With forest walks, a high street full of independent shops and even a world-famous jazz museum, there’s more to Loughton than you may think
Known for its great shopping, proximity to Epping Forest, easy links to the capital and its very buoyant housing market, Loughton is one of Essex’s most desirable places to live.
Nestled in the district of Epping Forest, it was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Lukintune’. According to the Loughton Town Council website, the town grew thanks to a road that was built in 1615, which became the main route from London to Newmarket and Cambridge.
By 1730, inns, smithies and shops thrived and grew to cater for travellers. The railway arrived in 1856 and it was suddenly possible to live among the woods and hills of Loughton and work in London.
Built in 1884, Lopping Hall in the centre of the High Road is the most prominent building in Loughton. Designed by local architect Edmond Egan, it is a significant public building in the town. It has a terracotta panel sitting above the original entrance to the Hall in Station Road, which shows people lopping down branches of trees for domestic fuel, which was a custom at the time.
In 1878, the Epping Forest Act brought an end to lopping rights for villagers, so the City of London Corporation erected Lopping Hall as a community building by way of compensation to the locals. One of the rooms within the Hall, the Willingale Room, is named in honour of Thomas Willingale (who was instrumental in the preservation of Epping Forest).
Many famous people have been associated with Loughton, such as actor and comedian Alan Davies, Rudyard Kipling (who spent an idyllic childhood summer there), authors Arthur Morrison, W.W. Jacobs and Hesba Stretton, as well as hymnwriter Sarah Flower Adams, lexicographer Robert Hunter and sculptor Jacob Epstein.
Loughton includes three conservation areas on the forest edge to the west of the town. There are 58 listed buildings, many of which are Essex weatherboard.
EXPLORE
Embrace your artistic side at the Loughton Arts Centre (loughtonarts.org). LAC is a volunteer-run art gallery in the heart of Loughton, which is dedicated to showcasing local creative talent. It is part of the Lopping Trust, dedicated to supporting the local creative community.
Next, head over to the National Jazz Archive, which holds the UK's finest collection of written, printed and visual material on jazz, blues and related music, from the 1920s to the present day. Located on the first floor of Loughton Library, it was founded in 1988 by trumpeter Digby Fairweather, with the vision to ensure that the rich cultural heritage of jazz is safeguarded for future generations.
High Beach Forest Centre, situated at a traditional Epping Forest beauty spot, is a great place to picnic and an ideal stop on your way through the Forest. Volunteers are on hand to help, with maps, leaflets, souvenirs, events and lots of information on the Forest's wildlife.
DINE
Loughton is blessed with many places to drink and eat nice food. The Standard is a gastro bar specialising in serving brunch for the early risers, an extensive dinner menu late into the evening for the night owls and a classic roast every Sunday.
Tom, Dick and Harry’s is a modern neighbourhood restaurant and bar perfect for coffees, brunches, all-day dining and relaxed Sunday lunches, with indoor and outdoor seating. It was even featured in the Michelin Guide 2020. Dining in? Then try Loughton BBQ for delicious Turkish food like lamb casserole with rice and salad.
For mouth-watering pastries go straight to Gail’s, where the breakfast, lunches, cakes and pastries are all made by hand. If all else fails (or you’ve got kids in tow!), Loughton also has a Wimpy for a retro fast-food treat.
SHOP
There is a good selection of independent shops in Loughton for the discerning shopper.
It is a rare sight these days to see a high street bustling with independent shops, but Loughton does just that. People make the most of the shops they have, and although there are some chain stores, many of them are independent.
These include the fashion boutiques Olives Boutique, Bonnie and Clyde Boutique and Influence Boutique, all selling unique fashion items you won’t find anywhere else. For all your domestic cooking needs there is Smith’s, which sells a plethora of cookware, gifts and stunning tableware.
Once you have bought your clothes and interior items, why not spend some wistful hours in The Bookshop, a family-run business that has been serving Loughton with books, toys and greetings cards for more than 30 years.
STAY
Baldwins Hill Cottage is an idyllic spot for a staycation and is just a walk or short drive from the town. Owned by the City of London, this historic building was once home to Epping Forest Keepers, but has been transformed into a contemporary three-bedroom holiday home with its own wildlife garden. There is also the four-star Atz&h Inn on nearby High Road, Waltham Abbey, which boasts a garden, free private parking and a restaurant.
LIVE
Our top property picks...
This semi-detached property in Regents Place is located on the Great Woodcote Park estate and has three bedrooms plus two loft rooms. There is an open-plan living room and dining space and a south-facing rear garden. The private gated development is set within its own grounds, backs onto open land and is in easy reach of the town centre.
Price £650,000, marketed by Farr O’Neil
Ripley View is a stunning six-bedroom detached house. There is also a separate five-bedroom annexe with the entire property extending to around 7,000 sq ft. Highlights include a large kitchen, indoor swimming pool and a renovated basement. Outside, a gated driveway leads to a spacious garage, offering ample parking. The expansive garden includes patio and lawn areas.
Price £3m, marketed by Durden and Hunt.
