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Your search for '"country park"' has returned 102 results:

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.
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Hadleigh Country Park
Hadleigh Park offers something for everyone – idyllic countryside, cycling and walking trails and magnificent views.
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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.
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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.
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Great Notley Country Park
Home to Essex's longest play trail and Sky Ropes, Great Notley Country Park offers the perfect family day out.
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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.
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Cudmore Grove Country Park
A nature reserve of over 102 acres of unique coastal landscapes and habitat and heritage features overlooking the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries.
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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.
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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.
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Sky Ropes
Your family adventure starts here! Swing, swoop and soar on our specially designed Sky Ropes.
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Wildlife Detectives Day
Nov 22, 2019
Your class will be detectives, uncovering clues to what lives where and why, as they explore their habitats, with concepts like food chains brought to life.
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Pirates & Princesses Trail
Feb 15, 2020
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Essex Explorer Bug and Butterfly Summer Trails
Aug 1, 2022
Turn your kids into mini explorers this summer holiday at our Essex Country Parks
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Essex Country Parks Summer Book Hunt
Aug 21, 2021
Join us for the Essex Country Parks Summer Book Hunt this August!
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The Daily Mile at Essex Country Parks
Oct 14, 2021
Discover an everyday walking route at a Country Park near you
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Essex Explorer Magazine
Jan 1, 2022
Packed full of beautiful photography, seasonal features, recommended reads, recipes, competitions and much more.
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Summer of Culture: Essex Multicultural Activities Network at Danbury Country Park
May 29, 2022
Explore the Essex Cultural Diversity Project Global Village Satellite Event at the Essex Country Parks.
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Summer of Culture: BrazilArte at Hadleigh Country Park
May 30, 2022
Explore the Essex Cultural Diversity Project Satellite Events at the Essex Country Parks.
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Summer of Culture: Efua Sey Cultural Academy at Weald Country Park
May 31, 2022
Explore the Essex Cultural Diversity Project Global Village Satellite Events at the Essex Country Parks.
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Summer of Culture: Global Village Finale at Hadleigh Country Park
Jul 3, 2022
Explore the Essex Cultural Diversity Project Global Village Finale event this summer.
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Easter books in the Park: Thorndon Country Park
Apr 10, 2025
Join Essex Library Service and Explore Essex for some egg-cellent story times this Easter school holiday.
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Easter books in the Park: Weald Country Park
Apr 10, 2025
Join Essex Library Service and Explore Essex for free story time at Weald Country Parks this Easter school holiday.
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Now: the future community event
Aug 13, 2022
Take part in climate change workshops run by award-winning theatre maker Amanda Kelleher and help create an audio play!
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Free Wetland Trail for all the family at Belhus Woods
Feb 17, 2024
Enjoy our FREE trail this February half term with the family, and discover fascinating facts about wetlands along the way!
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Unfamiliars: The Deepenings Project Artist Workshop
Mar 3, 2023
Join Gemma Garwood from the Deepenings project at Cudmore Grove Country Park.
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The Deepenings Project: Artist Workshop
Mar 17, 2023
Join artist Gemma Garwood from the Deepenings Project for this free event.
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Big Help Out: Behind the Scenes at Belhus Woods Country Park
May 8, 2023
A perfect opportunity for anyone who is interested in volunteering or would like to find out more about the work that goes on behind the scenes at Belhus Woods Country Park.
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Volunteer at Weald Country Park
Jun 1, 2023
With Spring upon us we are looking for volunteers to help with surveying our wildflower meadows.
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Free Wetland Trail for all the family at Danbury Country Park
Feb 17, 2024
Enjoy our FREE trail this February half term with the family, and discover fascinating facts about wetlands along the way!
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Birdlore Children's Workshop at Cudmore Grove
Jul 2, 2023
Join arts partnership Daniel and Clara for a creative workshop for children aged six and over about the mythology and folklore of birds
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The Deepenings Project: Music and Storytelling Trail
Jun 24, 2023
A small family friendly event with live music, poetry and storytelling set in the beautiful landscape of Cudmore Grove Country Park.
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The Deepenings Project: Midsummer Ritual
Jun 21, 2023
Join The Deepenings Project for a folk art ritual as they mark the summer solstice at Cudmore Grove Country Park.
