Explore Essex

Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out

Great ideas for days out for everyone in Explore Essex's special parks and places

Name: Culture & Green Spaces
Telephone: 0345 603 7624
Price range: $

Whether you are looking for the ideal place for the family to run free in beautiful country parks, swing, swoop and soar on unique wooden play equipment or discover some of Essex's hidden heritage gems, Explore Essex's group of parks and places are the perfect places to make new memories.

Our parks and places

Explore country parks and heritage places and plan your perfect day out

Get active

Simply being outdoors and getting active improves both mental and physical health.

Heritage places

Make history come alive. Discover the stories of our heritage places.

Kids play and trails

Swing, swoop and soar on our specially designed Kid’s Play.

Wildlife and walks

Spot local and rare wildlife and ramble through a diverse mix of flora and fauna.

Coastal rivers and lakes

Explore some of the best places to walk, picnic and play by the water’s edge.

Mills

Visit an Essex Mill and discover a piece of the county’s history

Featured events

Events / Featured

Festival of Essex Archaeology and Heritage

Place Services at Essex County Council are excited to announce the very first Festival of Essex Archaeology and Heritage

Dates: July 24, 2025
Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
Times: 10:00am - 5:00pm
For the whole family
Price: Free

Find out more

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.

Find out more about Explorer Pass

Places to go