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: Great Arcana Journey
Discover the timeless wisdom and symbolism of the Major Arcana through stunning collages by Josie Staessen, inspired by the classic tarot Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
- Dates: February 18 - March 8, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free
Jaywick Martello Tower Spring Talks: Jaywick – It’s Early Story
How did the present community of Jaywick come about?
- Dates: March 6, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £3.00
Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park
Don’t let the children have all the fun, connecting with nature is beneficial for everyone. Come and join us at our Family Forest School sessions.
- Dates:
- March 7, 2026
- April 11, 2026
- May 2, 2026
- June 6, 2026
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £10 for the first child. £6 for siblings. Accompanying adults Free. Under 18 months free.
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- March 7, 2026
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 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 7, 2026
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 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 7, 2026
- March 14, 2026
- March 21, 2026
- March 28, 2026
- April 4, 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.