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Read, Count and Explore at Hadleigh Country Park
Jul 31, 2023
Join us and Essex Libraries for free family fun this summer holiday
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Read, Count and Explore at Thorndon Country Park
Aug 3, 2023
Join us and Essex Libraries for free family fun this summer holiday
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Read, Count and Explore at Cudmore Grove Country Park
Aug 7, 2023
Join us and Essex Libraries for free family fun this summer holiday
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Read, Count and Explore at Great Notley Country Park
Aug 11, 2023
Join us and Essex Libraries for free family fun this summer holiday
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Animal Mysteries Summer Trail at Belhus Woods Country Park
Jul 22, 2023
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
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Animal Mysteries Summer Trail at Cudmore Grove Country Park
Jul 22, 2023
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
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Animal Mysteries Summer Trail at Danbury Country Park
Jul 22, 2023
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
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Animal Mysteries Summer Trail at Great Notley Country Park
Jul 22, 2023
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
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Animal Mysteries Summer Trail at Hadleigh Country Park
Jul 20, 2024
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
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Animal Mysteries Summer Trail at Thorndon Country Park (South)
Jul 22, 2023
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
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Animal Mysteries Summer Trail at Weald Country Park
Jul 22, 2023
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
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Circus Raj returns to Hadleigh Country Park
Sep 1, 2023
At this FREE event you can enjoy aerialists, acrobats, musicians, slack-rope walkers, giant puppets characters and so much more.
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Monster Mysteries Trail at Belhus Woods Country Park
Oct 19, 2024
Head to an Essex Country Park this October half term and pick up or download a free Monster Mysteries Trail supported by the Essex Year of Numbers.
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Monster Mysteries Trail at Cudmore Grove Country Park
Oct 19, 2024
Head to an Essex Country Park this October half term and pick up or download a free Monster Mysteries Trail sheet supported by the Essex Year of Numbers.
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Monster Mysteries Trail at Danbury Country Park
Oct 19, 2024
Head to an Essex Country Park this October half term and pick up or download a free Monster Mysteries Trail sheet supported by the Essex Year of Numbers.
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Monster Mysteries Trail at Great Notley Country Park
Oct 19, 2024
Head to an Essex Country Park this October half term and pick up or download a free Monster Mysteries Trail sheet supported by the Essex Year of Numbers.
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Monster Mysteries Trail at Thorndon Country Park
Oct 19, 2024
Head to an Essex Country Park this October half term and pick up or download a free Monster Mysteries Trail sheet supported by the Essex Year of Numbers.
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Monster Mysteries Trail at Weald Country Park
Oct 19, 2024
Head to an Essex Country Park this October half term and pick up or download a free Monster Mysteries Trail sheet supported by the Essex Year of Numbers.
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*Sold Out* Spooky Forest School at Thorndon Country Park
Oct 29, 2024
Book this spine-tingling Spooky Forest School session for October half term.
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*Sold Out* Spooky Forest School at Danbury Country Park
Oct 30, 2024
Book this fabulous, spine-tingling Spooky Forest School session for October half term.
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The Deepenings Trail at Cudmore Grove
Oct 12, 2023
Enjoy this walking trail as you explore The Deepenings.
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Stick Man Sculpture Trail and Colouring Competition at Weald Country Park
Nov 18, 2024
Come and enjoy the The Stick Man sculpture trail this winter at Weald Country Park.
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Animal Mysteries Festive Trail at Belhus Woods
Dec 1, 2024
Enjoy this festive trail at the Essex Country Parks funded by the Year of Numbers.
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Animal Mysteries Festive Trail at Cudmore Grove
Dec 1, 2024
Enjoy this festive trail at the Essex Country Parks funded by the Year of Numbers.
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Animal Mysteries Festive Trail at Danbury Country Park
Dec 2, 2024
Enjoy this festive trail at the Essex Country Parks funded by the Year of Numbers.
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Animal Mysteries Festive Trail at Great Notley
Dec 1, 2024
Enjoy this festive trail at the Essex Country Parks funded by the Year of Numbers.
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Animal Mysteries Festive Trail at Hadleigh
Dec 1, 2024
Enjoy this festive trail at the Essex Country Parks funded by the Year of Numbers.
