About Epping Forest

Epping Forest is a 131 square mile district in the English county of Essex within 30 minutes of central London, yet famous for the woodland after which it is named and a short distance from Stansted Airport.  It has a population of 121,000, with 45% of these living in Buckhurst Hill and Loughton, at the southern end.

The district includes the towns of historic Waltham Abbey, the market towns of Epping and Ongar, and the villages of Theydon Bois, North Weald, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering.

Starting from the south, Buckhurst Hill has its own forest land - Khighton Woods and Lord's Bushes - as well as a Nature Reserve which includes a sailing lake.  Bus and Centrla Line trains provide an excellent service and many of the shops serve a niche fashion market.  A popular Waitrose store meets everyday needs.

Loughton dates back to the Iron Age, but it is a blend of the old and the modern.  Lopping Hall and its clock tower are a bygone feature in the High Road, where you can also find many of the country's major retailers.  It is also the base for Epping Forest College, the E15 Acting School, the Bank of England Printing Works, builders Higgins & Co and a 25 metre six lane pool.  Ther is a good night-time eating out experience in the High Road.

Epping has a Monday street market, a large Marks & Spencer's Simply Food store (opened in September 2008) but retains a country town feel about it, with Church's butchers sausages particularly appreciated.

Chipping Ongar's Budworth Hall and its old shop premises along the High Street are the main feature of this growing Saxon town.  A small market is held each week in the car park adjoining the library.