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.
Featured events
Essex Book Festival - Story Hunter Events at Essex Country Parks
We are delighted to be partnering with the Essex Book Festival as part of the Explore Essex Summer of Culture - a broad series of events, activities and talks for 2021. Essex Book Festival are running a series of four interactive creative writing workshops and guided tours at our parks and places as part of the Story Hunters project. Book your place at one of these events and get your creative juices flowing! Don't forget to enter the Story Hunters Flash Fiction writing competition.
- Dates: June 27 - August 29, 2021
- Price: £15-£20
Essex Explorer Summer Trails
Turn your kids into mini explorers this summer holiday!
- Dates: July 24 - 25, 2021
- Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Trail booklets: £2
Art in the Park
Free family Art in the Park sessions at Danbury
- Dates: August 4 - 5, 2021
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 1:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Free - but please book your space as numbers are limited.
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.