Sitting about 17 miles north east of London, Epping is first mentioned in the Domesday Book as “Epinga”. Interestingly there’s an “Epping” place name in Australia, Canada, the US and South Africa but back on home soil, the town is twinned with Eppingen in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.
Notable people have been part of the town including iconic and wartime Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, who was MP for Epping between 1924 and 1945. Renowned for his inspirational speeches, a blue plaque to mark his connection to the town was recently placed at the Victoria Buildings in the High Street, currently home to Marks and Spencer.
Also remembered is Dr Harry Kopelman who helped to uncover the Epping jaundice, where 84, largely Epping residents, became ill with fevers, stomach pains and the yellow skin colour of jaundice. Described as a world-first study in community epidemiology, the Epping Society and Epping Town Council were all involved in installing the blue plaque and information board at St Margaret’s Hospital last summer.
Another local landmark is Copped Hall (coppedhalltrust.org.uk) which sees recorded history starting in the 12th century when Henry II allocated two acres in the Forest of Epping for the establishment of a Hunting Lodge. Since then, much has happened to the hall, and after being heavily vandalised and becoming an overgrown site, it was saved by Copped Hall Trust in 1995. This fine Georgian mansion, still currently under restoration, is open for tours and open days as well as other events such as garden afternoons.
It’s a popular place to live, with a great selection of schools both at state and private entry. The commute is reasonable, too. Served by Transport for London’s Central Line, as well as the M25 and M11 motorways, Epping is popular with buyers wanting the city connection but with a green space like no other.
Eating and drinking
There’s a good selection of places to eat, one of which is The Cart Shed Restaurant (thecartshedrestaurant.co.uk). Specialising in game, the menu changes every week so it’s a good excuse to visit regularly to try something new and exciting. Ingredients are sourced from Essex, or the home counties, keeping food mileage to a minimum. With just 24 places in the restaurant, booking is essential. As local pubs go, The Theydon Oak (theydonoak.co.uk) certainly lives up to the quintessential country pub. The 18th century spot, set in a conservation area of Epping Forest, serves up traditional home cooked food as well as real ales and ciders. There’s log burning stoves for a cosy feel in winter while the all-weather outdoor children’s play area will appeal to families. An all-day dining experience is offered at Harley’s Bistro and Lounge (harleyslounge.co.uk). Whether it’s breakfast or brunch, there’s something for everyone. Specials include the ever-popular club sandwich and there’s also a selection of wraps, fish dishes, pastas and the Harley’s special burger. Finish off with a smoothie or shake…the cranberry squeeze sounds particularly tasty! For delectable cocktails, try Epping Roof Garden (roofgardenepping.com) where the insta-worthy cocktails and backdrop are perfect for any occasion.
Staycationing
Funky Monk (funkymonk.co.uk) is not only a fine restaurant with exceptional food… it’s a pretty cool place to stay, too! There’s a collection of nine generously appointed rooms and suites, each designed to exude distinctive character and unparalleled comfort…in fact the stunning interior design was carried out by fellow Essex-based business, Tone Interiors. Plush bathrobes and slippers, coffee machine with illy coffee pods and a stocked mini bar add to the much-loved touches. The finest Funky Suite with its king-size bed, freestanding bath and bedding, make for a truly sensational experience and puts a capital B in boutique hotel. Just a few minutes away in Abridge is The New Boar (thenewboarabridge.co.uk). There are five rooms which are individually designed and are suitable for a quiet night or ideal as a base to explore the county further. While you can’t stay in the actual forest, the closest you’ll find to the great outdoors is a stay at Debden House (debdenhouse.com). It’s surrounded by Epping Forest and the campsite has seven fields with 300 plus pitches, many with electric hookup for caravans and campervans. If there was an opportunity to get close to nature and explore the forest and surroundings, then it’s certainly here.
Shopping
When King Henry III gave charter status to the market in 1253, wives were being sold and Epping became the centre of trade in the area. Thankfully, the 80 plus traders are a much more friendly bunch! Some are second generation to the Monday market which has a great reputation for quality and service (eppingmarket.co.uk). As with the market, nothing beats the feel of walking into a high street shop, and since 1966 Piccola (dev.piccola.co.uk) has provided the finest children’s toys, clothes and books. With an extensive range of fine clothing, Cole’s Menswear (coles-menswear.co.uk) has been the go-to for men looking for quality clothing for both a modern and traditional style. Suits for hire for any occasion are also available. Out of town, there’s Epping Forest Shopping Park which has a variety of well-known high street names, more than 300 parking bays, including charging points for electric vehicles and cycle racks, too.
Epping is the starting point for The Essex Way, a long-distance path stretching to north Essex and reaching Harwich. A distance of 81 miles, you can of course walk it in stages, or make a weekend of it if you want to stop off at one of the many hotels along the way. Next stop and it’s all aboard for a must visit to Epping and Ongar Railway (eorailway.co.uk), both the longest heritage railway in Essex and the closest to London. Various events aimed at enthusiasts, families, in fact, anyone, take place throughout the year. Of course, the forest is a must for walks in nature, and a fun tree fact…the Gilwell Oak in Gilwell Park was fifth place in the 2018 Tree of The Year! Don’t miss the museum (eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum) housed in a Grade II listed Tudor building and a base which tells the story of the district through a collection of more than 50,000 objects in the way of events, exhibitions and activities. Those with an interest in aviation will appreciate nearby North Weald Airfield Museum (eppingforestdc.gov.uk/north-weald-museum/) with its unique collection of artefacts, photographs as well as a room dedicated to the Battle of Britain.
Three of the best…local walking groups
Epping Forest Heritage Trust.
Some are a gentle stroll, while other walks can be at a faster pace. These guided walks enable participants to discover more of the local heritage.
efht.org.uk
Lea Valley Friends.
Specialising in short walks, join this Ramblers walking group as they stroll through the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest including its old commons, heaths and 150 ponds and lakes.
leavalleyfriends.org.uk
West Essex Ramblers.
An active and friendly group with more than 600 members and new people welcome. Walks take place in a variety of locations including in Epping and beyond.
west-essexramblers.org.uk
