Epping Forest Tours and Activities

Epping Forest which includes autumn leaves and forest scenes
Epping Forest
Epping Forest which includes autumn leaves and forests
Epping Forest which includes forest scenes, autumn colours and cycling
Epping Forest featuring 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.
Three Falcons Hotel
Corinthia London
The Savoy

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Epping Forest

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
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
The Ridings Restaurant & Rooms

The Ridings Restaurant & Rooms

3 out of 5
Lieutenant Ellis Way, Waltham Cross, England
The Ridings Restaurant & Rooms
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
Signature London

Signature London

3 out of 5
62-64 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, England
Signature London
Cranbrook Hotel

Cranbrook Hotel

2.5 out of 5
22-24 Coventry Road, Ilford, England
Cranbrook Hotel
Ilford Grand Hotel

Ilford Grand Hotel

3 out of 5
130 Cranbrook Rd, Ilford, England
Ilford Grand 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

Discover the charm of Epping Forest with family trips that include guided tours through its scenic trails. Enjoy a round of golf at the local courses and experience a delightful steam train ride through the picturesque landscape, making for an unforgettable adventure in this beautiful region of England.

Shopping

For shopping in Epping Forest, visit Westfield Stratford City, 12.9km away, offering a range of family-friendly stores. If you're up for a drive, check out The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4 and Camden Lock Market, both 17.7km away, for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, 17.7km from Epping Forest, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for those looking to engage in physical activities. For a blend of music and entertainment vibes, visit the ABBA Arena, located 14.5km away. Meanwhile, Hampstead Heath, 17.7km away, provides tranquil settings for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

At Gilwell Park, only 3.2km from Epping Forest, enjoy camping amidst nature, perfect for family adventures. Experience thrills at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, located 4.8km away, where you can partake in exhilarating watersports. For a unique view, take the cable car at IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, 17.7km distant.

Nightlife

In Epping Forest, the Barbican Arts Centre offers a vibrant theatre experience filled with culture and romance, located 17.7km away. Meanwhile, the Globe Theatre and Roundhouse, both 13.2km away, provide captivating performances perfect for family entertainment and a lively night out.

Find the best attractions near Epping Forest

Epping Forest, located in the London area, offers a delightful mix of urban parks, charming churches, and vibrant streets, perfect for cultural and family experiences. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the Epping Forest district while immersing themselves in its rich history and local attractions. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or a taste of local culture, Epping Forest provides an array of activities to make your visit memorable.

  • Tower of London: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this iconic castle, located 19.3km from Epping Forest. Explore the Crown Jewels and learn about the stories of royalty and intrigue that shaped England.
  • ExCeL Exhibition Centre: Situated 16.1km away, this modern event and conference venue is a hub for business and innovation. Attend exhibitions or conferences that showcase the latest in various industries, perfect for networking and learning.
  • Finsbury Park: Just 14.5km from Epping Forest, this vibrant urban park is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy scenic walking paths, sports facilities, and picnic spots in a lively city atmosphere.

Best time to go to Epping Forest

Visitor numbers around Epping Forest is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Epping Forest is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 CloudyAverageAverage
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 CloudyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Epping Forest

Epping Forest is a budget-friendly destination with free entry and nearby attractions like London Bridge and The British Museum. For the best deals, consider visiting between January and March, and booking hotels a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia. Monday is the cheapest day to stay, while Wednesday tends to be the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable accommodation by filtering your options and consider package deals to save on flights and activities. Keep an eye out for group hotel deals and compare room rates for additional savings.

  • 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 June to July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Epping Forest is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Epping Forest is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Epping Forest is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. To find the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay in Epping Forest with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.