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
Autumn Winter Scavenger Hunt
Autumn has arrived and the parks are bursting with colour. See how many of these seasonal sights you can spot on your next trip to an Essex Country Park.
- Dates: September 10, 2025 - January 31, 2026
- Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price:
Essex Libraries: Winter Reading Challenge
Join the Pawfessionals for a winter of reading and fun!
- Dates: January 10 - February 22, 2026
- Times: 12:00pm - 12:00pm
- 4 to 12-years-old
- Price: Free
Parkrun Junior: Great Notley Country Park
Join this free, weekly 2k run aimed specifically at juniors aged 4 to 14 years-old.
- Dates:
- January 25, 2026
- February 1, 2026
- February 8, 2026
- February 15, 2026
- February 22, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 6:00pm
- 4 to 14
- Price: Free
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- January 24, 2026
- January 31, 2026
- February 7, 2026
- February 14, 2026
- February 21, 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:
- January 24, 2026
- January 31, 2026
- February 7, 2026
- February 14, 2026
- February 21, 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:
- January 24, 2026
- January 31, 2026
- February 7, 2026
- February 14, 2026
- February 21, 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.