In an idyllic and peaceful setting, this popular and busy site can accommodate caravans, motorhomes and tents. Two person cocoons and four person woodland cabins are also available to hire and are perfect for those who want to go back to nature but want more shelter than a tent. On site facilities include: electric hook ups, service points, a fully equipped licensed shop, laundry, and children’s play area.
Airports: Stanstead – 25 miles Heathrow – 45 miles
Train:
Overground - Waltham Cross – 1 mile Underground – Epping – 6 miles
Bed and breakfast
Bus:
Routes 211/212, 213, 240/250, 251, 255, 505 and 555.
Full lists and a booking scheme is available from the Tourist Information Centre - 01992 652 295.
www.discoverwalthamabbey.co.uk
There is a range of bed and breakfast accommodation in and around the town. 3 Lee Valley Campsite Sewardstone Road, E4 7RA 020 8529 5689 www.visitleevalley.org.uk
Car:
© Maggie Radcliffe
M25, Junction 26
It’s close proximity to the M25 provides access by car as well as by train and plane. Waltham Abbey is located in the south west of Essex and neighbours the Hertfordshire border.
Located a few minutes from the M25 in a rural location near to Gunpowder Park, this national chain offers quality accommodation at reasonable prices. All rooms have king size beds with en-suite facilities and there is an old fashioned pub and restaurant on site. www.premierinn.com
Waltham Abbey
How to get here
Discover Waltham Abbey Introduction
2 Premier Inn Hotel Sewardstone Road, EN9 3QF 08715 279 122
Located near junction 26 of the M25, this recently refurbished four star hotel boasts 162 en-suite rooms, conference facilities and leisure club with an indoor pool. Bar, lounge and restaurant facilities are also available to guests and day visitors. 1 Waltham Abbey Marriott Hotel Old Shire Lane, EN9 3LX 01992 717 170 www.walthamabbeymarriott.co.uk
Why not make a weekend of it or even a week away!
Where to stay
Walking and cycling
Located in the south-western corner of Essex, Waltham Abbey is a unique and traditional market town full of character and charm and proud of its heritage. It has an impressive concentration of historical connections, including its famous associations with King Harold and with Henry II and Henry VIII. The Meridian Line (0 degrees longitude) divides the town into east and west hemispheres and the remains of the Monastic church as well as sites such as Copped Hall provide a clear insight into past times. The town continues to keep pace with modern times whilst not detracting from its historical past. Lee Valley White Water Centre is located to the west of the town. Nestled in the 1000 acre Country Park, this world leading facility comfortably neighbours the ‘explosive’ heritage site, Secret Island - Royal Gunpowder Mills. Market days continue to bring the town centre to life twice a week, whilst the town’s independent shops along with supermarkets and retail parks provide residents and visitors alike with the opportunity to shop for all their needs.
With miles and miles of surfaced pathways, River Lee Country Park, Gunpowder Park and Epping Forest provide many ideal traffic free routes for you to walk, run or cycle in scenic and safe environments. There are a whole host of designated trails, routes and free guided walks. Cycle rides are provided by a number of different organisations in and around the town.
Heritage
The history and heritage of the town stretches far and wide. The church and its surrounding Monastic remains, the towns association with King Harold, the first performance of Shakespeare’s Mid Summers Nights’ Dream at Copped Hall and the 300 year history of gunpowder production at the Royal Gunpowder Mills, is just a taster of the town’s remarkable history. The Epping Forest District Museum is a great place to start exploring.
Sport
Whether you want to raft the rapids at an Olympic venue, practice your boarding skills at the skate park or just have a kick around, there’s plenty of opportunity to try your hand at a whole variety of sports.
Restaurants, cafes, tea rooms, pubs and hotels provide a wide range of food and drink for any occasion whilst sport and health centres and the library provide crucial public services.
Epping Forest
© Jonathan Preston
Gardens and parklands
Hundreds of acres of parklands are literally on the doorstep and are waiting to be discovered. Teeming with wildlife, the surrounding countryside is perfect for all ages to get out and discover the great outdoors. Whether you are birdwatching, walking the dog or looking for an ideal picnic site, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The gardens of Copped Hall and Waltham Abbey should not be missed.
Shopping
Traditional market days still take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The pedestrianised Sun Street offers a quaint and long established mixture of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés.
Parklands, forest, rivers and lakes are integral to the wider town. River Lee Country Park to the west and the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest to the east provide space, wildlife and countryside for all to enjoy. On the border of Hertfordshire and London, with excellent road links (M25, J26) and rail links from Waltham Cross Station into London Liverpool Street, Waltham Abbey is extremely well connected and provides great days out for people of all ages, both locals and visitors alike.
Family fun
There’s plenty of fun for all the family. Professor Nitrate’s Mad Lab at the Secret Island - Royal Gunpowder Mills, activity programmes at the museum or getting up close to the animals at Lee Valley Park Farms will provide hours full of fun for all generations. Copped Hall