Epping Forest Tours and Activities

Epping Forest featuring autumn leaves and forests
Epping Forest
Epping Forest showing forest scenes and autumn leaves
Epping Forest which includes autumn colours, forest scenes and cycling
Epping Forest showing forest scenes


Rent a mountain bike and ride beneath the forest canopy or go bird-watching along the many hiking trails that wind through this ancient forest.

Straddling a ridge on the outskirts of London, Epping Forest is one of Britain’s most revered patches of woodland. In 1882, when Queen Elizabeth proclaimed the 600 acres (243 hectares) known as Epping Forest to be the people’s forest, the area became a destination for leisure seekers. Today, the tradition continues with locals and visitors to the region using the forest for hiking, bird-watching and mountain biking.

Start your day with a stop at one of the visitor centers found throughout the park. Here you can learn about the ecology and history of the forest. Listen in to a ranger talk and find out why the forest is one of just three Special Areas for Conservation in the area. Interactive activities will entertain children for hours and leave them excited to explore the winding paths that lead from the centers into the forest. Before you leave a center, pick up a trail guide to help you discover the regions of Epping Forest.

Keep watch for the local wildlife as you hike along the trails. As well as deer, rabbits and squirrels, the forest is home to many rare species of bird. Epping Forest is a popular destination for bird-watchers, with great crested grebe, woodpeckers and skylarks commonly seen nesting in the trees.

Experience the thrill of mountain biking rent a bike from the Cycle Hire Centre located within the forest. Safety information is provided for first-timers and a map gives information about the various trails.

Epping Forest is located approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) from London and can be reached by car in less than an hour. Free parking is available at all entrances to the forest. Use public transport to reach the forest via the city of London. The forest is open daily and there is no admission fee.

Plan a trip to see Epping Forest

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Zetter Marylebone
The Langham, London
Corinthia London

Popular places to visit


Top Epping Forest Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Delta Hotels by Marriott Waltham Abbey

Delta Hotels by Marriott Waltham Abbey

4 out of 5
Old Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey, England
Delta Hotels by Marriott Waltham Abbey
The Royal Forest

The Royal Forest

4 out of 5
4 Ranger's Road, London, England
The Royal Forest
The Bell Hotel Epping

The Bell Hotel Epping

3 out of 5
High Road, Bell Common, Epping, England
The Bell Hotel Epping
Woodford Hotel

Woodford Hotel

2.5 out of 5
Grove Hill, London, England
Woodford Hotel
Holiday Inn Express London Chingford by IHG

Holiday Inn Express London Chingford by IHG

3 out of 5
5 Walthamstow Avenue, Chingford, London, England
Holiday Inn Express London Chingford by IHG
Ridings at Theobalds Park

Ridings at Theobalds Park

3 out of 5
Lieutenant Ellis Way, Waltham Cross, England
Ridings at Theobalds Park
Six Bells Hotels

Six Bells Hotels

3 out of 5
187 Chase Side, Enfield, England
Six Bells Hotels
Wanstead Hotel

Wanstead Hotel

3 out of 5
2B Lonsdale Road, Wanstead, London, England
Wanstead Hotel
Britannia Inn Hotel

Britannia Inn Hotel

3 out of 5
54 Mansfield Road, Ilford, England
Britannia Inn Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Epping Forest

Epping Forest offers a range of activities for visitors, including exploring its stunning natural beauty and indulging in local art. Not to be missed is the Epping Ongar Railway, which provides a unique travel experience through the picturesque landscape. Wander through scenic trails and immerse yourself in the charming sights that make this area a delightful destination for tourists.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Westfield Stratford City is an excellent option, located 12.9km away, offering a vibrant mix of shops, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. For a unique experience, check out Old Spitalfields Market and The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4, both 17.7km away.

Recreation

The O2 Arena offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, perfect for an energising day out. The ABBA Arena, just a short distance away, provides a lively entertainment experience. For a tranquil retreat, Hampstead Heath boasts lush greenery, ideal for relaxation and reconnecting with nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of white-water rafting at Lee Valley White Water Centre, located 4.8km from Epping Forest, offering exhilarating water sports. For a scenic family adventure, head to IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, 17.7km away, where you can glide above the city in a cable car. Alternatively, enjoy the great outdoors at Gilwell Park, a campground situated 3.2km from Epping Forest, perfect for family camping and adventure activities.

Nightlife

Epping Forest offers vibrant nightlife with the Barbican Arts Centre and Sadler's Wells Theatre nearby, both providing diverse cultural experiences. The iconic Globe Theatre is also a fantastic choice for an entertaining evening, perfect for families and couples seeking romance in the heart of London.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Epping Forest

When visiting Epping Forest, be sure to explore its charming urban parks, historic churches, and vibrant streets. This area offers a blend of cultural experiences perfect for families and travellers seeking a taste of local life. Don't miss out on the Epping Forest District, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy leisurely walks amidst beautiful scenery. It's a great spot to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of England.

  • Tower of London: Explore this historic castle, steeped in rich culture and romance. Just 19.3km from Epping Forest, the Tower offers captivating tales of royalty and imprisonment, along with a chance to see the Crown Jewels up close.
  • ExCeL Exhibition Centre: Located 16.1km away, this dynamic event space buzzes with business vibes, hosting a variety of conferences and exhibitions. It's a hub of innovation and networking, perfect for those looking to engage with industry leaders.
  • Finsbury Park: A delightful urban park situated 14.5km from Epping Forest, Finsbury Park is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy scenic walks, playgrounds, and vibrant community events in this bustling city oasis.

Best time to go to Epping Forest

The best time to visit Epping Forest can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Epping Forest falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Epping Forest falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Epping Forest

If you're planning a trip to Epping Forest, consider visiting between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance or snag last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Sundays when rates are cheapest. Utilize Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. To save even more, look into package deals that combine flights and activities with your hotel reservation. Enjoy the many free activities in the forest, and explore by walking or cycling to keep transport costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Epping Forest are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Epping Forest about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Epping Forest is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Epping Forest is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Epping Forest hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.