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
Spooky Magic Trail at Belhus Woods Country Park
Head to an Essex Country Park this October half term and pick up or download a free Spooky Magic Trail.
- Dates: October 17 - November 1, 2026
- Venue: Belhus Woods Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Trail is free
Spooky Magic Trail at Cudmore Grove Country Park
Head to an Essex Country Park this October half term and pick up or download a free Spooky Magic Trail sheet.
- Dates: October 17 - November 1, 2026
- Venue: Cudmore Grove Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Trail is free
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- October 17, 2026
- October 24, 2026
- October 31, 2026
- November 7, 2026
- November 14, 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 17, 2026
- October 24, 2026
- October 31, 2026
- November 7, 2026
- November 14, 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 17, 2026
- October 24, 2026
- October 31, 2026
- November 7, 2026
- November 14, 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.