Attractions and Places To See around Epping Forest - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Epping Forest include a vast ancient woodland spanning Greater London and Essex. This 2,400-hectare area offers a diverse range of notable landmarks, rich natural features, and significant cultural sites. Continuously wooded since Neolithic times, Epping Forest provides a green escape and insight into centuries of history and nature. It is recognized for its extensive ancient trees and varied habitats.
Best attractions and places to see around Epping Forest
- The most popular attractions is Mott Street Climb, Epping Forest, a cycle_way known as one of the UK's top 100 Climbs. This ascent features a challenging section with a 12% gradient winding past properties.
- Another must-see spot is Wake Road, Epping Forest, a cycle_way through the forest. Visitors can expect smooth tarmac, low traffic levels, and a peaceful ride through woodland.
- Visitors also love Strawberry Hill Pond, a viewpoint located within Epping Forest. This tranquil retreat is enveloped by conifers and sweet chestnut trees, offering a peaceful spot for rest or birdwatching.
- Epping Forest is known for ancient woodlands, historic landmarks, and diverse natural features. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from Iron Age hill forts to picturesque ponds and cycling routes.
- The attractions around Epping Forest are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 360 upvotes and 21 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Mott Street Climb, Epping Forest
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Studying the topography, it's a surprise to find such a tough ascent in this area, (there are many shorter hills around), but Mott Street is a a proper climb. Begin your ascent at the broken bridleway marker just off the A112. The road bends left, passing the junction to Lipits Hill, and then rises.
A tough opening section flattens where you reach the farm buildings on both sides of the road. A strong whiff of manure is just what you need to propel you up the following lump onto the hardest section. The well-surfaced stretch with a 12% gradient winds past large gated properties on both sides, levelling slightly halfway up. The final sector heads into tree cover and the brow comes opposite a bridleway, after which there are just a few hundred meters of false flat before the climb ends at the junction of Church Road.
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Wake Road Through Epping Forest
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Wake Road, Epping Forest
Highlight • Cycleway
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Strawberry Hill Pond
Highlight • Viewpoint
The pond is enveloped by conifers and sweet chestnut trees and has a very tranquil and pleasant feel to it. There's a little wooden bench next to the water where you can sit and soak up the atmosphere.
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High Beech Tea Hut
Highlight • Forest
The tea is excellent and on a sunny day there's a lovely view of the forest and beyond, and lots of dog walkers etc. Well worth a stop before your final run back (all downhill!) back to London
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Tips from the Community
Strawberry Hill Pond is located within Epping Forest and provides a peaceful retreat perfect for a rest and picnic following a forest walk. The pond is enveloped by conifers and sweet chestnut trees and has a very tranquil and pleasant feel to it. There's a little wooden bench next to the water where you can sit and soak up the atmosphere.
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run to the back of Strawberry Hill Ponds off the main path. Into some fun single trails towards the Green Ride.
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Good meeting place in the woods, or a place to centralise some exploration with food & drink available via the café and pub along with a water tap by the pub.
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Great quality surface, quiet traffic and beautiful scenery around you as you go through Epping Forest. A really great road to ride on.
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A beautiful road through the middle of Epping Forest to catch your breath in after climbing Mott Street or Jacks Hill. Really low traffic levels and perfect tarmac with no potholes.
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As always, go early in the morning to enjoy the beauty of this stretch. The side of the road is prone to have massive potholes, so I suggest keeping to the middle of the lane.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular cycling routes or climbs in Epping Forest?
Epping Forest offers excellent cycling opportunities. A notable challenge is Mott Street Climb, Epping Forest, recognized as one of the UK's top 100 Climbs, featuring a challenging 12% gradient. For a more peaceful ride, explore Wake Road, Epping Forest, known for its smooth tarmac and low traffic, offering a scenic journey through the woodland. You can find more cycling options in the Gravel biking around Epping Forest guide.
Where can I find a peaceful spot for relaxation or birdwatching in Epping Forest?
For a tranquil retreat, visit Strawberry Hill Pond. This picturesque viewpoint is enveloped by conifers and sweet chestnut trees, providing a serene atmosphere perfect for a rest, picnic, or birdwatching.
Are there any historical landmarks to explore in Epping Forest?
Yes, Epping Forest is rich in history. You can visit the Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, built for Henry VIII in 1543, which offers insights into Tudor history. The forest also contains the remains of Iron Age hill forts like Ambresbury Banks and Loughton Camp, with Ambresbury Banks rumored to be a site of Boudica's last stand.
What natural features make Epping Forest unique?
Epping Forest is an ancient woodland, continuously wooded since Neolithic times, and is home to over 50,000 ancient pollard trees, some over 1,000 years old. It boasts approximately 8,000 ancient oak trees, including the famous King Oak. Beyond woodlands, you'll find diverse habitats such as grasslands, heath, streams, bogs, and over 100 lakes and ponds, supporting a wide range of wildlife.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Epping Forest?
Many areas within Epping Forest are family-friendly, including trails suitable for walks and cycling. Strawberry Hill Pond is a lovely spot for a family picnic. The Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary offers a chance to observe fallow deer. Additionally, the Easy hikes around Epping Forest guide provides routes suitable for all ages.
Where can I find refreshments or a meeting point while exploring the forest?
The High Beech Tea Hut is a popular spot within the forest, offering excellent tea and food. It serves as a great meeting place for cyclists, dog walkers, and hikers, with a lovely view of the forest.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Epping Forest?
Epping Forest is a habitat for diverse wildlife, including fallow deer, foxes, and over 100 species of birds. The varied ecosystems, from ancient woodlands to ponds and grasslands, support this rich biodiversity.
Are there specific trails for running in Epping Forest?
Yes, Epping Forest offers numerous trails suitable for running. You can explore various routes, including those around Connaught Water or starting from the High Beech Tea Hut. For detailed options, refer to the Running Trails around Epping Forest guide.
What are the best ways to experience the ancient trees of Epping Forest?
To truly appreciate the ancient trees, explore the forest's extensive network of public footpaths. The Oak Trail and Centenary Walk are popular routes that take you through areas with many ancient pollard trees and notable specimens like the King Oak. Two-thirds of the forest is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) specifically for its ancient trees and diverse habitats.
Where are the visitor centers located in Epping Forest?
Epping Forest has several visitor centers to help you plan your visit and learn more about the area. These include the Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, The Temple at Wanstead Park, the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach, and the Epping Forest Gateway in Chingford.
Can I find easy hiking routes in Epping Forest?
Absolutely. Epping Forest provides many easy hiking options suitable for various fitness levels. Routes like the Beech Trail or those around Strawberry Hill Pond offer pleasant walks through the forest. More options can be found in the Easy hikes around Epping Forest guide.
What is the Epping Ongar Railway and how does it relate to Epping Forest?
The Epping Ongar Railway is a heritage railway experience located near Epping Forest. It offers steam and diesel train rides through the Essex countryside, often with vintage bus connections from Epping tube station, providing a unique way to explore the wider area adjacent to the forest.
Most popular routes around Epping Forest
Most popular attractions around Epping Forest
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