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Epping Forest

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Countryside

Although bordering London and accessible on Transport for London tube and bus routes, much of the 131 square miles of the Epping Forest District is green and rural. 94% is within the Green Belt or farm land which is reflected in the rich and varied natural environments to be found. Although best known for the ancient forest of Epping, for which the district is named, equally important are the Lee Valley, Hainault Forest and Roding Meadows and all offer miles of walks, rides and places to experience a range of countryside activities. Many have disability access and run activities and events throughput the year. These can be found listed on our events pages.

The district is criss-crossed with footpaths, the most prominent of which is the Essex Way, which starts outside Epping underground station and ends 81 miles away at Harwich on the north Essex coast. These can be found on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps 174 (Epping Forest and Lee Valley), and 183 (Chelmsford & The Rodings).

Epping Forest District is responsible for a number of areas noted for their outstanding wildlife habitat and beauty and these have been preserved and are managed by a council service called Countrycare. These nature reserves are open to the public throughout the year and volunteers are welcome to help maintain them, learning skills and making new friends at the same time.

Whether you enjoy open vistas and big skies, the dappled light under a canopy of trees, the burbling of a stream or the calm stillness of a lake, its all to find and explore across the Epping Forest District. And with the changing seasons, it’s a new experience every time you visit. Parking nearby is usually easy and free (or arrive by tube or bus) and there is usually a café, tea hut or pub along the way.

Get out and enjoy the countryside, its healthy, uplifting and free.

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Number of results: 30

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The Essex Way

Address

Epping Tube Station (starts), Epping Forest District, Essex, CM16 4HW

Epping Forest District

Starting at Epping Station, walk the Essex Way and celebrate some of the finest countryside in the county!
The path will lead you through ancient woodlands, open farmland, tree-lined river valleys and leafy green lanes, visiting historic towns and…
Lambourne Country Walk

Address

Manor Road, Lambourne End, Essex, RM4 1NH

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Lambourne End

Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the countryside around you.
Thornwood Springs Trout Fishery

Address

Carpenters Arms Lane, Thornwood, Epping, CM16 6LR

Telephone
07588 669255

peter@thornwoodtroutfishery.com

Epping

Thornwood Springs Trout Fishery - for the discerning fly fisherman with great fly life, wildlife and much more.
Theydon Bois Earthworks Sculpture and Woodland

Address

Abridge Road, Theydon Bois, Essex

Theydon Bois

Planted by local people and featuring a meadow, orchard and an earthwork sculpture visible from the M11, the young wood at Theydon Bois is a popular destination for dog walkers and nature lovers alike.
Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens

Address

Muskham Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2LF

Telephone
07568 103852

corrinadunlea@gmail.com

Harlow

Beautiful grounds and home to an amazing cycle collection charting the history of the bicycle.
Chigwell Country Walk

Address

Courtland Drive, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 6PN

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Chigwell

Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the countryside around you.
Lee Valley Walking and Cycling Trails

Address

Holyfield, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF

Waltham Abbey

Lee Valley Regional Park boasts miles of traffic free trails that crisscross award winning nature reserves and open spaces – they’re great to explore on foot or by bike. You’ll be amazed at the diverse habitats that are on your doorstep and the…
Ambresbury Banks Iron Age Hill Fort

Address

High Road, Epping, Essex

Epping

One of two Iron Age Forts within Epping Forest which legend says was the site of Boudica's battle with the Romans
Theydon Bois Country Walk

Address

Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, Essex, CM16 7EU

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Theydon Bois

Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the countryside around you.
Top 8 FREE things to see and do for everyone

Address

Epping Forest District, Essex

All year round free activities and places to explore, for all the family
Nazeing Country Walk

Address

Epping Green, Epping, Essex, CM16 6PU

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Epping

Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the countryside around you.
The Royal Gunpowder Mills

Address

Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY

Telephone
01992 707370

info@royalgunpowdermills.com

Waltham Abbey

The Royal Gunpowder Mills are opening in a different way in 2024 - find out more
Lee Valley Wild Fowl Walk

Address

Sun Street, WALTHAM ABBEY, Essex, EN9 1EL

Telephone
01992 716882

WALTHAM ABBEY

Explore the wild life of the Lee Valley Park wetlands on this trail around the river, canal and lakes.
North Weald & District Miniature Railway

Address

Harlow Garden Centre, Canes Lane, Hastingwood, Essex, CM17 9LD

nwdmrail@gmail.com

Canes Lane, Hastingwood

Journey with North Weald & District Miniature Railway in the grounds of Harlow Garden Centre
Greensted Country Walk

Address

High Street, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9JG

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Ongar

Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the countryside around you.
The John Collins Cycle Collection

Address

The Harlow Museum, Muskham Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2LF

Telephone
07568 103852

corrinadunlea@gmail.com

Harlow

An amazing cycle collection charting the history of the bicycle.
Gunpowder Park

Address

Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3GP

Telephone
03000 030 610

info@leevalleypak.org.uk

Waltham Abbey

Gunpowder Park in Waltham Abbey, a dynamic park regenerated from a former munitions testing ground and split into four very different zones for walkers, cyclists and summer horse riders.
Epping Forest

Address

The Warren, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4RW

Telephone
020 7332 1911

epping.forest@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Loughton

Epping Forest, London's largest open space, is a registered charity managed by the City of London. Whether you wish to escape into the countryside and unwind, or need space to do something a little more active, Epping Forest has it covered.
Theydon Bois Country Walk

Address

Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, Essex, CM16 7EU

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Theydon Bois

Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the countryside around you.
Lee Valley Wildlife Discovery Centre

Address

Fishers Green Car Park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF

Telephone
03000 030 644

wildlifediscoverycentre@leevalleypark.org.uk

Waltham Abbey

A state of the art wildlife centre with a viewing tower, open throughout the year.

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