Wildlife and walks
Discover more about your local wildlife. Spot local and rare birds, deer and woodland animals. Every season offers something new. In the summer, wildflower meadows come alive with insects and butterflies. In the winter huge flocks of migratory geese, waders and wildfowl descend. Grab your binoculars, spotter’s guides and all the family and get out into the Country Parks to enjoy everything Essex has to offer.
Simply enjoy the local wildlife in your local park, or check ‘What’s on’ by using the Wildlife & Walks filter in events. Speak to the local wardens and park managers and check out spotter’s boards in the parks’ visitors centres to find out what’s been seen. If you're looking for some spring walks, check out our Bluebell walks blog.
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
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
Cudmore Grove Country Park
A nature reserve with of over 102 acres of unique coastal landscapes and habitat and heritage overlooking the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries.
- Broman's Lane, East Mersea, CO5 8UE
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
Marsh Farm Country Park
A 300-acre country park adjacent to the River Crouch, offering scenic walks with fantastic views over the country park and the river.
- South Woodham Ferrers, , Chelmsford , CM3 5WP
Thorndon Country Park
Colourful woodlands, birdlife, open parkland, fishing and the Gruffalo Trail make Thorndon Country Park the perfect destination for nature lovers, dog walkers and families alike.
- Brentwood, Warley, CM13 3RZ
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
Flitch Way
Enjoy 15 miles of flat, traffic free, beautiful Essex countryside following a former railway line from Braintree to Bishops Stortford. Perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding.
- Braintree, CM77 7FS
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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
Jaywick Martello Tower: Coastal Open 2023
We are now accepting applications for the Coastal Open 2023.
- Dates: March 28 - August 11, 2023
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 12:00pm - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: N/A
Jaywick Martello Tower Spring Talk 2023: Raising the curtain on the Aurora Borealis
Join us at Jaywick Martello Tower for the final of our Spring Talks 2023 series about The Northern lights, which provide one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth.
- Dates: March 31, 2023
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Tickets are £2.00 per talk or pay for all five talks in advance and get the final talk free.
Temple at War
Military and vintage show, with a variety of displays, explosive battles, outstanding shows, RAF flyover, vintage stalls and memorabilia
- Dates: May 13 - 14, 2023
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- For the whole family
- Price:
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.