Heritage places
A lot of Essex parks and places are steeped in history. From one of the largest Knight’s Templar sites to connections with Capability Brown, why not find out more about our county’s history with a visit. If you are interested in delving deep into the past, the Essex Record Office is the place to start your journey.
Cressing Temple Barns
Experience a unique piece of history at the 13th century, Knights Templar Barns, complete with restored Tudor walled garden and Tiptree tea rooms.
- Witham Road, Braintree, Cressing, CM77 8PD
Jaywick Martello Tower
A renovated Martello Tower, Jaywick is a thriving arts, heritage and community venue on the beautiful Jaywick Sands coastline near Clacton-on-Sea.
- The Promenade, Belsize Ave, Clacton-on-Sea,, CO15 2LF
Essex Record Office
The storehouse of Essex history, discover documents, images, and recordings that together tell the story of nearly 1,000 years of our county's past.
- Wharf Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6YT
Hadleigh Country Park
Not only one of the UK's top mountain biking courses, Hadleigh Park offers something for everyone – idyllic countryside, magnificent views, a café and important historical sites.
- Chapel Lane, Benfleet, SS7 2PP
Belhus Woods Country Park
Over 300 acres in South Essex, Belhus Woods Country Park combines ancient woodland, kid's play area, meadows and lakes with a visitor centre and café.
- South Ockendon, Aveley, RM15 4XJ
Weald Country Park
Famous for its deer park and Stick Man trail, Weald boasts spectacular views and space, covering over 520 acres of woodland, wildflower meadows and open grassland.
- Weald Road, Brentwood, CM14 5QS
Danbury Country Park
Featuring 45 acres of grade II listed park and gardens with lakes, ancient woodland, wildflower meadow and historic features. Ideal for walking, families and picnics with friends.
- Woodhill Road , Chelmsford, Danbury, CM3 4AW
Alderford Water Mill
Restored, Grade II-listed timber building, typical of rural water mills and one of the best preserved in Essex. The water wheel often runs on open days.
- Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, CO9 3HZ
Beeleigh Steam Mill
One of the most attractive and fascinating mills in East Anglia, Beeleigh Mill includes a rare beam engine and elephant boiler. Open by appointment.
- Abbey Turning, Maldon, CM9 6LJ
Finchingfield Post Mill
Grade II-listed Finchingfield Post Mill is the oldest windmill in Essex, built around 1756. It overlooks the picturesque village of Finchingfield.
- Duck End, Finchingfield, Braintree, CM7 4NA
Mountnessing Post Mill
Built in 1807, Mountnessing Post Mill is the nearest Essex mill to London. Fully restored to working order, it sees many visitors and lends itself to photographs.
- Roman Road, Mountnessing, Brentwood, CM15 0UG
Stock Tower Mill
Popular 5-storey Grade II listed tower mill with six-bladed fantail, built around 1804, restored complete with several floors of machinery.
- Mill Lane, Stock, Ingatestone, CM4 9NE
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22 ways to Explore Essex in 2022
Take the 22 for 2022 Explore Essex Challenge
- Dates: January 1 - March 31, 2022
- Times: 8:00am - 11:30pm
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Essex Explorer Magazine
Packed full of beautiful photography, seasonal features, recommended reads, recipes, competitions and much more.
- Dates: January 1 - February 28, 2022
- Times: 8:00am - 11:30pm
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Woodland Play at Danbury Country Park
Join us for woodland play sessions, aimed at the under 5's. Activities include forest crafts and building dens.
- Dates:
- January 24, 2022
- January 31, 2022
- February 7, 2022
- February 21, 2022
- February 28, 2022
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- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- For under 5s
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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.