Hadleigh Country Park sits just a stone’s throw from Southend, offering sweeping views across Southend, Canvey Island and the estuary beyond. It’s a brilliant spot for fresh air, big skies and outdoor adventure, making it a favourite place to explore all year round.

First created when the original Hadleigh Country Park, which has been here for many years, was combined with land owned by The Salvation Army to create a partnership which would keep the 2012 Olympic Mountain course open for the public to use.

The project also provided the site with a new Hub Building, where the café, toilets and Bike shop create a great community space at the park.

The Ironage Roundhouse was built between September 2007 and Autumn 2008 by Hadleigh Park staff, the house has since been used for school visits to study the Iron Age and Romans.

Hadleigh Castle sits on the hill to the South East of the Olympic Mountain Bike Venue. The Castle build was started in about 1215 by Hubert de Burgh but was extensively re-fortified by Edward III. Access along the Thames from London was probably the main method of transport to the castle.