6 Beautiful Autumnal Walks in Essex

Hear the crunch of fallen leaves under your feet when exploring wonderful walks in Essex this Autumn!

Highwoods Country Park, Colchester

No walk at Highwoods Country Park is the same, with a wide variety of different routes weaving through the woodland, there’s so much to explore! Let your four-legged friends run around in the open clearings, reel in your catch of the day at the impressive fishing lake, or let the kids blow off some steam on one of the three play areas dotted around the park. If the autumn chill is getting to you, grab a hot drink and snack from the Visitor Centre to enjoy in their quant picnic areas.

Epping Forest

This 2400-hectare woodland wonderland has an abundance of walking routes for you to explore this autumn, stretching 12 miles from East London to Epping. For a full experience, head to one of the four visitor centres for advice on how best to explore the forest, and to learn the history behind it. Epping Forest offers a wonderful day out for wildlife lovers, with national and international significance for conservation and approximately two-thirds designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation.

Great Notley Country Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful walk in Essex this autumn, Great Notley Country Park will not disappoint. Stretching for 100 acres, Great Notley is home to both Sky Ropes and a 1.2km long play trail – the longest in the county!  This is an ideal spot for families looking to get off the screens and out in nature.

The Gibberd Garden, Harlow

Combine your love for both art and nature with a ramble around The Gibberd Garden in Harlow. The collection of modern art collected by Sir Frederick and Lady Gibberd over their lifetime is a fantastic sight to see, featuring pieces by nationally renowned artists as well as younger, lesser-known creators. The gardens feature picturesque formal terraces, lawns, pools and avenues, as well as woodland glades down to Pincey Brook.

Shut Heath Wood, Great Totham

Near the lovely Essex town of Braintree, Shut Heath Wood in Great Totham offers a peaceful escape for walkers this autumn. This quiet ancient woodland is rich in wildlife and seasonal colour, with winding paths beneath golden canopies. Ideal for dog walkers and nature lovers, it’s a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil, leaf-crunching stroll in Essex.

Thorndon Country Park

Thorndon Country Park in Brentwood is a beautiful spot for autumn walks, with ancient woodland, open fields, and peaceful trails. Explore the Gruffalo Trail, spot wildlife at Childerditch Pond, or enjoy countryside views from Thorndon South. With a cosy café and accessible paths, it’s perfect for a seasonal stroll.

Discover more parks and gardens in Essex here.