Visit Epping Forest District Online

Visit Epping Forest online. Here you’ll find a range of online videos and web links to allow you to explore our district from the comfort of your own home. Go on walks, discover the history on your doorstep, relive the past and get inspiration for the future - all without leaving your home!

These videos have been categorised into the most popular selections. Most relate directly to the Epping Forest District and it’s immediate surroundings, but we’ve thrown in a few choice selections from wider afield which we think will appeal. They range from professionally produced to personal memories and older film transferred to digital. We’ve included some of poorer quality where the content is rare. We hope you enjoy them and come back for more. Sit back and enjoy.

Walking Epping Forest District with John Rogers

Highly recommended. We have created a seperate page for you to enjoy John Rogers walks whilst at home - click on the link above. Join John and discover with him, amazing places on your doorstep plus walk with him, through a beautiful landscape across the seasons and enjoy each location's fasinating history. Relaxing and inspiring at the same time.

The Essex Way from Epping to Ongar taking in Toot Hill and Greensted; Climbing the Western Escarpment - Pole Hill, Epping Forest; Wanstead Flats WW2 History walk; Trailing the Loughton Brook through Epping Forest; Theydon Bois to Chigwell Row via Abridge and Lambourne End; From Theydon Bois to Epping across the Fields; Adrift in London's Epping Forest; Wonders of Epping Forest - Loughton Camp & Ambresbury Banks; The Forgotten Forest of London; Beyond King Harold's Tomb; Across fields from Epping to Harlow; Fieldpath Walk - Debden to Grange Hill via Abridge; Boudicca's Obelisk in the Epping Forest Uplands; Last Walk before the Lockdown, Epping Forest - River Roding

The Three Forests Way: White Roding to Chipping Ongar

A 10 mile section of the Three forests Way long distance footpath, between White Roding and Chipping Ongar via the villages of Abbess Roding, Fyfield and High Ongar. Length: 11.36

Theydon Bois Circular Walk

If you like autumn colours, this is the video for you! This is a 7 mile circular walk from Theydon Bois underground station via Ivy Chimneys, Bell Common and the glorious colours of Epping Forest. Within Epping Forest, there is a view of Ambresbury Bank iron age hill fort. Length: 10.51. 

The Essex Way: Epping to Ongar

A guide to the route of the Essex Way from its start outside Epping Central Line tube station, through the countryside of Epping, Coopersale, over the M11 to North Weald, on to Toot Hill and past the oldest wooden church in the world at Greensted and then into Ongar. Length: 10.42

Epping Ongar Railway: A brief history  |  Along the Branch | Our Trains, Coaches & Wagons | Our Signalboxes | Image Gallery | Videos | Main website

The Royal Gunpowder Mills: Historical Walk & Audio Tour | Chronology of Gunpowder | 300 Years of History | The Armoury | Heritage | Science | The Gunpowder & Explosives History Group | Videos | Main website

Copped Hall: History | Restoration | Archaeology | Gallery |  Videos |  Main website

The National Jazz Archive: Main Catalogue | Interviews | Jazz Timeline | Photographs | Journals | Videos | Main website with lots more

Epping Forest District Museum: Videos | Main website

North Weald Airfield Museum: The Airfield | Battle of Britain | The Hurricane | Newsletters | Main website

North Weald Airfield: Photos | Videos | Web page

Countrycare: Nature Reserves & Walks | Photos | Videos

Epping Forest Focus Magazines: Spring 2020 | Winter 2019/20 | Autumn 2019 | Summer 2019 | Main website

Epping Essex England (collection of old images of Epping) - A collection of images of bygone Epping compiled by Sid Hills. Sid was the 'old boy' in the choir at Epping Methodist Church. Length: 11.09

Chipping Ongar Castle and Church - Tom Outdoors joined by Candice to explore another castle together one weekend, this time in Chipping Ongar in Essex. Length: 4.00

Waltham Abbey and King Harold’s Tomb - Tom Outdoors. This is another site that myself and Candice decided to visit one Sunday and it is free entry. I have been here before a long time ago on a day walk. Not only can you explore the vast grounds of the abbey and it's ruins, but it is supposedly the final resting place of the last Saxon King of England, the famous King Harold (killed by an arrow to the eye at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and succeeded by William the Conqueror). Length: 10.58

Greensted Church - By Tom Outdoors The oldest wooden church in the world, just outside Ongar. It's located only a short drive from where I live in Essex, and I was joined by Candice as loves churches and history! Length 14.07

