The story
Epping Forest was once part of a royal hunting forest. In the nineteenth century, as land was enclosed, local people campaigned to keep it open. The Epping Forest Act of 1878 gave the forest to the City of London Corporation to manage for public enjoyment, and Queen Victoria declared it "open to the people" in 1882.
The forest covers around 6,000 acres and contains pollarded trees, ponds, grassland and two Iron Age earthworks, Loughton Camp and Ambresbury Banks. At Chingford, Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge is a timber-framed building built for Henry VIII.
What to look for
- Pollarded hornbeams and beeches, many centuries old.
- Iron Age earthworks at Loughton Camp and Ambresbury Banks.
- Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge at Chingford.
- Connaught Water and quiet glades.
Combine it with
High Beach has a visitor centre and tea hut. Waltham Abbey and Walthamstow Wetlands are nearby.
Visiting tips
The forest is large, so plan a route and take a map or use a navigation app. Paths can be muddy, especially in winter. Autumn colour is spectacular.
Getting there
Chingford station (London Overground) and Loughton and Theydon Bois (Central line) are close to the forest. With Mason & Green, we can drop you at a chosen entrance and collect you at another.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Epping Forest?
It covers about 6,000 acres, making it London's largest open space.
Who manages Epping Forest?
The City of London Corporation, under the Epping Forest Act of 1878.
Can you visit Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge?
Yes. It is open on set days.