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Animal Mysteries Festive Trail at Thorndon Country Park
Dec 1, 2024
Enjoy this festive trail at the Essex Country Parks funded by the Year of Numbers.
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Animal Mysteries Festive Trail at Weald Country Park
Dec 1, 2024
Enjoy this festive trail at the Essex Country Parks funded by the Year of Numbers.
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Welcome to Essex: A sculptural installation by Lata Upadhyaya (Chelmsford Library)
Mar 18, 2024
Welcome to Essex (2023) transforms a family of three Matryoshka dolls with the identities of the communities that call Essex home, celebrating the rich diversity of contemporary Britain and reflecting on the valuable contribution that immigration has made to British society.
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Welcome to Essex: A sculptural installation by Lata Upadhyaya (Harlow Library)
Apr 22, 2024
Welcome to Essex (2023) transforms a family of three Matryoshka dolls with the identities of the communities that call Essex home, celebrating the rich diversity of contemporary Britain and reflecting on the valuable contribution that immigration has made to British society.
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The Gruffalo and Friends 25th Birthday Colouring Competition
Feb 3, 2024
Win £50 of goodies every month with our colouring competition
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Animal Mysteries Easter Trail: Thorndon
Apr 5, 2025
Enjoy our Eggscellent Easter Trails at the Essex Country Parks this school holiday
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Animal Mysteries Easter Trail: Weald
Apr 5, 2025
Enjoy our Eggscellent Easter Trails at the Essex Country Parks this school holiday
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Animal Mysteries Easter Trail: Great Notley
Apr 5, 2025
Enjoy our Eggscellent Easter Trails at the Essex Country Parks this school holiday
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Animal Mysteries Easter Trail: Hadleigh
Apr 5, 2025
Enjoy our Eggscellent Easter Trails at the Essex Country Parks this school holiday
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Animal Mysteries Easter Trail: Cudmore Grove
Apr 5, 2025
Enjoy our Eggscellent Easter Trails at the Essex Country Parks this school holiday
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Animal Mysteries Easter Trail: Danbury
Apr 5, 2025
Enjoy our Eggscellent Easter Trails at the Essex Country Parks this school holiday
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Animal Mysteries Easter Trail: Cressing Temple Barns
Apr 5, 2025
Enjoy our Eggscellent Easter Trails at the Essex Country Parks this school holiday
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Creative Walk of Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park
Jun 29, 2024
Join artist duo Close and Remote for a leisurely adventure in Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park.
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Ever wanted to be an archaeologist?
Jul 22, 2024
Want take part in a week long archaeological training excavation at Weald Country Park?
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Summer Magic Trail at Thorndon Country Park
Jul 20, 2024
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
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The Gruffalo's Big Birthday Bash
Sep 14, 2024
Meet The Gruffalo at his Big Birthday Bash at Thorndon Country Park
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Monster Mysteries Trail at Cressing Temple Barns
Oct 19, 2024
Head to an Essex Country Park this October half term and pick up or download a free Monster Mysteries Trail supported by the Essex Year of Numbers.
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Essex Record Office Presents: A round-up of archaeology in Essex
Nov 26, 2024
Join speakers Maria Medlycott and Zoe Bridges as they give an overview of some archaeological digs that have recently been undertaken or are still being dug and what's being dug up in Burnham!
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Mental Elf Festive Fun Run
Nov 30, 2024
Mental Elf is a festive fun run for everyone – whether you’re a seasoned runner or prefer a stroll in the park.
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Braintree and Great Notley Santa Fun Run
Dec 15, 2024
A festive 5km run/walk to raise money for Essex homelessness charity, Hope House Essex - breaking the cycle of homelessness.
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Christmas Market at Hadleigh Country Park
Nov 30, 2024
Twinkling lights, locally crafted festive food, artisan gifts and Santa in his Grotto.
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25 ways to Explore Essex for 2025
Jan 1, 2025
From coastal strolls to learning something new, kickstart 2025 with our 25 things to do this New Year.
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Essex Record Office: Excavating Weald Hall
Feb 13, 2025
Join Oxford Archaeology at the Essex Record Office to learn about the results of last year’s community excavation at South Weald Country Park.
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Family Forest School at Danbury Country Park
Mar 11, 2023
Don’t let the children have all the fun, connecting with nature is beneficial for everyone. Come and join us at our Family Forest School sessions.