The Tudor Travel Guide London to Waltham Abbey - Audio podcast following in the footsteps of Henry VII’s 1486 progress from London to York, looking in some detail about the first two locations; The Priory of St John in Clerkenwell, where the progress started and the now almost forgotten royal citadel of Waltham Abbey, the first stop of the progress. Length: 59.17 (Waltham Abbey history starts at 35.57)

Inside Waltham Abbey Church - Mark and Nickey visit the market town of Waltham Abbey and visit Waltham Abbey Church, possibly the last resting place of King Harold Godwinson and uncover a rather mysterious painting. Length: 17.22

Waltham Abbey WW1 & WW2 Anti-Aircraft Defences - This short documentary looks at the remains of two anti-aircraft positions. The first is a position located on a hilltop overlooking London, potentially used in the First World War. Not far away is a Bofors gun light AA platform; used in the Second World War. Length: 5.18

Dick Turpin Top 5 Fun Facts - 5 interesting views about Dick Turpin. Find out his true story here. Length: 1.59

Riding a Steam Train on the Epping to Ongar Railway - John Rogers and his son enjoy the delights of the Essex countryside from a steam-hauled carriage on the Epping to Ongar line. Length: 3.53

B-17 Sally B departing from North Weald - B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B departs from North Weald Airfield on its way back to its home in Duxford. Length: 4.11

By Train To Ongar - A Film By Fred Ivey - Filmed in the final month of operation (September 1994) of the Ongar branch Fred's camera catches the rural quiet of the line. The Greater London Plan of 1944 saw the line being extended to Chelmsford as Ongar was planned to expand into a new town. Instead Harlow became the new town and Ongar remains to this day a sleepy Essex market town. Length: 9.00

 Epping - Ongar,  Ongar - Loughton, Driver's Eye View 1980 - Never seen footage filmed in 1980 on the Ongar branch of the Central Line when Blake Hall still was open. Filmed UNOFFICIALLY by the motorman himself you will see an unedited view of the line from Epping to Ongar, then an early morning staff run from Ongar to Loughton. Length: 40.56

1991 North Weald Air Show - By Mike Hudson. My amateur video shot at the North Weald Air Show 1991. Length: 56.94

331 & 332 Squadron at North Weald 1942 - T. Larsen Archive footage of Spitfires being serviced and armed at North Weald Airfield during World War two. Length: 7.47

Norwegian Spitfires over North Weald - Edited version of the DVD "North Weald Airfield - flying for freedom", released 2006 by Streets Ahead Productions. This clip deals with the Norwegians at North Weald, and a special focus at Olav Djønne 332 sqd, and his daughter. Length: 7.00

No. 331 Squadron RAF - For Norge - Animation and archive footage. The true story of the Norwegian 331 fighter squadron during WWII. All aircraft have correct factory numbers, markings and paint, all dates, types of operations and battles are true. These exact aircraft and their men fought and died in these battles. Created and directed by Knut Åshammer. Length: 3.58

Epping 1943 – Pathe News - Life in Epping filmed by the famous Pathe news casters in war time 1943. Length: 1.21

Waltham Abbey, Hidden England - Created in 2013 by the Waltham Abbey Town Partnership this is a great introduction to the history of the town, its attractions, its events and history. Length: 7.49

Around Epping 1973 - 1982 - A cine film showing the market town of Epping in the 70's, with some footage of the M11 being built. Shot and edited by Eric Alvin, of the Epping Cine & Video Club,  between 1973 & 1980 Length: 15.42

Waltham Abbey 1964 - Boys fishing from Thames lighters on the River Lea to scenes outside and inside the Abbey Church. Shot by Dr Stanley Solomons on Kodak Standard 8 film.   Length: 4.11

Loughton & Debden - A short drive around Loughton and Debden in Essex in 2013. Length: 18.43

Loughton pubs and High Street 1960 - This brief trip around Loughton in 1960. Length: 1.16

Ghost Hunting in Epping Forest - Join Alex, Martin, and Robin as they go hunting for the fabled ghosts in the most haunted forest in the world... In the deepest darkest corners of London, we go Ghost Hunting in Epping Forest! Length: 27.52

Haunted Waltham Abbey - A Brief history of, some accounts of the paranormal from and my experiences  at Waltham Abbey church in Essex in the late 1970s.  Length: 6.39

Waltham Abbey Working Boats - Film of narrow boats gathering at Waltham Abbey.  Length: 8.03

Tony's Pie and Mash Waltham Abbey - In this episode of the Pie & Mash Off the boys head to Waltham Abbey in Essex to check out "Tony's". Scott chats to the father and son team in charge about the shop's roots.   Length: 19.56

Secrets of the Central Line - Geoff Marshall reveals dozens of features and facts about London's Central Line that you probably didn't know. We start in Epping and head east to west across London... Length: 5.00

Drive to Waltham Abbey - John Rogers Magical Mystery Tour to Waltham Abbey with Gary from the Bermondsey Joyriders - featuring the voice of John Sinclair.   Length: 7.18

NDRC Drag Racing North Weald 1986 - Some historic clips featuring NDRC Southern Nationals Drag Racing action from North Weald, June 1986. Length: 9.54

Sunday Best Scooterfest at Abridge 2019 - Scooter enthusiasts from far and wide had one destination, Abridge Village Hall, for their annual, and very colourful, celebration of all things scooter lifestyle related. Length: 3.30

Spring in Epping Forest - A short show reel, filmed in Epping Forest in April. Length: 2.14

Interview with Ray Winstone - Lost in Italy actor Ray Winstone talks about filming in Epping and his memories of Essex and East London. Length 4.12

Interview with Glen Murphy - Lost in Italy producer Glen Murphy talks about Essex and filming in the Epping Forest district. Length: 2.06

Best of British Community Day 2017 - British Community Day, an event held on North Weald Airfield organised by Weald Aviation in conjunction with the district council. Length: 1.53

Visit Essex Youtube Channel - Discover the wider delights of Epping's county - Essex. Intro to Essex and lots more video content to enjoy Length: 0.56

My Favourite Places in Epping Forest - This shows a few gems of Epping Forest. Chingford Plains, Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge. Length: 4.04

Roding Valley - Loughton - A small part of Roding Valley, south of Loughton, part of Epping Forest District. The area offers large spaces for playing sports, cycling, running, or just walk around, throwback and enjoy a peaceful picnic next to the lake. Length: 4.21

The Gunpowder Park - Drone footage by Darren Lee.   Length: 1.59

All Saints Church, Nazeing - The parish church of Nazeing, aerial and ground fottage combined. By Binesh Joseph. Length: 4.02

Epping Forest - An Aerial Experience - An aerial experience! Created by Russell Tranter. Length: 2.27

The Roding Valley - Drone footage by Tim Barnes showing the valley, lake and river spring 2020. Length: 5.05

Museum on the Move - Museum on the Move features the groovey dance moves of staff from Epping Forest District Museum near the completion of the exciting redevelopment project. Length: 3.00

Godiva awakes in Waltham Abbey - As part of the Cultural Olympiad, 20ft high giant puppet, "Godiva Awakes" travelled from Coventry to London. On 4 August 2012 she stopped off in Waltham Abbey for a visit. Length 5.57

The UK Americana Bar - Woodford-based studio creating lively music videos built around the growing Americana lifestyle here in the UK and beyond. Light-hearted and fun-packed entertainment guaranteed to appeal to all the family, young and old featuring top class country and Americana guest artists.

Waltham Abbey Doom Painting - The famous Doom Painting in the church at Waltham Abbey   Length: 2.53

Bells Ringing at Waltham Abbey - Filmed in 2014.   Length: 0.21

John Locke's Early Life - Length: 1.03

John Locke Moves to High Laver - Length: 0.47

Two short films about John Locke's connection to High Laver. John Locke was the most important philosopher of the Age of Enlightenment. More information here.

Kenwood -- London's New Park by Walter Spradbery, 1925 - Animation inspired by the poster Kenwood -- London's New Park by Walter Spradbery, 1925, from the collection of London Transport Museum.  Produced by M students at Central Saint Martin’s College of Arts And Design.  Length 0.32

Choral Dub - O Sacrum Convivium - Thomas Tallis with a reggae twist, masterfully produced by John Collins. Thomas Tallis worked at Waltham Abbey and therefore its was fitting that this and other reggae mixed songs were performed in the church. More about the music and image of the performance in Waltham Abbey here. Length: 3.34

“Waltham Abbey” - Listen to the tune “Waltham Abbey”  from All In a Garden Green, a renaissance music collection by The Toronto Consort.   Length: 2.48

Jacob Epstein - 1958 - This episode of the BBC Monitor series reveals Loughton resident, Jacob Epstein's sculptures as captured in a series of photographs by Anthony Ireland from the Royal College of Art. The pictures are juxtaposed with a rare recording of Epstein discussing his work in which he reflects on some of the themes behind his creations. More about him here. Length 5.58

Ruth Rendall CBE - The South Bank Show 2004. Melvyn Bragg interviews Ruth about her life and work as an author of thrillers and psychological murder mysteries. Rendell's best-known creation, Chief Inspector Wexford, was the hero of many popular police stories, some of them successfully adapted for TV. More about here here. Length 21.27

Dr. Livingstone, I Presume? - In Search of History American documentary series telling the story of the life and work of David Livingston. More on Livingstone's connection with Ongar here. Length: 42.58

Painting the Essex Seax in Epping - Short video showing the painting of the Essex Seax on Epping High Road for the Tour de France 2014. Length: 1.14

Creatures of Tree Top Meadow - Animation by pupils from Year 4, Cherry Class, Epping Primary School, created in June 2019, inspired by characters from stories developed with Professor Jigget for the St John’s Green Space 2018 project. Length: 4.35

The Somme - a memory - A memoir by George Mitchell on the 2nd Battle of the Somme - 18 August 1918. Read by Peter Charman during Epping Forest district's all-night vigil. Length 6.40

UK:

Tank Chats from the Tank Museum - Fascinating presentations from The Tank Museum Historian, David Fletcher MBE and The Tank Museum Curator David Willey on subjects in the world's finest collection of tanks and military armoured fighting vehicles. 107 videos

The Museum of the World - The British Museum presents -  History connected. An amazing online interactive timeline of objects from the museum.

The World:

Museu Picasso Barrcelona - A virtual tour of the courtyards of the Picasso Museum in Barcelona.

Google Arts & Culture - Activities, information, virtual tours, stories, collections and so much more. An interactive encyclopaedia of knowledge and fun.

VIRTUAL TOURS:

Smithsonian Natural History Museum - The Smithsonian, Washington D.C.’s National Museum of Natural History, is fascinating and full of wonderful treasures.

The Louvre, Paris - The Louvre, one of Paris’s most iconic monuments, offers free virtual tours that allow you to peek at some of its most popular exhibits, including Egyptian Antiquities and The Advent of the Artist, and to learn more about the artifacts, thanks to numerous information bubbles.

The Guggenheim, New York - You can take a virtual tour of the museum (including its famous spiral staircase), admire some of the museum’s artwork and discover the stories behind five exhibits

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York - you can truly feel like you are at the Metropolitan Museum of Art without ever leaving your couch. The Met 360 Project offers views of different areas of the museum, plus access to an astonishing 200,805 artworks in addition to two virtual tours and 27 virtual exhibits.

The Vatican Museums - See Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel ceiling - and without hurting your neck.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris - A virtual tour, a virtual exhibit and access to many of the museum’s most famous artefacts, including works by Cézanne, Monet, van Gogh and more.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles - Features works of art dating from the eighth through the twenty-first century, showcased against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views of Los Angeles. The collection includes European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and European, Asian, and American photographs.

National Museum, New Delhi - The Museum has in its possession approximately 2,00,000 works of exquisite art of diverse nature, both Indian and foreign and its holdings cover a time span of more than five thousand years of our cultural heritage. While the splendid chronological display of selected art objects in the various galleries, screening of educational films related to art and culture, guided tours, gallery talks by the experts, special lectures and training programmes.

Natural History Museum, London - Kids and adults alike will enjoy this visit and a peek at the 298,857 elements available for free online viewing, including many insect, butterfly and plant specimens, amongst others. There are also two virtual tours and 14 virtual exhibits.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam - The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) in the world. The permanent collection includes over 200 paintings by Vincent van Gogh, 500 drawings and more than 750 letters. The museum also presents exhibitions on various subjects from 19th-century art history.

The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg, Florida - St. Petersburg’s Dalí Museum is truly spectacular. Since you cannot currently visit, the museum’s website offers a very complete virtual tour, allowing you to view every corner of the museum—inside and out. You can even click on artworks and architectural elements to learn more about them.

The British Museum, London - The British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. Over 6 million visitors every year experience the collection, including world-famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam - Discover the works of Vermeer, Rembrandt and many others thanks to a virtual tour of the Rijksmuseum. You’ll have access to eight virtual tours, 11 virtual exhibits and 164,511 pieces of artwork, including Verspronck’ Girl in a Blue Dress.

National Gallery, London - The National Gallery Collection contains over 2,300 works, including many famous works, such as van Eyck’s 'Arnolfini Portrait', Velázquez’s 'Rokeby Venus', Turner’s 'Fighting Temeraire' and Van Gogh’s 'Sunflowers'. All major traditions of Western European painting are represented from the artists of late medieval and Renaissance Italy to the French Impressionists.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence - Originally built to display the Grand Ducal Magistratures of Tuscany, Florence’s Uffizi Gallery is famous for its outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings. Take a virtual tour and admire four virtual exhibits.