If you’re looking for a family day out with plenty of space to run, climb and explore, Great Notley Country Park near Braintree is well worth a visit this summer.
The park’s popular play trail has recently been refreshed with lots of new equipment, adding even more opportunities for children to get outdoors and burn off some energy.
Rather than one traditional playground, the Great Notley Play Trail takes you on a 1.2km route through the park, with different play areas and activities to discover along the way. It’s a lovely way to combine a walk with plenty of time for playing, and means there’s always something new around the next corner.
Climb, balance and explore
The updated play trail has something for a range of ages, with new equipment designed around active and imaginative play.
Children can explore the new climbing forest, test their balance on the agility trail and take on the 12-metre rope bridge. There’s also new sensory play equipment and a play pit, giving younger children plenty to investigate at their own pace.
It’s the sort of playground where children can spend time climbing and scrambling one minute, before stopping to dig, explore or make up their own games the next.
More than just a playground
One of the best things about Great Notley Country Park is that you don’t need to plan your whole visit around the playground.
The play trail winds through the wider country park, with plenty of open space for running around and exploring. The route is mostly flat and has paved paths, making it suitable for buggies and younger children, too.
You can bring bikes and scooters along the trail, although you’ll want to keep an eye out for other families using the paths. There are also plenty of places to stop for a picnic if you want to make a morning or afternoon of it.
For children looking for something a little more adventurous, the park is also home to Sky Ropes, a high ropes course with different challenges up in the trees, as well as Sky Ropes Junior for younger children.
A good summer day out
Great Notley is particularly nice on a warm summer day. Pack a picnic, bring plenty of water and allow a few hours rather than trying to rush around the trail.
And, of course, expect children to find a few things that take considerably longer than planned. That’s part of the fun.
With the new play equipment now open, the refreshed trail gives families another reason to head to Great Notley this summer. Whether you have toddlers who love sand and sensory play or older children who want to climb, balance and challenge themselves, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy.
Great Notley Country Park
Where: Great Notley, Braintree, Essex, CM77 7FS
Play trail: Free to use
Country park: Open daily from 8am until dusk
Parking: Available on site, charges apply
If you’re looking for more things to do with kids in Essex, take a look at our guide to family days out, parks and outdoor adventures across the county.
