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
JMT: Coastal Open 2026
Step into a celebration of creativity at the Coastal Open 2026!
- Dates: September 12 - November 1, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free
JMT Autumn Talk: An Underground Guide to Historical London
For over 300 years, monuments have been erected across London celebrating events and individuals pivotal to our history.
- Dates: October 2, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £3.00
Jaywick Martello Tower: We Are Music
Are you, or someone you know, interested in joining a band? Are you a part of a band and want to improve your musical skills as a group?
- Dates:
- October 2, 2026
- October 3, 2026
- October 4, 2026
- October 5, 2026
- October 6, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
- Teenagers
- Price: Free
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- October 3, 2026
- October 10, 2026
- October 17, 2026
- October 24, 2026
- October 31, 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:
- October 3, 2026
- October 10, 2026
- October 17, 2026
- October 24, 2026
- October 31, 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:
- October 3, 2026
- October 10, 2026
- October 17, 2026
- October 24, 2026
- October 31, 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.