Epping: Market, Forest and Heritage

Epping is nicknamed the “Town of the Forest” because of its connection to Epping Forest. The town is also a market town: Epping Market runs along the entire length of the High Street on Mondays, including public holidays. Epping station is the terminus of the London Central line; from there, it is a short walk to the edge of the forest. When choosing a destination, you can consider a range of interests: market history and townscape, woodland scenery, and historic visits.

The market and historic townscape

In 1253, Epping was granted the right to hold a weekly market. Today, Epping Market takes place on Mondays and stretches along the whole High Street. Listed buildings stand on both sides of the street; most date from the 18th century. The market charter and streetscape thus point to different periods: the right to hold a weekly market dates back to the Middle Ages, while much of the surviving building stock is several centuries newer.

Another building with its own historical significance is the Church of St John the Baptist. It was built in 1889–91 by Bodley and Garner and is listed as a Grade II* building. The church is a prominent landmark in Epping. Those interested in architecture can compare the High Street’s buildings, most of which date from the 18th century, with a church built much later.

Epping Forest and green spaces

The ancient Epping Forest stretches for 13 miles from Manor Park in east London to Epping in Essex. Since the Epping Forest Act of 1878, it has been preserved as a publicly accessible open space. South of Epping, Bell Common and Epping Thicks comprise an area of dense mixed woodland and grassland. Both are 1.8 kilometres from Epping station on the Central line and can be explored on foot, by bike, on horseback or with a dog.

Epping Long Green offers a different kind of scenery: this ancient green lane provides far-reaching views across many miles. It can also be explored on foot, by bike, on horseback or with a dog. Among other wildlife, you may spot deer, dragonflies and skylarks. The two woodland areas to the south combine mixed woodland and grassland, while Long Green is described as a green lane with long-distance views.

Walking: woodland paths and a long-distance trail

Epping Forest has more than 284 kilometres of paths, as well as numerous other trails for walking and running. This offers plenty of options for a single outing focused on getting active in the forest. The Essex Way offers a different scale: this 81-mile long-distance trail runs from Epping to Harwich and starts at Epping station. The station is also the terminus of the Central line. This lets you choose between woodland paths and a long-distance route with a set start and finish point.

Historic houses and guided visits

Hill Hall is one of England’s earliest Renaissance houses. It features rare figurative wall paintings, among the most important in English Heritage’s collection. Parts of Hill Hall are still accessible on pre-booked guided tours. The grounds are on a high ridge and offer far-reaching views across the countryside. When planning your visit, it is helpful to distinguish between the historic building, access to parts of it on pre-booked guided tours, and the grounds with their views.

Copped Hall is an ancient deer park and country estate dating from the 12th century or earlier. Monthly guided tours include the gardens, parts of the mansion, the cellars and the stables. The older part of the park is listed as a Grade II* site; the Walled Kitchen Garden is one of the largest kitchen gardens in Essex. When deciding which visit interests you, the tours offer a close look at different parts of Copped Hall. Check the dates of the individual tours in advance.

Markets and events

The weekly market is part of Epping’s regular offering. Epping Town Show is also an annual community day featuring arena displays, fairground attractions and entertainment. Epping also hosts a traditional Christmas market with food, gifts, crafts, Santa Claus and festive entertainment. If an event is important to your travel plans, check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Little Waltham, Warley, Takeley, Coggeshall, Sible Hedingham, Black Notley, Hempstead, Tiptree.

For the regional travel overview: Essex.