Say Hello Essex! – and make a day of it this summer at Essex Country Parks

“Make a Day of It” and make lasting memories is the message for families planning on visiting the Essex County Parks over the school holidays.

The initiative is one of several activities being showcased through Essex County Council’s Hello Essex campaign. This is encouraging residents to discover more of what Essex has to offer this summer.

From family days out and scenic trails to community events, culture, heritage and outdoor adventures, the campaign is shining a light on experiences taking place across the county.

There is a huge range of options for affordable adventures at country parks like Hadleigh and Great Notley.

From scenic bike rides and picnic spots to hidden nature trails and wildflower walks – all for the cost of parking (£6.55).

Visitors to Essex Country Parks can complete a short survey for the chance to win an Essex Explorer Pass and a Sky Ropes voucher for four people. Entrants will also be in with a chance to win a Hadleigh Cycles voucher.

Recent improvements at Essex Country Parks include more than £300,000 invested in upgraded play facilities at Great Notley Country Park. This is alongside new safety and surfacing features at Belhus Woods and Hadleigh Country Parks.

Great Notley is home to Essex’s longest play trail. It now features a new climbing forest, sensory equipment, an agility route and a 12-metre rope bridge.

The campaign also coincides with Love Parks Week (24 July to 2 August). This is Keep Britain Tidy’s annual celebration of the nation’s parks and green spaces.

Councillor Russell Quirk, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council, said: “We want as many families as possible to enjoy our parks this summer, and the ‘make a day of it’ campaign provides easy and affordable ideas for the whole family to have fun.

“This is part of ‘Hello Essex’, our new initiative to highlight all the amazing things there are to see and do in Essex.

“Essex Country Parks boast a diverse range of landscapes and important wildlife habitats from countryside to coast. From the five lakes at Belhus Woods, to the shorelines at Cudmore Grove to open vistas at Weald Country Park, each site offers visitors a unique experience.”

Discover more about Make a Day of It and Essex Country Parks at www.explore-essex.com/make-a-day-of-it-at-hadleigh and www.explore-essex.com/make-a-day-of-it-great-notley

Explore events, activities and experiences taking place across the county this summer, by visiting www.essex.gov.uk/HelloEssex