Luxury holidays in Epping Forest

On the edge of Greater London and Essex, ancient oak, beech trees and hidden ponds frame winding trails, once favoured by the noble and the notorious alike. Still home to Queen Elizabeth’s timber-framed hunting lodge, Epping Forest now serves as a leafy playground for hikers and cyclists. Just outside the forest limits, you’ll find Copped Hall and Waltham Abbey for a taste of Georgian and Norman grandeur.

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When to go

The forest is a year-round destination; spring brings blossom to the canopy; cooler and wetter but quieter October and November are your excuse to cosy up in rural pubs, plus the trees are washed with autumn colour.

Getting there

  • Planes

    For long-haul flights, Heathrow and Gatwick are each a 60- to 90-minute drive away. If you’re coming from mainland Europe, Stansted and Luton are nearer London airports — respectively 30 and 45 minutes from the forest by car.

  • Trains

    From London’s Liverpool Street it takes 25 minutes to reach Chingford on the Overground Line; from there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the forest’s visitor centre. The Underground’s Central Line also has multiple stations nearby.

  • Automobiles

    Epping Forest is dotted with car parks and the M25 is conveniently nearby — though parking can be competitive during the summer and school holidays.