Explorer pass

With an Explorer Pass you will receive a discount to use at The Barns Tiptree Tea Rooms at Cressing Temple Barns.

You will also receive a two for one Sky Ropes voucher and two day's free parking for family and friends. And don't forget your discount at the Essex Country Park cafes.

Scroll down for a full list of Explorer Pass benefits.

Modern lifestyles can mean we don’t get out as much as we perhaps should. But the benefits of exercise to both adults and children are huge. There is lots of research to show that regular exercise boosts mood and self-esteem as well as reducing risk of illness. Studies also show that ‘green exercise’ in natural surroundings has the biggest impact on mood.

At the Explore Essex group of parks and places there is plenty of space to get out and about and let yourselves run free. Dress up warm, and take a stroll along beautiful footpaths, or run wild across the rolling grasslands. Discover all that nature has to offer throughout the seasons. Jump in puddles, build dens, and spot wildlife.

Get your kids out and set their imaginations free as they play, climb and soar in beautiful outdoor locations. Specially designed, natural and unique play equipment has been commissioned and developed at many of the parks.

Meet friends in our beautiful country parks and enjoy a small discount on coffee and snacks in the cafes and boost your wellbeing.

Your pass will entitle you to:

1. Car Parking at seven country parks for a whole year: Belhus Woods, Cudmore Grove, Danbury, Great Notley, Hadleigh, Thorndon and Weald.
2. Two days free parking for family or friend
3. Sky Ropes two for one voucher
4. 10% discount at The Barns Tiptree Tea Room at Cressing Temple Barns
5. 10% discount at the Wiggly Bush Weald café at the visitor centre
6. 10% discount at the Nightingale Belhus café at the visitor centre
7. 10% discount at Great Notley Country Park on food and drink at the Skylark Café
8. 10% discount on food and drink at The Salvation Army Hub café at Hadleigh Park
9. 2 for 1 on tea and coffee at Thorndon Country Park countryside centre café (valid after 1.30pm, Mon-Fri, term time only, excludes bank holidays)

*Discounts exclude events and any other product discounts or bundle offers

*Cafés and car parks can be closed at short notice due to severe weather, staff illness and other unforeseen circumstances

*Where possible we try to ensure information is up to date on our website. Check before you travel.

The cost of the pass per year from 1 April 2024:

• £85 standard pass for one car
• £30 for a second car at the same address
• £63 for over 66s (national pension age)
• £57 for blue badge holders
  
• £175 for business users

If you are thinking of visiting more frequently it makes a lot of sense to invest. It's the equivalent of £1.63 a week for a full priced pass, you'll save money and be incentivised to get out more at the same time!

If you are business user then it also makes sense to invest. A business pass is for anyone using the park and parking as part of their business activity.

e.g. Professional dog walker, personal trainer, mountain bike coach. This is not for commercial vehicles that are transporting goods. e.g. Taxi driver, tradesperson.

You can purchase the Explorer Pass through our supplier MiPermit.

The best way to do this is online, but you can also call them directly on:

0345 520 7007

Once you’re on the MiPermit website you’ll need to select Permit Type from the drop-down box (basic options include one vehicle standard, over 66’s or blue badge).

*Remember to enter your promotional code into the text box to receive your discount if you have one.

What will I need?

You will need your car registration number, name, contact details* (email or telephone number, for your online application).

For a new over 66s, disabled and second car application you will also need to have proof of status or vehicle ownership ready as a photograph or image.

Then simply follow the instructions, and use your credit or debit card details to make payment. Payment will appear as ‘MiPermit Ltd’ on your bank statement.

For existing over 60’s customers you can ring MiPermit direct to extend your existing annual pass.