Finding your way to and around Epping Forest is easy, with many tube, train and bus routes nearby and plenty of car parks. You can download a map of the Forest here to begin to explore this wonderful area, follow the links here for maps of ten waymarked trails, or download a PDF version of the Big Walk Map, where you will find the route to walk the whole length of Epping Forest, as well as potential shorter sections we have identified to enable you to walk parts of the route using public transport.
As well as transport links, trails and suggested routes, these maps indicate some of the many tea huts, cafes and pubs to be enjoyed along the way.
If you’d like to visit in the company of others and with an informative guide to show you some of the sights, please have a look at our upcoming Guided Walks.
Whether you are vising the Forest for walking, cycling, dog walking, nature observation, or just a relaxing stroll, please enjoy the Forest responsibly by following the Code of Conduct.
Visitor Centres
There are three visitor centres in Epping Forest that provide information and guidance to the public. As well as the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach, managed by the Epping Forest Heritage Trust, the City of London manages the Visitor Centre at Chingford, and The Temple in Wanstead Park presents the history of the area from the Ancient Roman, Regency and Victorian periods to the present day.
Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach is operated entirely
by our dedicated volunteers on behalf of City of London Corporation since 2014.
The Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach is a great place to start your visit to the heart of the Forest.
The Visitor Centre is situated at a traditional beauty spot in the Forest, with many nearby forest trails, picnic areas, cafes and an easy access path. The Centre is run by a group of dedicated volunteers, who are passionate about the Forest and sharing information with visitors. We have been managing the High Beach Visitor Centre since 2014 and have now provided information and support to over 100,000 visitors! Why not visit us and meet our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers next time you are in Epping Forest.
At the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach you can:
- Pick up maps and find out about the best trails for the time of year
- Visit our Forest exhibition to learn more
- Enjoy a close-up viewing of birds at our feeding station
- Browse our gift shop
- Get involved with children’s activities, including scavenger hunts and activity sheets to use in the Forest
High Beach Visitor Centre opening hours:
We are open Friday to Sunday and Bank Holidays
10am to 4pm
Where to find us:
Paul’s Nursery Road, High Beach, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4AF (behind Kings Oak pub).
Phone 020 8508 0028
How to get there
It is about 45 minute’s walk through the Forest from Loughton Station (Central Line)
Nearby car park: Pillow Mounds Car Park