Epping (England)

Separated from England's capital city by Epping Forest - almost 6,000 acres of ancient woodland - Epping is a historic market town in Essex. Despite being in London's Travelcard Zone 6, the town is surrounded by forest to the north and south, and green fields to the west and east. Epping is built on the ridge between the Roding and Lee Valleys, and its countryside walks offer glimpses of the skyscrapers in Central London and Canary Wharf. The town's own High Street is lined with shops, cafes, pubs and - on Mondays - market stalls.

Understand
Along with its ancient forest, Epping also lends its name to the surrounding local government district - Epping Forest. The nearby villages Epping Green and Epping Upland also share the town's name.

The town of Epping may have roots as far back as 7500 BC, according to the town council. Roman coins have been found in the town, dating back to between 81 and 96 AD. Legend says Celtic queen Boudicca died in battle at Ambresbury Banks, in the forest. Epping Forest District Museum says that sadly, there is no evidence to support this claim.

King Henry III signed Epping's first market charter in 1253 - which permitted the Abbott of Waltham Abbey to hold a market on Mondays. Queen Elizabeth I (1575), King Charles II (1683) and King George V (1930) have also signed more recent Epping Market charters.

Today, the town is in the London commuter belt, with its own tube station at the eastern terminus of the Central line.

By train


Epping is the eastern terminus of the Central line, it also has the largest car park on the London Underground making it a popular commuter town.

is in London's Zone 6. At the eastern end of the Central Line, you can get to Stratford, London Liverpool St in the City of London, the West End and West London direct. Transport for London has a fare finder.

By road
The B1393 is the main road through Epping town centre. Major routes nearby include:


 * The M11 (London - Cambridge) - Access via junction 7 near Harlow
 * The M25 (London Orbital) - Access via junction 26 near Waltham Abbey
 * The A104 south of Epping, with connections to Woodford and East London
 * The A121 south of Epping, with connections to Waltham Cross and Loughton
 * The A414 north of Epping, with connections to Harlow and Chelmsford

By bus
Most bus routes in town call at Epping tube station. Routes include:


 * 13 - to Waltham Cross
 * 418 - to Loughton
 * 420 - to Harlow and Ongar

By bike
A network of bike trails and bridleways connect Epping with London, through Epping Forest. Narrow cycle lanes runs alongside the A104 between Woodford and the Wake Arms roundabout, south of Epping.

By air
is in Essex, approximately 15 miles north of Epping. It is accessed by road via the B1393 and M11 motorway.

By car
There are car parks in the town centre, including at Bakers Lane, the Civic Offices and behind St John's Church, and at Epping tube station.

By foot
The walk from Epping tube station to the town centre is up a steep hill. The town centre itself is small. Woodland and countryside walks are signposted.

Connect
Epping and its approach roads have 4G coverage from all UK carriers. As of June 2023, 5G is available on some networks, including Three and EE, but not all.

Go next

 * London, south of Epping, is England's capital city, complete with its famous museums, galleries, theatres and nightlife
 * West Ruislip is Epping's opposite number — the Central Line's westernmost terminus. At 34 miles, it's the longest possible journey on a single London Underground line
 * Chelmsford — Essex's county town
 * Saffron Walden is another historic market town in west Essex. Explore historic streets, visit Audley End House and Gardens, or shop and eat out at all hours of the day in this vibrant English town
 * Cambridge, which approximately 45 minutes up the M11, is a world-famous university city