaywick Martello Tower: Coastal Open 2023
We are now accepting applications for the Coastal Open 2023.
- Dates: March 28 - August 11, 2023
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 12:00pm - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: N/A
Jaywick Martello Tower Spring Talk 2023: Raising the curtain on the Aurora Borealis
Join us at Jaywick Martello Tower for the final of our Spring Talks 2023 series about The Northern lights, which provide one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth.
- Dates: March 31, 2023
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Tickets are £2.00 per talk or pay for all five talks in advance and get the final talk free.
Temple at War
Military and vintage show, with a variety of displays, explosive battles, outstanding shows, RAF flyover, vintage stalls and memorabilia
- Dates: May 13 - 14, 2023
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- For the whole family
- 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.