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Woodland Play at Danbury Country Park
Nov 11, 2024
Join us for woodland play sessions, aimed at the under-5's. Activities include forest crafts and building dens.
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Home Education Forest School sessions at Danbury Country Park
Nov 1, 2021
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.
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Let's Keep Covid in Check
Aug 18, 2021
Explore Essex safely this summer. If you're visiting Great Notley, Hadleigh or Thorndon on these selected dates, visit a pop-up stand to collect your free self-test kits.
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Family Wild Wednesdays at Danbury Country Park
Aug 7, 2024
Free family fun in the great outdoors this summer
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The Deepening's Project walk at Cudmore Grove
Nov 25, 2022
Join the artists from the Deepening’s Project at Cudmore Grove Country Park.
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Parkrun Junior: Great Notley Country Park
Jun 23, 2024
Join this free, weekly 2k run aimed specifically at juniors aged 4 to 14 years-old.
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Family Forest School at Great Notley Country Park
Mar 2, 2024
Following the success of Spooky Forest School in 2023, we are pleased to confirm a brand NEW Family Forest School running once a month on Saturdays at Great Notley Country Park.
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North Essex Astronomical Society at Great Notley
Sep 27, 2025
North Essex Astronomical Society is one of the larger astronomical societies in the UK with over 200 members. They are also one of the few providing members with access to a full-sized observatory at a dark-sky location
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Easter Forest School at Thorndon Country Park (am sessions)
Apr 3, 2024
Join us for this special session of Forest School for the Easter school holiday
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Animal Mysteries Easter Trail: Belhus Woods
Apr 5, 2025
Enjoy our Eggscellent Easter Trails at the Essex Country Parks this school holiday
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Summer Magic Trail at Belhus Woods Country Park
Jul 20, 2024
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
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Summer Magic Trail at Great Notley Country Park
Jul 20, 2024
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
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Summer Magic Trail at Cressing Temple Barns
Jul 20, 2024
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
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Summer Magic Trail at Danbury Country Park
Jul 20, 2024
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
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Summer Magic Trail at Cudmore Grove Country Park
Jul 20, 2024
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
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Summer Magic Trail at Weald Country Park
Jul 20, 2024
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
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Christmas and New Year's Day parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Dec 25, 2024
Free parkrun on Christmas and New Year's Day.
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Easter Forest School at Thorndon Country Park (pm sessions)
Apr 15, 2025
Join us for this special session of Forest School for the Easter school holiday
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Easter Forest School at Danbury Country Park (am sessions)
Apr 9, 2025
Join us for this special session of Forest School for the Easter school holiday
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SOLD OUT: Easter Forest School at Danbury Country Park (pm sessions)
Apr 9, 2025
Join us for this special session of Forest School for the Easter school holiday
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Essex Country Parks
Explore and enjoy the eight Essex Country Parks on your doorstep and beyond . . .
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Great Notley Country Park Room Hire
Hold your meeting at an inspirational Country Park setting
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Weald Country Park Discovery Trail
Explore different corners of the park and imagine the landscape as it once was. Discover the work the park rangers are doing to conserve it for future generations.
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Managing deer within Essex Country parks
The United Kingdom is home to six species of deer and the Essex Country Parks are no exception as the most common in the county are fallow, muntjac and roe deer. In fact, some of our sites began as medieval deer parks dating back to the 12th century.
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Halloween and October half term at the Essex Country Parks
For a spooktacular experience this half term holiday head to the Essex Country Parks.
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Community excavation at Weald Country Park peers into past
Peer into the past and discover this fascinating archaeological dig at Weald Country Park.
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Green Flags for the Essex Country Parks
The Essex Country Parks are proud to be recognised for their excellent standards by receiving Green Flag status.
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Summer Magic at the Essex Country Parks
Make it an enchanted summer at the Essex Country Parks with our free trail and more!
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Dogs at the Essex Country Parks
At the Essex Country Parks, not only do we welcome well behaved dogs but we also have a wide variety of landscapes which are perfect for walking your furry friends and helping both of you to get some exercise.
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Top Dog Walks at the Essex Country Parks
Whilst every Essex Country Park offers the perfect place to walk your fluffy friends, we’ve picked some of our top dog walks to suit you whatever you’re looking for.
