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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: 32

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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…
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…
Lee Valley Regional Park

Address

Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middx, EN2 9HG

Telephone
03000030610

ifo@leevalleypark.org.uk

Enfield

From London 2012 venues to campsites, heritage sites, cycling, walking, white water rafting, ice skating, horse riding, nature reserves and wide open spaces - you name it and its likely to be waiting for you in the Lee Valley.
Sheering Country Walk

Address

The Street, Sheering, Essex, CM22 7LX

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Sheering

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

Address

Epping Forest District Museum, Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1EL

Telephone
01992 716882

Waltham Abbey

Caroline Jones shares some of her tranquil pictures of Epping Forest taken in a troubled year.
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.
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.
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.
Epping & Theydon Country Walk

Address

Stonards Hill Car Park, Epping, Essex, CM16 4QE

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.
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.
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.
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
Lions on the Loose

Address

Epping & Loughton

Epping & Loughton

Lions on the Loose is a free, family‑friendly art trail coming to Epping and Loughton in summer 2026, featuring colourful lion sculptures that encourage visitors to explore the towns while supporting the incredible work of St Clare Hospice.…
Swaines Green Wildlife Site

Address

Coronation Hill, Epping, Essex, CM16 5DU

swainesgreen@gmail.com

Epping

A ich mosaic of open rough grassland, ancient hedgerows, scrub and developing woodland, with a stream and a pond.
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.
Abridge Country Walk

Address

New Farm Drive, Abridge, Essex, RM4 1BS

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Abridge

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

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