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, 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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Featured events
23 ways to Explore Essex in 2023 with family and friends
23 ideas to kick start 2023 from walks to birdwatching, kid's play to family history, there's something for everyone.
- Dates: January 1 - April 30, 2023
- Times: 8:00am - 7:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Mostly free - see feature for more information
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:
February 6, 2023- February 27, 2023
- March 27, 2023
- April 17, 2023
- May 22, 2023
- (continued …)
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- For under 5s
- Price:
Home education Forest School sessions at Danbury Country Park
Aimed at home educated children, this series of six sessions at Danbury Country Park includes nature activities, forest crafts, imagination, physical play and building things.
- Dates:
February 6, 2023- February 27, 2023
- March 27, 2023
- April 17, 2023
- May 22, 2023
- (continued …)
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price:
Explore Essex
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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.