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Four Best Bluebell Spots at the Essex Country Parks
In the months of April and into May Bluebells bloom and huge swathes of woodland come alive with carpets of beautiful blue flowers. We’ve pulled together the best spots to enjoy these vibrant splashes of colour in the Essex Country Parks, from Brentwood and Belhus to Danbury this spring.
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Best summer picnic spots at the Essex Country Parks
Picnics have been a popular tradition since the middle ages and when the sun is shining there’s no better reason to go for a picnic! We’ve put together a list of our favourite picnic spots across the Essex Country Parks – perfect for reconnecting with friends, catching up with family and eating your favourite food alfresco. Enjoy time spent outdoors in nature with the people you love this summer.
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Getting Fruity: New Community Orchards planted at the Essex Country Parks
Native, East Anglian fruit trees planted at three Essex Country Parks.
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Free Animal Mysteries Festive Trail at the Essex Country Parks
Wrap up warm and enjoy the Animal Mysteries Festival Trail and more at the Essex Country Parks this December.
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Something exciting is happening: Landscape restoration at Hadleigh Country Park
Something exciting is happening: Landscape restoration at Hadleigh Country Park
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Animal Mysteries Summer Trail at Hadleigh Country Park
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
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The Bird Box Project at the Essex Country Parks
Discover a new project with HMP Chelmsford that will help rehabilitate inmates and boost habitats for garden birds.
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Something exciting is happening: Landscape restoration at Thorndon Country Park
Restoring the landscapes of our past for the future.
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Something exciting is happening: Landscape restoration at Weald Country Park
Restoring the landscapes of our past for the future.
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Top Five Family Spring Walks in Essex Country Parks and Heritage Sites
Spend some quality time with the family and make the most of the stunning parks and outdoor spaces in your local area.
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Easter Fun and Animal Mysteries Trails
Discover Animal Mysteries Easter Trail and Easter Forest School at the Essex Country Parks and places
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Restoring the Landscapes of the Past for the Future at Essex Country Parks
An ambitious programme of landscape restoration is taking place at the Essex Country Parks to boost biodiversity and strengthen habitats for rare, declining and protected species for the future.
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Running, walking and fitness events at the Essex Country Parks for Spring 2025
Bored of the treadmill or running on roads? Try running (or walking) at the Essex Country Parks and boost your fitness whilst exploring the beautiful Essex countryside.
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A summer of free events and where to go this autumn 2023
Free events and trails enjoyed in the Essex Country Parks this summer thanks to the Essex Year of Numbers
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Explorer Pass
Save money on car parking and more with the Essex Country Parks Explorer Pass.
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Make Your Garden Hedgehog Friendly
Essex Country Park Rangers Tom Heenan and Laura Howles bring you tips on how to attract wildlife to your garden
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Four Romantic Park Walks in Essex
Discover romantic spots in the Essex Country Parks with panoramic views
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Heritage Trail - Thorndon South
Welcome to the Heritage Trail at Thorndon Country Park South
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The Essex Serpent: Cudmore Grove as film location
Did you know that our very own Cudmore Grove Country Park was one of The Essex Serpent film locations?
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Animal Mysteries Summer Trail
Explore, count and have fun in the Essex Country Parks with these free, family friendly trails
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Read and Count with Me Under a Tree - borrow a book in a park
Discover the new book bags available to borrow at the Essex Country Parks and Essex Libraries
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Hadleigh and Benfleet Marshes Scrub Clearance and Grassland Restoration Works
At Hadleigh Country Park we are undertaking a programme of scrub clearance to restore nationally important grasslands, find out why.
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Thorndon: Improving our woodland with coppicing
A new woodland management programme using coppicing is starting this month at Thorndon Country Park.
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6 things to do in Essex this summer school holiday
Make this summer the wildest yet with Essex Country Park trails, adventures and activities
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Our parks and places
Discover some of the best country parks and places for a great family day out in Essex. The mix of open spaces, kids play areas, lakes and woodland in the Essex Country Parks provide the perfect spaces to walk, run and play whatever your age.
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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.
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Dog Walking
The Essex Country Parks provide a wide variety of landscapes perfect for walking your furry friends. Take long riverside rambles or let your pets run free through the trees.
