Essex Country Parks

If you are searching for a day out in Essex with the kids, look no further. Essex Country Parks are places to play, get close to nature and make memories that last a lifetime. With interactive play trails and plenty of open space, they are perfect for creating a magical escape for the whole family. Build a den in the woodlands, climb trees, roll down hills, fly a kite or see what you can find hiding in the undergrowth. From wildlife spotting at Marsh Farm to finding the Gruffalo at Thorndon, there is something for everyone at Essex Country Parks.

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Discover the county's parks

Belhus Woods Country Park

Covering over 300 acres, Belhus Woods combines ancient woodland, flower meadows, open grassland, and fishing and conservation lakes, making it a great place to walk your dog, picnic by the lake, feed the ducks or go fishing.

Flitch Way

Flitch Way is a former railway line that passes through 15 miles of rural Essex between Bishop’s Stortford and Braintree with a number of interesting sites along the way, including Victorian railway stations, Hatfield Forest and several historic towns and villages.

Marsh Farm Country Park

Surrounded on three sides by the River Crouch, Clements Green and Fenn Creeks, Marsh Farm Country Park is a great place for coastal walks and superb river views. Its 300 acres of grazing marsh offers ideal dog-walking and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Cudmore Grove Country Park

Located at the eastern end of Mersea Island, Cudmore Grove boasts a sandy beach, impressive views, grassland, meadows for relaxation and walks that will take you past interesting historical sites and an abundance of wildlife.

Great Notley Country Park

The Country Park covers some 100 acres of open space and is home to Sky Ropes and Essex's longest play trail - 1.2km - including a giant see-saw, climbing forest, tyre swings, sand pits, rope climbers, slides, forts and a water play area, making it a great place for all ages to explore.

Thorndon Country Park

Set in 500 acres of beautiful woods and parkland with meadows and ponds, birdlife, fishing and family attractions like the Gruffalo Trail, Thorndon Country Park, Brentwood, is the ideal for a family day out.

Danbury Country Park

Danbury Country Park, originally laid out in the 13th century as part of a private estate, offers ornamental gardens and lakes, woodland and meadows. Its well-maintained tracks make it very popular with dog walkers and families.

Hadleigh Country Park

At Hadleigh Park you can try one of the UK’s top mountain biking courses, explore idyllic countryside, enjoy magnificent views, take a picnic and spot wildlife. It also features the impressive 13th century ruin of Hadleigh Castle and a Salvation Army run tea room.

Weald Country Park

Enjoy over 500 acres of woodland, lakes, meadows, open grassland and spectacular views at Weald Country Park. The park is famous for its wildlife, including fallow deer, herons, mallard ducks and other water birds. It's also home to the Stick Man play trail.