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.
Event details
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
Autumn Scavenger Hunt
Autumn has arrived and the parks are bursting with colour. See how many of these seasonal sights you can spot on your next trip to an Essex Country Park.
- Dates: September 10, 2025 - January 31, 2026
- Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price:
Jaywick Martello Tower: Coastal Open 2025
Dive into a world of creativity at this year's Coastal Open at Jaywick Martello Tower!
- Dates: September 11 - October 26, 2025
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free
Legendary Essex Community Exhibition (Saffron Walden)
This Legendary Essex exhibition is the culmination of a programme of creative workshop across the county supported by Essex Arts and Cultural Fund.
- Dates: September 11 - 20, 2025
- Venue: Church Street
- Times: 7:00pm - 9:00am
- For the whole family
- Price: Free