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Ideas & Insipration
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Inspiration comes in many forms so if you’re new to Epping Forest District (or only really know one bit of it) here’s an idea – discover what has inspired others about the district.
A good starting point would be the District Museum in Waltham Abbey, itself an inspirational place to get all excited about the last of the Saxon Kings (King Harold, with connections to the Abbey) but that’s to digress from the wealth of information that’s to be found in the museum exhibits and the knowledge of its staff. You’ll discover artifacts from people, families and business. Items which link the district to monumental periods in history, some of which saw the district playing an important role. Did Boudica really make her last stand against the Romans at Ambresbury Banks Iron Age fort just outside Epping? Where exactly is King Harold buried at Waltham Abbey? Which of Winston Churchill’s speeches did he make from a window in Epping High Street as the local MP and how much was the Ongar explorer David Livingston knew, different from today? Ideas kick-started at the museum might be the inspiration to investigate the parts of North Weald Airfield unchanged since the Battle of Britain, or look for local examples of work from the internationally famous Cottis Ironworks of Epping, or discover the enchanted views of the district that inspired artists from Impressionist Lucien Pissarro to iconic London Transport poster illustrator Walter Spradbury. An hour in the museum could lead to days immersed in the heritage, culture and beauty of the district with experts on hand as you discover knowledge that brings the past alive, illuminates our present and gives us wisdom when considering the future.
Highlights
Medieval Ongar
After conquest by William Duke of Normandy, Saxon lands became the property of Norman overlords. In…
Farmer's Market Matching Tye Village Hall
Produce from around the district and just beyond, market every third Saturday of the month
Epping & Theydon Country Walk
Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the…
North Weald Airfield
There’s much more to historic North Weald than just the Airfield! Lots to see, lots going on and…
Nazeing Country Walk
Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the…
Epping Forest
Epping Forest, London's largest open space, is a registered charity managed by the City of London.…
Thornwood Springs Trout Fishery
Thornwood Springs Trout Fishery - for the discerning fly fisherman with great fly life, wildlife…
Lee Valley Walking and Cycling Trails
Lee Valley Regional Park boasts miles of traffic free trails that crisscross award winning nature…
Lopping Hall Exhibition of Art
A significant exhibition of local artists work curated especially for the Festival of Culture by…
North Weald Redoubt
North Weald Redoubt, one of the London Mobilisation Centres planned in 1888 and completed in 1904.…
Countrycare Nature Reserves
Discover the varied wildlife on your doorstep within Epping Forest District's nine nature reserves.
Grange Farm Centre
Visit the largest remaining species-rich water meadow in Essex with its famous display of…
Lee Valley Regional Park
From London 2012 venues to campsites, heritage sites, cycling, walking, white water rafting, ice…
Epping Forest Countrycare
9 walks, 9 local nature reserves and 20 additional wildlife sites across the district.
High Beech Riding School
Welcome to High Beech Riding School - for everything horse riding in Epping Forest. Situated in…
Gunpowder Park
Gunpowder Park in Waltham Abbey, a dynamic park regenerated from a former munitions testing ground…
East London Windsurfing School
Come and learn and experience this great sport - outdoor, individual and Covid-safe.
Moreton - Magdalen Laver Country Walk
Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the…

- 1Medieval Ongar
- 2Farmer's Market Matching Tye Village Hall
- 3Epping & Theydon Country Walk
- 4North Weald Airfield
- 5Nazeing Country Walk
- 6Epping Forest
- 7Thornwood Springs Trout Fishery
- 8Lee Valley Walking and Cycling Trails
- 9Lopping Hall Exhibition of Art
- 10North Weald Redoubt
- 11Countrycare Nature Reserves
- 12Grange Farm Centre
- 13Lee Valley Regional Park
- 14Epping Forest Countrycare
- 15High Beech Riding School
- 16Gunpowder Park
- 17East London Windsurfing School
- 18Moreton - Magdalen Laver Country Walk
