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.
We have come up with 23 ideas to kickstart your 2023 by exploring the great county of Essex.
Get some fresh air and get back to basics with beautiful woodland walks, giving yourself time to connect with family, friends and nature and reflect on the year gone by.
We hope our 23 ideas will help you explore or try something new in 2023 and embrace Essex’s incredible parks, culture and heritage.
Read the full feature here to inspire you this New Year.
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Explore Essex
Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out

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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.
Related events

Jaywick Martello Tower Exhibition: St Helena Hospice - Life Stories
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- Dates: May 1 - June 22, 2025
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
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Man about Country: An Essex Ways story walks
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- Dates: June 13 - July 10, 2025
- Times: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
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ERO Presents: Thou Savage Woman
Former police officer and historian, Blessin Adams, will introduce us to her bold, page-turning new history of traitorous wives, greedy mistresses, cunning female poisoners and spiteful witches.
- Dates: June 17, 2025
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
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- Price: £12.00, concessions (Students, Under 27s and Unwaged) £10.00