Getting out into the fresh air with your baby or toddler can work wonders for your mood, mental health and physical wellbeing. But as any new parent knows, planning a walk with a pram or buggy requires a little extra thought. You need smooth paths, level entrances, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, and - ideally - a welcoming cafe for a well-deserved cup of tea!
To help local parents get out and about, we’ve put together a guide to the best pushchair-friendly walks across Essex - combining top recommendations from our Parents 1st peer supporters with popular favourites. Here is our guide to the best spots to explore with your little one.
Coastal Strolls
Clacton Seafront Promenade (to Jaywick or Holland-on-Sea)
- Recommended by: our North Essex Programme Manager, Emma
- Why we love it: Emma suggests starting near the Clacton Toby Carvery, where there's parking along the seafront without time restrictions and a level entrance onto the promenade with no steep slopes to navigate. The smooth, flat path lets you turn towards Jaywick to your right, or head left towards Holland-on-Sea while enjoying the calming sounds of the waves.
- Facilities: There are toilets with baby changing facilities along the routes, as well as cafes offering hot drinks, doughnuts, bacon sarnies and ice cream!
Canvey Island Seafront
- Recommended by: our Young Parents 1st Project Manager, Laura
- Why we love it: Laura recommends the seafront walk along the esplanade in Canvey Island for a coastal walk along a nice flat path stretching for roughly 2km.
- Facilities: There are benches along the esplanade, making it ideal if you need to pause and feed your baby while taking in the sea views. There are also a couple of local cafes and nearby parks to enjoy.
Historic Parks & Fort Walks
Coalhouse Fort (East Tilbury)
- Recommended by: our Thurrock peer supporter, Stacey
- Why Parents Love It: Stacey loves Coalhouse Fort because of its solid concrete paths, which make pushing a pram smooth and effortless.
- Facilities: The site is fully equipped with public toilets, a designated nappy changing area, and an on-site cafe for post-walk snacks.
Maldon Promenade Park
- Recommended by: our mid-Essex peer supporter, Chloe
- Why we love it: Chloe's favourite is Maldon Promenade Park because of its picturesque views of the river, open grassy areas and the great playgrounds and splashpark for older kids.
- Facilities: The park has plenty of bathrooms with baby changing facilities and cafes scattered throughout the park.
Countryside & Nature Reserves
Thameside Nature Reserve (Stanford-le-Hope)
- Recommended by: our Thurrock peer supporter, Stacey
- Why we love it: Another favourite from Stacey, Thameside has solid, level paths that keep buggy wheels rolling smoothly while you take in the views of the Thames Estuary.
- Facilities: Thameside Nature Reserve has a great on-site cafe and toilet/baby changing facilities.
Westley Heights (part of Langdon Hills Country Park, Basildon)
- Recommended by: our Thurrock peer supporter, Stacey
- Why we love it: Westley Heights is great if you are walking with both a buggy and a dog as it has clear, accessible paths.
- Facilities: The park has public toilets on site and a natural play area for older kids.
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Walkie Talkies
If you're looking for some company on your walk and you're in the Thurrock area, then why not join us at one of our Walkie Talkies sessions.
Designed for both pregnant and new parents, these relaxed walk and talk sessions are led by our Thurrock peer supporters.
What to expect from Walkie Talkies:
- 1-hour walk around the park
- Exercise in the fresh air
- We walk at a gentle pace so we can chat at the same time!
- Meet other mums or mums-to-be from your area
- Different location around Thurrock each time
- An optional drink and chat in the cafe at the end of the session
And what's more, they're complete free. If you're interested in joining us at one of our Walkie Talkies events, please sign up here: