Steeped in history, full of character and jewelled with green spaces, every season offers all the right ingredient for a short break in the Epping Forest District.
Epping Forest forms a direct green link between London and rural Essex and lends its name to a market town and surrounding district that never fails to surprise and delight visitors who discover its many attractions. And all just a walk, ride or tube journey away from the Capital.
Immersed in history, the ancient market town of Waltham Abbey is the resting place of King Harold and home to the Epping Forest District Museum where you can learn about the district's rich heritage, and the Royal Gunpowder Mills where you can discover the secret history of gunpowder production and rocket development. Just a few minutes away, the world class Lee Valley White Water Centre offers adrenaline-pumping white water adventure. Alternatively, for a gentler taste of the outdoors, head for Epping Forest, with ancient trees, sunlit glades and a host of events throughout the year. Visit Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge or explore the remains of two large Iron Age forts.
Alternatively, enjoy English countryside at its best along the Essex Way which begins right outside Epping Station at the end of the Central Line. Lee Valley Regional Park, running along the western edge of the Epping Forest district, offers much to the leisure visitor and Lee Valley Park Farms plus Ashlyns Farm at North Weald are popular family days out.
Just outside Ongar, Greensted’s 11th Century Church is famed as the oldest wooden church in the world whilst at Copped Hall, Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream was first performed. Combine your visit with lunch in the leafy market towns of Epping or Ongar, two destinations linked by the Epping Ongar Heritage Railway, who can take you even further on one of their classic double-decker buses. Bargain hunters head for North Weald Airfield, host to a weekly outdoor market held Saturdays and Bank Holidays on a former Battle of Britain site, still active today with historic aircraft in the skies and events throughout the year. The Airfield Museum is another must-see for enthusiasts. For the ultimate retail therapy, especially if bling’s your thing, head for Loughton and Buckhurst Hill where you’ll find shops full of the fashion and designer goods that inspired the TOWIE look. You’ll also find plenty of café’s and bars to relax and admire your purchases or plan your evening at top night spots or fine dining in one of the district’s many acclaimed restaurants.
