Parks - Discover Essex for less
Journey planner
Discover parks and walks, with so much to do, find, explore and enjoy!
For our full list of up-to-date timetables to help plan your journey, click here. Alternatively, download the First Bus app to take advantage of features such as live tracking.
Maldon Promenade Park
Founded in 1894 as a beautiful, peaceful and safe area where people could enjoy fresh air, riverside views and nature, the park still offers all that and much more! Free activities within the park include sandpits, a model-boating and crabbing lake, giant galleon play ship, smaller play area, skateboarding ramps, BMX track and a maze. Wander around the beautifully kept park with its ornamental flower beds, explore the wildlife areas and the avenues of memorial trees, take a look at the fascinating Museum in the Park and enjoy the riverside views. There are plenty of lovely picnic spots, as well as a good range of kiosks selling hot and cold food.
Promenade Park is also home to the Petting Zoo, Adventure Golf, Splash Park, Maldon Beach Huts, deckchair hire, tennis courts and river boat trips (additional charges apply), so it’s easy to make a day of it in the Maldon District’s favourite park!
How to get there: Maldon’s famous Promenade Park is the perfect stop for a great day out by bus, as First Bus services 31, 331 and 332 from Chelmsford and 75 from Colchester stop right outside the Edwardian park’s century-old wrought iron gates.
More info: https://www.visitmaldondistrict.co.uk/prompark
Castle Park (Colchester)
Colchester's Castle Park is a large, award-winning, scenic Victorian park set in the heart of Colchester's City Centre. Home to Colchester Castle Museum. It is the perfect spot for a breath of fresh air, quick walk or indeed a leisurely picnic. Throughout the year, a huge range of events takes place in the park from bandstand concerts, shows, festivals and big-name concerts.
How to get there: Catch any Colchester services to get there or put this postcode into the journey planner on our app: CO1 1UG
Central Park (Chelmsford)
Central Park is one of the oldest public parks in Chelmsford and opened to the public in 1894. Today, it also includes Central Park Memorial Gardens, Frank Whitmore Place, Bell Meadow and Sky Blue Pasture with over 35.6 acres of parkland together with a Nature Reserve. All areas of the park are linked by footpath and cycle networks. As the name implies, it is in the centre of the city and offers visitors the opportunity to relax and take in green surroundings whilst remaining only a short walk away from the hustle and bustle.
How to get there: Any services to Chelmsford station or bus station.
More info: Central Park - Park in Chelmsford, Chelmsford - Visit Essex
Northey Island (National Trust)
Described as the closest you'll get to true wilderness in Essex, the island is a peaceful retreat on the Blackwater Estuary and home to lots of plants and wildlife, thanks to its saltmarsh. Embark on the Northey Island Circular Walk and take in the natural beauty the island has to offer.
How to get there: 31/331/332 – South House Chase stop along Mundon Road at the entrance to the island. (31/331/332 runs from Chelmsford Bus Station to Burnham-on-Crouch via Maldon). Check the tides before embarking on your journey, as the island is accessed via a causeway.
More info: Northey Island | Essex | National Trust
Danbury Common and Blakes Wood (National Trust)
Get back to nature and explore the lowland heath and ancient woodland, rich in wildlife, and take in the views from Danbury ridge, the higest point in Essex.
How to get there: 336 – The Common stop along Bicknacre Road. (Service runs from Chelmsford Bus Station to South Woodham Ferrers)
31/331/332/336 – The Bell stop along Bell Hill is a short walk from Blakes Wood via Riffhams Lane. (31/331/332 runs from Chelmsford Bus Station to Burnham-on-Crouch via Maldon, 336 runs from Chelmsford Bus Station to South Woodham Ferrers)
More info: Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood │Essex | National Trust
Barleylands Farm Park
Discover the farm animals, indoor and outdoor adventure, events and more at Barleylands Farm Park. There are daily activities, so take a look at the online timetable to see what's on!
How to get there: Service 300 'Barleylands Farm Museum' stop.
More info: Barleylands Farm Park- Billericay Essex- Family Farm
