Epping Forest

Epping Forest is absolutely huge, measuring a whopping 6,000 acres and stretching from Manor Park to Epping in Essex.

Since 1878 Epping Forest has been under the protection of the City of London after the City joined forces with local people to stop the forest from becoming enclosed. The legal battle that followed culminated in two Acts of Parliament that made provisions for other open spaces in London that were under similar threat.

The forest is of extreme historical significance, it is home to Wanstead Park, Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge and the remains of two Iron Age earthworks. Wanstead Park is a beautifully landscaped piece of land that was attached to Wanstead House; the house is now gone but the park remains along with its original boathouse and stunning temple.  The park's formality is a stark contract to the rest of the forest with a number of ornamental water features where herons live, remnants from the heronry that was established at the beginning of the 20th century. You can find out more about Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge is our museums section.

Today the forest is an area of conservation; the wildlife living there exists in harmony with regular events and visitors. Many of the trees in the forest are ancient Oaks, Beech and Hornbeam trees that support insect life and fungi. Animals living in the forest include deer, Adders, newts, frogs, squirrels, rabbits and a myriad of birdlife.

Sports facilities in the forest include football pitches, a golf course and cricket pitches; there are also designated areas for fishing, boating and flying model aircrafts. Cycling, horse riding and cross-country running are also popular forest pastimes. Numerous events take place in the forest including heritage events, exhibitions, theatre performance and guided walks.

Find out more about Epping Forest.

How to get there

The closest tube station is a short walk away at Buckhurst Hill; the closest main line railway station is at Chingford, train from Liverpool Street station take around 25 minutes to reach Chingford.

If travelling by bus the 179, 212, 397 and 444 serve Chingford main line station.