The town of Epping, bordering the northeastern edge of the enormous, ancient Epping Forest, is showcasing its credentials as a family hotspot. Emily Gilchrist, Sales and Marketing Manager at Qualis Homes, which is building a collection of beautiful homes in Epping at Springwood Grove, suggests that few places so close to London deliver on so many fronts, especially during the summer months:
“Epping is a superb location for families in the summer. The walks and cycling trails through Epping Forest are just beautiful and the stunning scenery is perfect for packing a picnic and enjoying in the sunshine. Epping is also well located for access to both central London and Stansted Airport, so families can enjoy days out in the capital or summer holidays overseas with ease.”
Epping Forest is a 6,000-acre swathe of woodland that is home to around 55,000 ancient trees – more than any other single location in the country. Families can bathe in its cooling greenery or engage in a wide range of activities over the summer months. The Epping Forest District Museum does much to celebrate forest life, with free exhibitions over the summer ranging from Wildlife Photographer of the Year, to Animal Mummies: Uncovered. This summer, Epping Forest will also host outdoor theatre performances in Wanstead Park, with shows including The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle.
An estimated 10 million people enjoyed visits to Epping Forest last year, while the local area also hosts a wide range of outdoor activities designed to keep families entertained all summer long. Butterfly and bug hunts, pond dipping, moth spotting and a Teddy Bears’ picnic are ideal for little locals wanting to spend time in the great outdoors.
Children (and parents) of all ages can also enjoy seeing steam locomotives on the Epping Ongar Railway over the summer, while a range of local foodie and music festivals cater to all tastes, from a celebration of real ale to 150th anniversary events for the birth of Gustav Holst.
For families wanting days out in London, the delights of the city are just half an hour away on the Central Line. It means that museums, art galleries, theatres and countless other activities are within easy reach, providing plenty of options to enjoy family time with children of all ages.
Those travelling further afield for their summer break are also well served by Epping. London Stansted Airport is just 18 minutes away by car, providing direct flights to a huge range of destinations in Europe and beyond. A wide range of UK beaches are also within a 40-mile radius of the town, including the golden sands of Leigh-on-Sea and the multitude of delights available at Southend-on-Sea.
The Lee Valley White Water Centre is also close enough to Epping for families to enjoy adrenaline-fueled days out throughout the summer months. Activities range from gentle paddling on the lake to the intensity of white water rafting on the centre’s Olympic course.
Epping is, of course, not only somewhere to enjoy over the summer. Activities take place throughout the year, from the Town Show in July through to December’s Christmas Market.
