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
The Lock Climbing Wall: Give it a go sessions (Adults)
If you want to see what all the fuss is about and want to try climbing for the first time, then this is the course for you. No experience required, just a desire to give it a go!
- Dates:
- March 12, 2026
- March 12, 2026
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Harlow
- Times: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
- For adults
- Price: £24.00 (course fee includes all tuition and kit hire).
Jaywick Martello Tower Spring Talks: The British Storm and Flood of 1953
The storm of 31 January 1953 brought tragedy on land and sea. Join Adam Wright for this talk.
- Dates: March 13, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £3.00
North Essex Astronomical Society at Great Notley
North Essex Astronomical Society is one of the larger astronomical societies in the UK with over 200 members. They are also one of the few providing members with access to a full-sized observatory at a dark-sky location
- Dates:
- March 14, 2026
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 7:00pm - 9:30pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 2026
- April 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:
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 2026
- April 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:
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 2026
- April 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.