Explore Essex

Explore Essex, part of Essex County Council, helps residents and visitors discover the county’s country parks, heritage places, events and outdoor activities. Its website brings together practical ideas and information for planning days out, whether visitors are exploring with children, friends or dogs. People can search for parks and places by town or postcode, browse nearby events, and find family-friendly options such as play areas, trails and Sky Ropes. The site also highlights heritage destinations, seasonal walks and activities across Essex.

Explore Essex supports trip planning with ready-made day-out guides, blog articles and the digital Essex Explorer magazine, which features seasonal inspiration, events and local places to visit. Its Explorer Pass offers savings on multiple visits, including free car parking and discounts at cafes. Visitors can also find information about schools and group visits, venue and site hire, and filming in Essex. The organisation invites people to volunteer at its parks and places, helping maintain, manage and restore valuable sites and habitats, and provides ways to support its work.