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

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.
Related events

Place Services: Lime Plaster for Beginners
This one-day workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning about the use of lime, particularly homeowners wanting to understand small patch repairs. No prior experience is required.
- Dates: April 16, 2026
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £105.00

Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- April 18, 2026
- April 25, 2026
- May 2, 2026
- May 9, 2026
- May 16, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free to take part

Parkrun: Cudmore Grove Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- April 18, 2026
- April 25, 2026
- May 2, 2026
- May 9, 2026
- May 16, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Cudmore Grove Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free