Epping Forest

Discover London’s ancient woodland retreat just minutes from the city

Stretching across Essex and northeast London, Epping Forest offers a breathtaking escape into 6,000 acres of historic woodland that’s been captivating visitors since Queen Victoria officially opened it to the public in 1882.

Highlights:

• Wander through ancient woodland trails dating back 3,000 years, where royal hunts once took place and Iron Age settlements still leave their mark.
• Explore historic landmarks like Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, built by Henry VIII, offering a fascinating glimpse into Tudor England.
• Discover hidden lakes, ancient earthworks, and diverse wildlife habitats that provide a perfect natural escape just minutes from London’s bustling streets.

What to See and Do

Here’s your complete guide to making the most of your visit to Epping Forest. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this ancient woodland has something special waiting for you.

Hike the Historic Beech Trail

The 5km Beech Trail loop starts at High Beach and takes you on a journey through some of the forest’s most atmospheric sections.

You’ll pass the mysterious Lost Pond and the ancient Loughton Camp, an Iron Age fort dating back over 2,500 years. The trail is well-marked but gets muddy after rain, so proper footwear is essential.

What I love about this trail is how quickly you feel transported away from London. Within minutes of starting the walk, the sounds of the city fade completely, replaced by rustling leaves and birdsong.

Top tip: The morning light filtering through the beech leaves creates magical photo opportunities, particularly in autumn when the forest transforms into a canvas of gold and amber.

Visit Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge

Don’t miss this remarkable three-story timber-framed building constructed for Henry VIII around 1543.

Despite its name, Queen Elizabeth I never actually owned the lodge – it was renamed in her honor during the Victorian era. The building has been beautifully preserved and offers fascinating insights into Tudor hunting practices.

From the top floor, you’ll enjoy the same views that would have allowed Tudor nobility to watch deer being driven toward waiting hunters. The volunteer guides here are incredibly knowledgeable and often share lesser-known stories about royal hunting parties.

After exploring the lodge, pop into Butler’s Retreat next door – a charming café housed in a restored 19th-century building that serves excellent cakes and light meals.

Discover Ancient Earthworks at Ambresbury Banks

Step back in time at this impressive Iron Age hill fort, one of two ancient earthworks in the forest (the other being Loughton Camp).

Local legend claims this might be where Boudicca, the warrior queen of the Iceni tribe, made her last stand against Roman forces, though historians debate this claim.

The earthworks create a circular boundary roughly 200 meters in diameter, with banks still visible rising several meters high in places. It’s a peaceful spot now, with massive beech trees growing from the ancient banks, but standing here, you can’t help but imagine the drama that unfolded nearly 2,000 years ago.

Cycle the Oak Trail

Grab your bike and tackle the 6.5-mile Oak Trail circular route that begins at Theydon Bois Underground Station.

This well-maintained path offers a perfect introduction to the forest’s diverse landscapes, from dense woodland to open grassland. The trail is suitable for most bikes, though mountain bikes fare better in wet conditions.

I’d recommend a quick stop at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre in High Beach along the way.

It’s housed in a charming Victorian building and provides excellent context about the forest’s ecology and history. The staff can point you toward seasonal highlights or less crowded areas if you’re seeking solitude.

Bear in mind that some sections of this trail can get busy on sunny weekends, so an early start pays dividends.

Explore Connaught Water

This picturesque lake near Chingford is one of the forest’s most beautiful spots and a haven for wildlife.

Created in the 1880s, the lake is now home to various waterfowl, including mandarin ducks, grebes, and herons. The circular walk around the lake takes about 30 minutes and offers lovely views across the water.

In summer, the lake becomes a hub of activity with families enjoying picnics along the shores.

Visit on weekday mornings for a more tranquil experience when you might have sections of the path almost to yourself. There’s a car park nearby, making this an accessible spot even for those with limited mobility or younger children.

Visit Copped Hall

This restored Georgian mansion sits at the forest’s edge and offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s aristocratic past. The hall fell into disrepair during the 20th century but has been lovingly restored by a dedicated trust.

Guided tours take you through the ongoing restoration process and share the building’s colorful history, including its connections to Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The gardens are particularly worth exploring, with formal parterres gradually being returned to their former glory. The monthly guided tours must be booked in advance through the Copped Hall Trust website, but they’re well worth planning ahead for.

Experience the Epping Ongar Railway

At the forest’s northern edge, you’ll find this heritage railway offering steam and diesel train rides through the Essex countryside. The railway runs from Ongar to North Weald along a line that was once part of the London Underground, making it a must-visit for transport enthusiasts.

Special events run throughout the year, including dining experiences and seasonal rides like the Santa Specials in December.

