Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford
Start your day out in Epping Forest at our Visitor Centre at Chingford, where we have everything you need to go exploring.
Dogs are welcome throughout the Centre, so bring your furry friends with you on your day out in the Forest.
The Centre has:
- maps and leaflets to help you make the best of your day
- public toilets and baby changing facilities
- a gift shop full of Forest-themed giftware for all ages
- fun exhibitions exploring the wildlife and history of Epping Forest
- friendly, knowledgeable staff on hand to answer all your questions
The Centre also hosts events and exhibitions all year round.
For information regarding school visits please contact our learning team
Cycling
The car park at the Centre has several Sheffield-style bike racks for you to lock your bike to.
Public transport
The Centre is well-connected to public transport by Chingford Station, ten minutes' walk away, which is served by London Overground and several bus routes.
Visit TfL's Journey Planner to plan your trip to the Centre.
Parking
The Centre has its own small car park with two disabled parking bays and three for non-disabled drivers.
We also have four larger car parks quite nearby:
| Car park name | Nearest postcode | what3words address |
|---|---|---|
| Barn Hoppitt | E4 6BD | ///oddly.office.pops |
| Bury Road | E4 7AZ | ///moral.mice.saints |
| Connaught Water | IG9 5UB | ///jump.turkey.vine |
Please visit our car parking page for opening and closing times for each of our car parks.
Our visitor centre at Chingford is based on two floors with lift access to galleries on the first floor with its external, covered wooden balcony offering a wonderful view of the Forest. Please see the following for a room-by-room breakdown of the building, with access requirements for each.
Foyer and shop
- step-free, level access throughout the room
- well-lit with overhead lighting and spotlights
- automatic glass doors
- a welcome desk at an accessible height
- nearly all shop stock is displayed at an accessible height
- there is ample room to turn a wheelchair
- a hearing loop is available throughout the building
- a magnifying glass, pen and paper are available on request
The exhibition displays
- our displays are designed to appeal to all visitors
- displays range from 20cm to 2m above floor level and are suitable for all ages and heights
- most displays are on our first floor, accessible via a lift with space for one large wheelchair
- our display cabinets are tactile and can be explored for cut-outs of animals and objects
- manual and audio interactives are provided
- written material has been drafted in high contrast, large format Plain English
- guided tours are available on request
Public toilets
- our toilets are at ground level, and accessible across level ground, with non-slip flooring inside
- there is a unisex accessible toilet, straight ahead when entering
- the toilets are all well-lit with overhead tube lighting
- vertical and horizontal rails are available
- our sinks have lever taps
Parking
Disabled parking bays are available at:
- Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford
- Barn Hoppitt car park
Asphalt and resin-bonded paths with dropped curbs provide an even, step-free surfaces when approaching the visitor centre from our car parks, the furthest of which is 120ft away.
Those displaying a blue badge park free in all Epping Forest car parks.
Please note, however, that these car parks are unlit at night.