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About
Following a judge's visit in 2022, Epping Forest District Museum has been awarded Hidden Gem status in VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades. Marks were allocated for the outstanding experiences provided to visitors across categories including welcome and best told story. The Museum scored an overall 90% with 100% in cleanliness, customer care and staff knowledge. The museum was praised as: "A fine example of a small museum with a varied and intriguing range of content drawn from the local area, supplemented by a calendar of considered, relevant temporary exhibitions." Employees were also praised for their knowledge and helpfulness.
The museum tells the story of the people and events that shaped the local area. The fascinating collection including paintings, jewellery, costumes, a woolly mammoth tusk and the Waltham Abbey Bible.
There are changing exhibitions, galleries, gift shop and enjoy a variety of activities suitable for all ages plus events and activities that take place at the museum and in the community.
Housed in a beautiful Grade II* listed Tudor building dating from 1485 to 1603, the entire building is fully accessible and a lovely community space for all to use.
Events and Activities
As well as a programme of major exhibitions throughout the year, the museum staff run an ongoing range of activities both in the museum building and out in the community. These can all be found on the museum website.
About the Museum
The recently redeveloped museum features six galleries, the opportunity to see behind the scenes, a lift making the entire building accessible and impressive new community space for all to use.
Epping Forest District Museum tells the story of the Epping Forest district through its collections of over 50,000 objects including
• Art
• Archaeology
• Photographs
• Social History
• Documents
The redevelopment enabled the museum to showcase many more items in the collection than have been on display before.
A new gallery addition, The Core Gallery, features a cabinet of curiosities for visitors to explore. Showcasing some of the fascinating collections of objects from tea pots to bottles, this special gallery also features windows into behin-the-scenes areas allowing visitors to see the storage areas and work areas for the first time. These windows allow visitors to peer into the art and costume stores as well as a space used to work on the collections.
As well as the fantastic galleries for you to visit at the museum, a wide variety of events and activities for all ages is also on offer. From drop in family activities to artist led workshops, talks, tours and special events there is something for everyone.
Epping Forest District Museum is committed to providing access to all. Outreach services are also available including talks, study days, school workshops and memory boxes. Call the museum on 01992 716882 to find out more. The museum welcomes assistance dogs and water can be provided if required.
Contact us
Email the museum here. Call the museum on 01992 716882. Visit the museum website.
Guide Prices
Entry to the museum is free.
Events
Saturday, 23rd September 2023 - Friday, 22nd December 2023
Greater in Spirit, Larger in Outlook at Epping Forest District MuseumA free exhibition at the District Museum, Waltham Abbey.
- more info
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible Lift
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - Step-free entry access is available throughout the museum. Toilets are located on the ground floor and second floor. A unisex accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair users is available. Baby changing facilities are also available.
- Disabled persons toilet
- Guide Dogs Permitted - The museum welcomes assistance dogs and water can be provided if required.
- Lift
- Ramp/Level Access
- Wheelchair user accessible
Attraction Facilities
- Groups Accepted - By arrangement.
Children & Infants
- Babes in Arms
- Baby changing
- Family Friendly, Children Welcome
Establishment Features
- All weather attraction
- Event Venue - There is a gallery space and educational space available for hire.
- Garden / Grounds for visitors use - The museum has a delightful garden which is a beautiful open space featuring a beautiful mosaic commemorating the museum’s redevelopment. Activities are often held here during the summer months.
- Gift shop - The museum’s reception and shop are located on the ground floor where a great selection of local history books, gifts and souvenirs are on offer for all ages and pockets.
- Groups by arrangement
- Groups welcome
- Toilets - Toilets are located on the ground floor and second floor. A unisex accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair users is available. Baby changing facilities are also available.
Parking & Transport
- Bus stop within walking distance - A bus stop is located within a 2 minute walk of the museum.
- Free parking - Free parking is currently available at the Abbey Gardens carpark which is a 10 minute walk from the museum.
- Parking (charge) - Payand display parking is available in the town centre, the nearest car park is Quaker Lane car park which is a 2 minute walk from the museum.
- Parking (free) - Free parking is currently available at the Abbey Gardens carpark which is a 10 minute walk from the museum.
Provider Preferences
- In town/city centre
- Indoor Attraction
Specialist Features
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Children
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed towards student/youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
Map & Directions
Road Directions
The Museum is located in the heart of the historic town of Waltham Abbey, situated just outside the M25 between Epping Forest and the Lee Valley. From the M25, leave at junction 26 and follow the signs to Waltham Abbey.
Pay and display parking is available in the town centre, the nearest car park is Quaker Lane car park which is a 2 minute walk from the museum. Parking is also available at the Abbey Gardens car park which is a delightful 10 minute walk through the Abbey grounds from the museum.
Public Transport Directions
The museum is a 25 minute walk from Waltham Cross Railway Station. A taxi rank is located outside the station. Buses also operate from Waltham Cross Bus Station which is a 5 minute walk from the station and a bus stop is located within a 2 minute walk of the museum. Other bus routes include 213 (Regal Buses) from Epping, 66 (EOS London) from Loughton, 86 (EOS London) from Harlow and 251 (Arriva) from Upshire.
