Explore Essex are running a special offer for you to save money on car parking and cafés at the Essex Country Parks this New Year to help you get out more and enjoy all the benefits that being outside and in nature can bring you.

Did you know that there are eight Explore Essex Country Parks? From the coastal beauty of Cudmore Grove on the island of Mersea in the north of the county to the charming Belhus Woods and spacious Hadleigh in the south, explore the country parks both on your doorstep and further afield. Meet, walk, talk, play and enjoy the views. Boost mind, body and soul!

Gazette: Getting out with friends at Thorndon Country ParkGetting out with friends at Thorndon Country Park (Image: Explore Essex)

Each park offers something unique for a day out in the fresh air with furry friends and family. Invest in the Explorer Pass for 2024 to save money on car parking and receive café discounts, you’ll even receive two family and friends parking passes and a Sky Ropes voucher.

Dog walkers will love the open spaces and varied landscapes the country parks have to offer. You and your canine pals can delight in ancient woodland, acres of open grasslands, salt marsh, sand, rolling hills. There are even special dog agility areas at Belhus Woods and Thorndon South.

Families can enjoy many specially designed children’s play areas and trails across the parks.

Younger children will be enchanted by the Deep Dark Woods at Thorndon, Brentwood, home to the much loved Gruffalo trail. Weald Country Park, also near Brentwood, is where you can find the official Stick Man sculpture trail. Here you can meet the characters in a beautiful setting around the lake – as well as feeding the ducks and the deer!

Gazette: The Gruffalo’s Child at Thorndon Country ParkThe Gruffalo’s Child at Thorndon Country Park (Image: Explore Essex)

The trails bring the bestselling books by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler (officially licensed by Magic Light Pictures) to life and set children’s imaginations free.

Older children can swing, swoop and soar on the play trail at Great Notley, the longest in Essex, or reach for the stars on the Sky Ropes, also at Great Notley.

Being outside is so good for children and adults. The country parks offer huge spaces to run free, jump in puddles, paddle in the sea, build dens, and spot wildlife. Gather your family and friends and discover all that nature has to offer throughout the seasons.

Gazette: Making memories at Danbury Country ParkMaking memories at Danbury Country Park (Image: Explore Essex)

When you purchase an annual Explorer Pass before the end of January 2024, you’ll receive one month free so it will cover for you for 13 months giving you more time to explore all the fabulous places, all for the equivalent of just £1.63 a week*, or just over £1 if you are over 60-years-old.

Quote: Jan24 to receive 13 months for the price of 12. Offer valid until 31 January 2024.

Find out more and buy: https://www.explore-essex.com/explorer-pass

*Based on a standard pass for one car for one year