Ancient forests, historic buildings and a thriving community – this quintessential market town has so much to offer
You could say that Epping marks the start of proper countryside on the eastern side of London, and it officially marks the beginning of Essex. Its medieval forest, weatherboard cottages and tales of the infamous Dick Turpin make it a romantic and intriguing place to visit – and it's only 17 miles from central London.
Celebrities such as Bradley Walsh, Rod Stewart and wife Penny Lancaster live in Epping, alongside fellow menopause campaigner and model Lisa Snowdon. Winston Churchill was MP for Epping for more than 20 years, including during World War II. The journalist Tom Dyckoff describes Epping Forest as ‘great for autumnal mushroom foraging and wizened old oaks that look like Gandalf’.
History
Epping Forest, all 6,000 acres of it, stretches from Manor Park in London to just north of Epping. It’s a treasure trove of space, nature and wonder waiting to be discovered. Epping Forest Heritage Trust invites us to explore the majestic oak, beech and hornbeam woodlands and its deep ponds. But be warned, one of the ponds has gained an eerie reputation and is nicknamed the Killer Pond after two lovers died tragically in circumstances reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet 300 years ago.
‘Epinga’, as it was formerly known, was originally a collection of farms and a chapel on the edge of a forest and was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086.
Explore
Copped Hall, a house that was rescued and is now run as The Copped Hall Trust has a plethora of events on. They’re all listed on the website, and include guided tours, dark tales, snowdrop visits and furniture workshops. The guided tours, which take place monthly, cost £10 per person or are free for children under 16 and friends of Copped Hall Trust. Visitors will be guided through the cellars and stables as well as viewing the four-acre Walled Garden and sites of previous houses that stood in the grounds.
In nearby Waltham Abbey you will find Epping Forest District Museum, where over-55s can join the Museum Movers sessions, a chance to view the exhibitions, get some light exercise and make friends. These cost £5 including a cup of tea. Admission to the museum to view exhibitions such as the Tudor Gallery is free.
Trainspotters shouldn't miss the Epping Museum, which is home to a signal cabin and small museum where you can see the Central line trains rattling past. Children will love the London Alpacas Farm where ten exotically named alpacas will greet them, such as Mooncake, Artemis and Peaches. You might be lucky and see a baby alpaca – you never know!
Dine
Treat yourself to a culinary experience at Haywards Restaurant on Bell Common, which has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes. Start with the crab salad and enjoy braised globe artichokes, Jerusalem artichoke custard with confit of egg yolk for the main course and finish your meal off with buttermilk and stem ginger mousse, poached rhubarb and orange gel.
Another top-notch eatery in the area is The Zebra Riding Club, based within Birch Community, which describes itself as ‘a restaurant led by nature – using the growing farm, woods and produce surrounding it throughout the year.’ One glance at the website will give you an idea of the sort of sophisticated treat you are in for when you book in for dinner. The tasting menu costs £53 per person starting with a cocktail (Amethyst is an infusion of Plantation Rum and blue butterfly flowers), enjoy the snacks such as cured courgette and the wood-fired leg of lamb as your main course. Finish with fig leaf ice cream or gooseberries.
According to one diner, Roza Epping is ‘the best Turkish in Epping’ and has received rave reviews as well as boasting an immaculate interior. Located on the High Street, Roza Epping serves grilled halloumi and crispy battered prawns to start and chicken shish for the main. Be sure to order one of their legendary cocktails such as the Lychee Cooler or Strawberry Bliss.
Stay
If you want to make a weekend of it (and with all these fine-dining options we can’t blame you), why not check into the idyllic Cottage on the Common, available to book through Airbnb on Bell Common. Hosted by James, this dog-friendly two-bedroom cottage sleeping four people costs around £217 per night. You could dine at Haywards and then flop into bed as it's on your doorstep.
Slightly further north just above Epping you will find a unique single-storey stable conversion equipped with three bedrooms. The price to book this cottage on Airbnb is around £203 per night.
Shop
Epping is known for its weekly Monday market and its high street is full of indie and well-known retailers. Anyone about to embark on some retail therapy should start at Fred & Doug’s Cafe on the High Street, where you can fuel up on coffee, sandwiches and cake. At 196 on the High Street, you will find Artisan Fine Art, a contemporary gallery resplendent with extraordinary art for sale. My favourite is a piece by Emma Gibbons featuring some delicious-looking lollipops on a canvas.
Alexander Morgan, a picture-framing service also sells some lovely ornate glassware as well as original oil paintings by John Ewing RA. Victoria Jewellers on the High Street has some gorgeous rings and watches available. A family-run business, it has been in Epping for 20 years.
Live
Located just outside London and with its own tube station, Epping seems to effortlessly combine the fast and the slow pace, making it the perfect place to lay down roots. Here are our property picks...
This wonderful five-bedroom family home on Hartland Road is situated in just over a third of an acre and the property is within walking distance of the High Street. Offers in excess of £2.1m, marketed by Savills.
For those in love with Bell Common there is this fabulous three-bedroom cottage. It comes complete with weatherboarded frontage, pretty garden and bags of character. Guide price £800,000, marketed by Montagues Property.
Woodlands is a fabulous detached five-bedroom family home on a highly sought-after road in nearby Theydon Bois. Expect spacious rooms, a secluded garden and outdoor pool. Guide price £1.65m, marketed by Savills.
