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*
Cressing Temple Barns: World's Edge Fantasy Fayre
World’s Edge is an unusual village. It spins through space and time, picking up inhabitants as it goes. Walk into World’s Edge and you might encounter fae, mermaids, starfighters or people from the distant reaches of history.
- Dates: June 13 - 14, 2026
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 10:00am - 7:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Saturday: Adults (over 16-years-old) £31.50, children (seven to 15-years-old) £21.25, under seven-years-old, £11.00, under 18 months, free. Sunday: Adults (over 16-years-old) £37.50, children (seven to 15-years-old) £26.25, under seven-years-old, £11.00, under 18 months, free.
Essex Record Office Presents Special: New Discoveries in the Life of John Ball
Join speakers Helen Lacey, Andrew Prescott and Herbert Eiden who reveal recent research into the Radical Preacher and Rebel Leader of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt.
- Dates: June 13, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:30am - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £8.00 to £12.00
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- June 13, 2026
- June 20, 2026
- June 27, 2026
- July 4, 2026
- July 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:
- June 13, 2026
- June 20, 2026
- June 27, 2026
- July 4, 2026
- July 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:
- June 13, 2026
- June 20, 2026
- June 27, 2026
- July 4, 2026
- July 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.