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
Jaywick Martello Tower Exhibition: St Helena Hospice - Life Stories
St Helena Hospice is celebrating its 40th anniversary with two exhibitions at the historical Jaywick Martello Tower.
- Dates: May 1 - June 22, 2025
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free
Man about Country: An Essex Ways story walks
Discover the stories and secrets of Essex with a guided walk through some of its finest landscapes.
- Dates: June 13 - July 10, 2025
- Times: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free
Legendary Essex at The Minories
Join Legendary Essex at Anglia Folklore Centre in the beautiful Minories building for a morning of story sharing and postcard art.
- Dates: June 13, 2025
- Venue: High Street
- Times: 10:00am - 12:30pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- 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: Every Saturday
- Venue: Cudmore Grove Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
Parkrun: Hadleigh Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- 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.