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Town and parish in Essex, England
Photo: Stephen Richards, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Separated from England's capital city by Epping Forest - almost 6,000 acres of ancient woodland - Epping is a historic market town in Essex. Despite being in London's Travelcard Zone 6, the town is surrounded by forest to the north and south, and green fields to the west and east. Epping is built on the ridge between the Roding and Lee Valleys, and its countryside walks offer glimpses of the skyscrapers in Central London and Canary Wharf. The town's own High Street is lined with shops, cafes, pubs and - on Mondays - market stalls.
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Once part of the London Underground Central Line, the Epping Ongar Railway is a heritage railway between North Weald and Ongar. You can ride preserved steam and diesel trains on various days per week throughout the year. Typically no trains in November and January. Check online timetables.
Open for events only. This Georgian mansion has been owned by a trust since 1995 and a long-term restoration project is taking place. Copped Hall and its gardens are private, but a catalogue of events open to the public is available on the Copped Hall Trust website.
Elizabethan mansion managed by English Heritage. Much of it has been divided into private apartments, however, a portion is open for pre-booked public tours.
Almost 6,000 acres of forest protected in law - by the Epping Forest Act 1878. Footpaths and bridleways criss-cross the ancient woodland, which features nearly 55,000 veteran trees, 9 species of native reptiles and amphibians, and 28 species of butterfly. The Epping Forest Visitor Centre is at High Beach, south of Epping, complete with a car park and views over the Lee Valley.
Historic frontline Battle of Britain airfield which dates back to 1916. Still operational but now privately operated by Epping Forest District Council. Home to North Weald Airfield Museum and a war memorial. Several onsite flying clubs and private collections of classic aircraft. Well-established venue for rallies and concerts.
A 6.6 mi hike through the countryside and woods just outside London, passing by a deer sanctuary and the Iron Age earthwork of Ambresbury Banks. The trail forms a loop, starting and ending in the village of Theydon Bois, and most of it is signed with yellow arrows. It's green, peaceful, and makes a lovely change of pace from city life in London. Parts of the trail can get muddy, so it's a good idea to wear boots.
Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas. Eat in and take away options, accompanied by coffee.
For brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks.
A proper English village pub near the forest, with Sunday lunches and a selection of good beer.
Stylish Turkish dining and drinking for lunch and dinner, with seasonal menus and locally sourced ingredients.
Dine-in or takeaway pizza, with a full menu of thin-crust sourdough pizza and well-paired drinks, including cocktails.
A traditional pub which feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, with bar, à la carte and Sunday lunch menus.
Indian take-away, or a very relaxed dine-in experience with a selection of tasty house specials.
A variety of food, farmers' produce, homeware, clothing and bric-a-brac stalls along Epping High Street. The Monday market dates back to 1253 and a charter signed by King Henry III.
More than 300 independent traders set up shop at North Weald Market at the airfield on Saturdays and bank holidays. With plenty to choose from — fashion, street food, homeware and farmers' produce — organisers say there's #SomethingForEveryone.
By road
The B1393 is the main road through Epping town centre. Major routes nearby include:
By bus
Most bus routes in town call at Epping tube station. Routes include:
By bike
A network of bike trails and bridleways connect Epping with London, through Epping Forest. Narrow cycle lanes runs alongside the A104 between Woodford and the Wake Arms roundabout, south of Epping.
By air
Stansted Airport ({{IATA|STN}}) is in Essex, approximately 15 miles north of Epping. It is accessed by road via the B1393 and M11 motorway.
By foot
The walk from Epping tube station to the town centre is up a steep hill. The town centre itself is small. Woodland and countryside walks are signposted.
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London, Essex · International · STN
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