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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.
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Kids play and trails
Get your kids out and set their imaginations free as they play, climb and soar in beautiful outdoor locations. Specially designed, natural and unique play equipment has been commissioned and developed at many of the parks. Great Notley Country Park boasts the longest play trail in Essex and is also home to Sky Ropes. Find out more and kid about.
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Coastal, rivers and lakes
There’s sometimes nothing better than being by water, whether it’s the sea, river or lake. Each has its own magic. Explore coastal Cudmore Grove on Mersea Island, or picnic by the lakes at Danbury or Belhus Woods. Take a scenic riverside ramble at Marsh Farm Country Park by the river Crouch. Explore somewhere new and let the peace and beauty wash over you.
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Sky Ropes
Get your heart racing and explore high in the sky in a quest to conquer Sky Ropes at Great Notley Country Park. With high ropes adventure courses to suit the whole family from tiny tots of two years to big kids and adults, Sky Ropes offers great, safe family fun.
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Terms and Conditions
These terms and conditions apply to all bookings made with Essex Country Parks, Essex County Council, County Hall, Market Road. Chelmsford, CM1 1QH for sessions on the Sky Ropes and Sky Ropes Junior high ropes courses at Great Notley Country Park.
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Schools
High-quality learning outside the classroom in inspirational spaces. We provide high-quality learning outside the classroom experiences in inspirational spaces that can help unlock children’s learning potential and bring out the best in them. Learning in Essex Country Parks is fun, active and covers a wider curriculum scope. Activities are also designed to promotion children’s personal and social development.
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Forest Schools
Don’t let the children have all the fun, forest school and connecting to nature is for everyone, come and join us at our Family Forest School sessions. Leave the electronics at home and build relationships and skills whilst making memories with your friends and family.
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Hire
Discover a variety of rooms and sites for hire across Essex. Whether you are a business, organisation or local authority, we have a wide variety of spaces across Essex available to suit your needs.
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Media & press
For any media or press enquiries please contact us directly.
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Mills
Visit an Essex Mill and discover a piece of the county’s history
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Car parking
Essex Country Park car parking income is reinvested into the upkeep and development of the parks and protection of the wildlife within.
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Take our Explore Essex 2022 Challenge
22 tips to help you Explore Essex more in 2022
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Gruffalo Day
Your class will experience the Deep Dark Wood that has made this story so popular with young children and adults alike.
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Stick Man Day
On this activity day, your class will go on a woodland adventure and bring to life the story of the Stick Man.
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Summer Challenge 2020
Visit 6 Country Parks over the summer holidays and complete 1 challenge at each park to be entered into a prize draw to win an Explore Essex goody bag! Will you take on the challenge?
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Six surprising benefits of going to the park in the autumn and winter
Boost your mood, creativity and your physical health
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Essex Explorer Magazine
Discover the Essex Explorer magazine, a seasonal magazine with fascinating features, spotlight articles, inspirational lifestyle ideas, competitions and all of the latest news from across our Essex Country Parks and places.
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Five wonderful winter walks
We have five wonderful winter park walks for you, from the wild Essex coast to historical landscapes, there's a walk for everyone
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Infinity Forest Summer Garden Goody Bag Competition
To celebrate the opening of the Infinity Forest Art Installation at Danbury Country Park, we're launching a competition to win an Explore Essex Family Summer Garden Goody Bag - worth over £100!
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Summer of Culture Guide for Essex
We are delighted to share the Summer of Culture guide, full of exciting upcoming events for Essex communities to enjoy and fantastic creative activities. Connect with each other and the natural world around you.
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How to make your garden hedgehog friendly
It’s hedgehog awareness week so there’s no better time to make some simple changes to your garden to help Britain’s only native spiny mammal thrive.
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Explore Essex and ACL Essex Park Art Competition
We partnered with our friends at ACL Essex to launch the Park Art competition at the start of spring. We received a superb selection of entries - from photographs to paintings - and it was wonderful to see you take inspiration from our country parks. Browse the gallery of entries from talented artists.
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Wonderful Wildflower Walks in Essex
Take a walk on the wild side this summer and discover the wonderful wildflowers which inhabit the Essex Country Parks. With flora and fauna flourishing there’s no better time to visit. Our rangers suggest walks to enjoy the best of the grassland meadows.
