Let's Keep Covid in Check
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.
We’re here to help you escape the crowds. But if you find yourself in a busy area, don’t forget to:
– put on your face covering
– keep your distance
– wash your hands or use sanitiser
The rules have relaxed, but Covid-19 hasn’t. Taking twice-weekly self-tests will help you and others to stay safe.
Regular testing is the only way to know if you’ve caught Covid-19. Self-test with your family during the summer holidays and make sure you’re all safe to socialise.
Let’s look out for each other and Keep Covid in Check. You can get FREE self-test kits from one of our pop-up stands at the following Explore Essex Country Parks.
Great Notley Country Park:
25 August - All day
01 September - All day
08 September - All day
Thorndon North Country Park:
01 September - Morning
08 September - Morning
Hadleigh Country Park:
25 August - Afternoon
01 September - Afternoon
08 September - Afternoon
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 Exhibition: Signals - 'Peoples of Essex'
Signals presents the ‘Peoples of Essex’ Exhibition at Jaywick Martello Tower.
- Dates: October 29 - November 6, 2025
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free
Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park
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.
- Dates:
- November 8, 2025
- December 13, 2025
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £10 for the first child. £6 for siblings. Accompanying adults Free. Under 18 months free.