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](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/Cressing.jpg)
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, Jaywick Sands, CO15 2LF
![ERO Welcome](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/ERO-Welcome.jpg)
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
![Lo res EE Hadleigh Apr24 145](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/masthead/_c480x240/lo-res_EE_Hadleigh_Apr24-145.jpg)
Hadleigh Country Park
Hadleigh Park offers something for everyone – idyllic countryside, cycling and walking trails and magnificent views.
- Chapel Lane, Benfleet, SS7 2PP
![Lo res EE Belhus Feb24 307](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/masthead/_c480x240/lo-res_EE_Belhus_Feb24-307.jpg)
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
![Lo res Explore Essex Weald May23 271](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/lo-res_ExploreEssex_WealdMay23-271.jpg)
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
![Ducks at the middle lake Nov 23](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/masthead/_c480x240/Ducks-at-the-middle-lake-Nov-23.jpg)
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 exterior](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/alderford-water-mill_20569267790_o.jpg)
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 exterior](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/beeleigh-steam-mill-photo-chris-allen-2.jpg)
Beeleigh Steam Mill
One of the most attractive and fascinating mills in East Anglia, Beeleigh Mill includes a rare beam engine and elephant boiler.
- Abbey Turning, Maldon, CM9 6LJ
![Finchingfield Mill exterior](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/finchingfield-20720697532_829d1020a0_o.jpg)
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 Mill exterior](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/mountnessing-20960167601_09b423ba04_o.jpg)
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 Mill exterior](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/ECC270919103.jpg)
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
Discover more places
Featured events
![Gruffalo 25th Web](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/masthead/_c480x240/Gruffalo-25th-Web.jpg)
The Gruffalo and Friends 25th Birthday Colouring Competition
Win £50 of goodies every month with our colouring competition
- Dates: February 3 - August 31, 2024
- Venue: Thorndon Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free to enter
![Social Media Square](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/Social-Media-Square_2023-07-11-135804_abps.jpg)
Animal Mysteries Summer Trail at Hadleigh Country Park
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
- Dates: July 20 - September 1, 2024
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Free
![Social Media Square no logos no roundel Copy](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/Social-Media-Square-no-logos-no-roundel-Copy_2024-07-09-155209_luxx.jpg)
Summer Magic Trail at Cressing Temple Barns
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
- Dates:
- July 20 - September 1, 2024
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Free
![Adult men and women running](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/shutterstock_502256053.jpg)
Great Notley Country Park Parkrun
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free to take part
![Adult men and women running](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/shutterstock_502256053.jpg)
Cudmore Grove Country Park Parkrun
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Venue: Cudmore Grove Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
![Adult men and women running](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/shutterstock_502256053.jpg)
Weald Country Park Parkrun
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Venue: Weald Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
Explore Essex
Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out
![A young boy and girl on scooters](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c800x480/shutterstock_436382107.jpg)
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.