If you’re traveling with children, the combination of forest walks and a steam train ride makes for an unforgettable day out. The railway connects with a vintage bus service from Epping Underground station, creating a charmingly nostalgic travel experience.

Discover Greensted Church

Just a short drive from the forest lies this architectural treasure – the oldest wooden church in the world.

Dating back to the 11th century, Greensted Church features original Saxon timber walls that have stood for over a thousand years. The church remains an active place of worship but welcomes respectful visitors outside of service times.

Inside, you’ll find a fascinating mix of features spanning nearly a millennium of continuous use, including a crusader’s grave and medieval carvings. The peaceful churchyard and surrounding meadows make this a perfect spot to contemplate the deep history of this corner of Essex.

Opening Hours

Epping Forest is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no entrance fee—perfect for spontaneous walks, bike rides, or quiet moments in nature. However, some attractions within the forest have their own set opening times.

Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge is open Tuesday to Sunday and on Bank Holidays (excluding Christmas Day), with visiting hours from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

The Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach welcomes visitors from Friday to Sunday and on Bank Holidays (except Christmas Day), from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Opening hours may occasionally change due to seasonal adjustments or special events, so it’s best to check ahead before planning your visit.

Directions

Epping Forest is easily accessible by both public transport and car.

For those using public transport, Central Line stations at Loughton, Theydon Bois, Epping, and Chingford provide convenient access points to different parts of the forest. Chingford Station (served by London Overground) is particularly useful, located near Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and Connaught Water.

If driving, there are numerous car parks throughout the forest, many of which require payment through the RingGo app. The forest stretches for 12.5 miles from north to south, so the best access point depends on which area you wish to explore.

Nearby Places

Waltham Abbey Church: This historic church with connections to King Harold features stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. Its position as the burial place of King Harold adds a layer of historical significance that complements a forest visit.

The Royal Gunpowder Mills: Discover the fascinating history of explosives and their role in British military history at this unique heritage site. The interactive exhibits and peaceful canal-side setting make for an educational and enjoyable visit.

Lee Valley Park Farms: A perfect family-friendly destination featuring a variety of farm animals, play areas, and seasonal activities. Children particularly enjoy the tractor rides and meeting the resident meerkats.

North Weald Airfield Museum: Learn about this former RAF station’s crucial role in the Battle of Britain and other WWII operations. Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed exhibits and occasional vintage aircraft displays.

The Owl at High Beach: After a forest walk, this traditional pub provides hearty meals and local ales in a cozy setting. Their Sunday roasts are particularly popular among walkers looking to refuel.

Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)

1. Epping Forest was once home to wild bears, deer, wild boar, and possibly beavers, with pollen traces dating back over 3,000 years.
2. Many of the forest’s 100+ ponds were formed by WWII bomb craters or are the result of gravel extraction activities.
3. The forest was officially opened to the public by Queen Victoria in 1882, who declared it “for the use and enjoyment of my people for all time.”
4. Until the late 1990s, local “commoners” (those owning over half an acre of land) had the right to graze cattle freely in the forest – a tradition ended by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
5. Ambresbury Banks, an Iron Age fort within the forest, is believed by some to be where Queen Boudicca made her last stand against Roman forces.

History

A journey through Epping Forest’s fascinating timeline:

• 3,000 BCE: First evidence of human habitation appears in the area, with pollen records showing early forest management.
• 500 BCE: Construction of Iron Age hill forts at Ambresbury Banks and Loughton Camp begins.
• 43 CE: Romans arrive in Britain, establishing kilns in the northern forest and building villas with mosaic floors in the south.
• 1100s: The area becomes designated as the “Royal Forest of Essex” for the monarchy’s hunting pleasure.
• 1543: Henry VIII orders the construction of what would later be known as Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge.
• 1700s-1800s: Enclosure threatens the forest as wealthy landowners begin fencing off sections for private use.
• 1878: The Epping Forest Act preserves approximately 6,000 acres for public use after a lengthy legal battle.
• 1882: Queen Victoria officially opens the forest to the public, declaring it “for the use and enjoyment of my people for all time.”
• 1939-1945: The forest sustains bomb damage during WWII, creating craters that later become ponds.
• 2000: Cattle grazing by commoners ends after continuing for nearly a millennium.
• Present Day: The 6,000-acre forest continues to be managed by the City of London Corporation as a public space and conservation area.

FAQ

Map & Address

Epping Forest spans northeast London and Essex, with its main visitor center located at:

Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach High Beach Loughton, Essex, IG10 4AF, United Kingdom

The forest extends roughly from Manor Park in East London to just north of Epping in Essex, with multiple access points and car parks throughout.