Great Notley, Braintree, Essex CM77 7FS

Great Notley Country Park

Parkland

Source image

5.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Paid

Cost

Family-buzz

Feel

ParklandLakeFamiliesYoung childrenWalkersCyclistsWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

5.2

An Essex country park built around an unusually broad family-day-out mix: a long play trail, Sky Ropes, a lake, wildflower meadows and paths for walking and cycling.

Great Notley is more of an active country-park day out than a quiet wilderness escape. Its strongest draw is the combination of Essex’s longest play trail, Sky Ropes and a lake-and-meadow setting, with a short loop available for visitors who want a walk as well as the play facilities.

Family-buzz

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Great Notley, Braintree, Essex CM77 7FS

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The experience

Come for a family-friendly mix of play and outdoor time. The official listing identifies the play trail, Sky Ropes, lake, café and picnic areas; a published 3.2km loop offers a walk through wooded and waterside paths. Check seasonal Sky Ropes availability and current facilities before setting out.

Things to do

Follow the 3.2km loop

A published easy loop through wooded and waterside paths, with the park’s play facilities along the way. AllTrails advises care on rougher sections, especially in wet weather.

0.5–1 hour

Explore the children’s play trail

The official park page describes Essex’s longest play trail. Tripadvisor’s supplied description lists features including slides, forts, climbing elements and sand play; it also notes some features may be out of action.

1–2 hours

Try Sky Ropes

The official listing describes a ropes activity that is open on selected weekends and during most school holidays in summer. Check availability before travelling.

Spend time by the lake and wildflower meadows

The supplied park and attraction descriptions identify a lake and wildflower meadows as features to explore. Fishing is mentioned, but check current permission and arrangements before fishing.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 30–60 minutes

Quick park loop

01
Start from the country park and follow the published 3.2km loop.
02
Take in the wooded and waterside sections and the lake.
03
Allow extra time if stopping at the play facilities.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it

01
Check current opening and facility information on the official park page.
02
Spend time on the children’s play trail; the official page describes it as Essex’s longest.
03
If operating during your visit, add the Sky Ropes course.
04
Take a walk around the lake and through the wooded and waterside sections of the published loop.
05
Finish with the café or a picnic; BBQs are not allowed according to the official listing.

When to go

· The official listing gives opening from 8am to dusk. Arriving near opening may suit visitors seeking a quieter start, but quieter periods are not confirmed by the supplied sources.

The park is listed as open throughout the year. Sky Ropes has limited seasonal availability, so check the official page before planning around it.

AllTrails advises care on rougher sections in wet weather. Check conditions and footwear needs before setting out.

The route

ascent: 19m elevation gain
surface: Wooded and waterside paths; rougher sections reported
distance: 3.2km
duration: 0.5–1 hour
difficulty: Easy
route shape: Loop
start point: Great Notley Country Park; the supplied source does not verify an exact trailhead.
parking start: The official park page lists a car park. Confirm current charges and access details before setting out.

Wooded paths
Waterside paths
The park’s play facilities

Worth pairing with

Flitch Way

Tripadvisor describes the park as a base for exploring the Flitch Way. The supplied sources do not provide a specific access point or route details from the park, so check locally before planning a connection.

What to look for

01
Look out for the lake and wildflower meadows, and notice how the loop moves between wooded and waterside paths. The play trail includes features such as giant seesaws, slides, forts and a large sand-play area
02
the source notes that some features may be out of action.

Best time to go

Open year-round according to Explore Essex; check facility availability before visiting.

The park is listed as open daily, 8am to dusk. For a quieter visit, consider arriving near opening; crowd levels are not confirmed by the supplied sources.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Families · Young children · Walkers · Cyclists · Wildlife lovers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

VG78+GP, Great Notley, Braintree CM77 7FS

Phone

+44 333 013 2900

Website

explore-essex.com

Google rating

4.4 · 2,652 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

The official Explore Essex listing says the park is open daily, from 8am until dusk. Check the official listing for current access information before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

Car park on site; paid parking. Check the official Explore Essex listing for current charges and payment details.

Check before visiting

Toilets

The official listing says toilets are available during Skylark café opening hours; check current café hours before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Skylark café is listed on the official page; check its current opening hours before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are allowed according to the official park listing. AllTrails notes that dogs need to be kept on a lead in some parts; follow current signs.

Accessibility

The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. It does not establish the accessibility of paths or other facilities; check with the park before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Paid

Water

Lake