Essex villages to visit this take a walk in the park day
With take a walk in the park day on 30th March, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore new Essex villages to visit with friends, family, or even by yourself! If you’re local to Essex, then you’ll probably already know just how wonderful the local countryside is. From nature reserves, to National Trust registered parks, there’s plenty to enjoy.
In this week’s blog, we take a look at some of the beautiful, local villages in which you can enjoy a walk, a few activities and of course, a bite to eat.
Back to Basics
Whether you’re a few years away from retiring, or have recently began this new chapter, it’s important to take time out to do the things that bring you joy. A walk in the park is a brilliant way to stimulate your mind, ignite your senses, introduce you to new surroundings and increase your fitness levels in a non-strenuous way.
The benefits of walking, or even getting outside for 20 minutes, are countless. Walking can help instill routine and undoubtedly prolong life, encouraging good physical and mental health.
For even more benefits of walking, take a look at our previous blog about curing the January Blues with walks in Burnham on Crouch.
This week, be sure to indulge in some you time and enjoy everything local nature has to offer.
Without further ado, here are some of our favourite Essex villages to visit if you’re after a good park stroll!
Hylands Park
Just outside the village of Writtle, near Chelmsford city, is Hylands Park. You could spend all day here if you really wanted to because there is so much to see and do. The park itself is divided into a few sections, with Hylands House at the centre of it all. The team at Hylands estate have actually put together a walking guide, which you can pick up at any of the Information Point at The Stables café when you get there. These walks range from a 30-minute leisurely stroll to four-mile flat terrain hikes. With 574 acres of nature and woodland ahead of you, you can choose to walk either the Repton, Lower Estate, Pleasure Garden, Estate Boundary or Jubilee Walk routes.
If you’ve got young family members with you, there are two large parks, the adventure castle playground and also the pleasure gardens filled with blooming flowers, just in time for spring. Phew! Don’t worry, there are many cafes and picnic areas on route to keep you refreshed as you enjoy a seasonal day out.
Danbury Commons and Blake Woods
In our recommendations of Essex villages to visit is Danbury, where you’ll find Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood which are part of the National Trust scheme. Did you know that this is Essex’s second largest area of common land? It should be noted that these routes include some uneven terrain and steps, so we’d recommend bringing friends or family along if you’re venturing this way. The commons and woods link up to one another, and each offers something slightly different!
Danbury Common: Lowland heath and ancient woodland, rich in wildlife with views from Danbury ridge, the highest point in Essex.
Blake Woods: An ancient working coppiced woodland on Danbury ridge, with seasonal woodland floor and wildflowers.
Lingwood Common: Lowland heath and ancient woodland rich in wildlife with views from Danbury ridge, the highest point in Essex.
Backwarden: Lowland heath with numerous wildlife-rich ponds and hornbeam ancient woodland coppice. There is also an ancient earthworks.
Across these sites you'll find a vast array of woodland flowers and wildlife! Danbury has some wonderful pubs if you’re in need of a refreshment afterwards. Try The Anchor on Runsell Green for something really special.
Maldon Promenade Park
Not far from Burnham on Crouch is Maldon and it’s Promenade Park. This is great for a fun day out with all the family. Promenade Park has been a local attraction here for over 100 years! You’ll find the park next to the River Blackwater, boasting avenues of greenery and trees, leading down to the ornamental lake complete with fountains, resident swans and other birds and wildlife.
Children can enjoy the giant sand pit and the new Splash Park for even more excitement! There is also the petting zoo, which is home to over 70 species of animals.
There are some lovely local cafes on the prom, notably Mrs Salisbury’s in the park, serving a selection of the most delicious bakes, sandwiches and hot drinks in Essex.
Burnham Coastal Sea Wall Walk
Looking for walks in Burnham on Crouch? There are some beautifully scenic routes you can take, not far from Burnham Waters. This one is not so much a park, but it’s a beautiful coastal area that is adjacent to the River Crouch and all its scenary. If you’re looking for a leisurely walk, scattered with shops and eateries along the way, this is the route for you. Rest assured, the sea wall has been built to accommodate walkers of all abilities comfortably.
Further along this walk, you’ll see the yacht club, – Burnham is known for its yachting culture – and you can walk through this if you’re a maritime fan. You’ll also be able to pop into the RLNI station, if you’re interested. Along this route, there are lots of riverside public foot paths if you do fancy going a little off-piste.
Don’t forget to stop at some of the dog friendly pubs for a well-deserved bite to eat. We’d recommend Ye Olde White Harte, The Anchor and Cabin Dairy. If you’d rather lunch on the go, why not try the local oysters at the Oyster Bar or treat yourself to classic fish and chips on the sea wall seats! It’s one of our favourite things to do in Burnham on Crouch.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to receive more information about Burnham Waters, in Burnham on Crouch, one of the Essex villages to visit, our friendly team are on hand to help you. Simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, or get in touch with our sales team on 01621 861559. You can also fill out our contact form for a downloadable brochure.
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