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Explore Essex Infinity Forest competition
To celebrate the opening of the Infinity Forest Art Installation at Danbury Country Park, we launched an art competition to win an Explore Essex Family Summer Garden Goody Bag. We received some fantastic entries, from collages to paintings to tree tracing. Browse the gallery of entries from talented artists of all ages.
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Thank you for subscribing to the Explore Essex newsletter
Thank you for signing up to our newsletter - you'll be the first to hear about our latest news, exciting events, competitions and exclusive offers. You'll also get the Essex Explorer magazine delivered straight to your inbox.
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Get your free copy of the special Find Your Active Autumn edition of the Essex Explorer Magazine
Where you can pick up a copy of the magazine for free
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Name the Goats
Win an Explore Essex bundle of goodies including tickets to Sky Ropes
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Essex County Council Explore Essex Artist Commission 2022
Call out to artists for £10k commission
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Essex Day Photography Competition 2024
Winners drawn for Essex Day photography competition
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Landscape Imaginary - Cudmore Grove Map
Take a self-guided walk at Cudmore Grove for a sensorial re-imagining of the landscape
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23 ways to Explore Essex for 2023
23 ideas to kick start 2023 from walks to birdwatching, kid's play to family history, there's something for everyone.
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Build a bird feeder
Why not help our feathered friends by building this simple bird feeder to keep them fed during the colder months? Not only does it help our avian associates, it’s also great way to get your children interested in nature.
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Explore Essex Newsletter Prize Draw Terms and Conditions
Sign up to our newsletter during March 2023 to be entered into our Prize Draw
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Let happiness bloom by planting flowers
The spring months bring warmer weather making it a good time to plant some seeds ready for the year ahead, read about the wonderful benefits of planting and how to prepare.
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Summer Events: Read, Count and Explore in the Parks
Free family summer fun days at the Essex Country Parks with Essex Libraries, TLC, ACL and our very own Education Rangers
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Read and Count With Me Under a Tree T&CS
Enter our prize draw to win an Explorer Pass by completing the feedback form
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Animal Mysteries Trail Prize Draw Terms and Conditions
Enter our prize draw to win an Explorer Pass
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Be Aware: Oak Processionary Moth
Look out for caterpillars of the oak processionary moth (OPM)
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Discover amazing autumnal walks
Autumn is a great time to explore the great outdoors, enjoy beautiful golden scenes, crisp air, fiery foliage, and rustling leaves.
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Autumn Scavenger Hunt
Autumn has arrived and the parks are brimming with colour. Can you find 5 or more of these seasonal sights on your next trip to one of our country parks?
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We're celebrating National Tree Week
At Essex Country Parks we're passionate about the environment, which is why we’re celebrating National Tree Week (Saturday 25 November to Sunday 3 December).
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Festive Trail Competition to win an Explorer Pass
Find the magic number and enter our prize draw to win an Explorer Pass worth £85
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Danbury: Flood Management Works
A project which will alleviate seasonal flooding at the award winning Danbury Country Park will also help support and encourage growing populations of amphibians and insects.
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Thorndon: Woodland Ride Improvement works
A new programme of tree felling works at Thorndon Country Park which will improve the woodland pathways and allow species to thrive is about to start.
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The Stick Man Colouring Competition
Celebrate the festive season with our Stick Man colouring competition
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Three Wonderful Wetland Walks
Essex Country Parks contain many stunning and diverse landscapes, flora and fauna which is why we are shining a spotlight on our favourite waterside places for this year’s World Wetlands Day.
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Get Busying Spotting Butterflies
Read more about the importance of monitoring butterflies and how you can get involved.
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Autumn: Prelude to change by Andrew Adams
Here Essex photographer Andrew Adams explains why the changing season inspires him as a photographer.
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25 Things To Do In 2025
Kickstart your New Year. Whether it's a coastal stroll, a day out sailing, or discovering hidden gems on your doorstep there's something for everyone to explore in Essex. The Explore Essex team have come up with 25 great ways to get you out and about in 2025.
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Explorer Pass Holder Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions for Explorer Pass holders
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Best things to do for active kids in Essex this February half term
These affordable ideas will keep your active kids amused this February half term holiday
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