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Photo: Christine Matthews, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
North Weald Airfield is an operational general aviation aerodrome, in the civil parish of North Weald Bassett in Epping Forest, Essex, England. It was an important fighter station during the Battle of Britain, when it was known as the RAF Station RAF North Weald. It is the home of North Weald Airfield Museum. It is home to many private aircraft and historic types, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance helicopter and is an active flight training airfield.
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.