THE season of mist and mellow fruitfulness is upon us so now is the perfect time to enjoy an autumnal walk in the Essex countryside.
Take a look a few suggestions below
Danbury Country Park Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW,
Better known locally as Danbury Lakes, this scenic spot in the grounds of Danbury Palace is a popular place for walkers and picnickers. Walk around the three lakes, feed the ducks and play games in the meadow by the picnic area.
Thorndon Country Park North, The Avenue, Brentwood CM13 3RZ
Thorndon Country Park South, Arterial Road, Brentwood Essex CM13 3LW,
This extensive country park contains a diverse range of habitats and is split into north and south areas. In the north park is woodland which with the leaves turning colour will be perfect for an autumn walk. Also here you'll find the Gruffalo Trail, a short walk the kids will love where they have to locate the characters from Julia Donaldson's ever-popular storybook. You'll find a trail map in the visitor centre where there's also a cafe.
The south part of the park has open parkland so is great for family days out, games and kite-flying. On a clear day you can ever see as far as Canary Wharf.
Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ,
There are more than 574 acres of parkland at Hylands which include ancient woodland, grassland, ponds, lakes, beautiful formal gardens and the Adventure Castle playground. Conker collecting is a must here and there are plenty of walking routes around the estate which you'll find on the Hylands website. Once you've done your walk, you'll find refreshments awaiting at the stable block tea room where there's also a gift shop, second-hand book store and artists in residence.
Great Notley Country Park, Great Notley CM77 7FS
Between Great Leighs and Braintree, Great Notley Country Park features 100 acres of open space managed for the benefit of wildlife but with plenty of attractions for visitors. Formerly farmland, it is now a mixture of wetland, open grassland and wooded areas with paths connecting them all and a visitors centre with cafe. A variety of play areas will keep the kids entertained.
Maldon Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex CM9
As its name suggests, this is a great place for promenading with waterside walks along the banks of the Blackwater Estuary that take you to the statue of Byrthnoth and the site of the Battle of Maldon. For families, there is plenty to do and see in the park, including an ornamental lake, crabbing lake, children's playground, wildlife garden and kiosks with food and drink. The nearby Hythe quay is home to Thames barges and two pubs where you can eat lunch while looking over the estuary.
