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
- room available for hire, during centre opening times
The Centre also hosts events and exhibitions all year round.
For information regarding school visits please contact our learning team
Cycling
The forecourt 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 and TfL Transport accessibility information to plan your trip to the Centre.
Parking
The Centre has its own small car park with two disabled parking bays and reserved permit parking.
We also have three larger car parks quite nearby:
| Car park name | Nearest postcode | what3words address |
|---|---|---|
| Barn Hoppitt | E4 7QH | ///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.
Blue Badge parking
There are two disabled parking bays located at the front of the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford and two more disabled parking bays in the car park opposite at Barn Hoppitt:
- Postcode: E4 7QH
- What3words - Visitor Centre ///help.recent.effort and Barn Hoppitt ///oddly.office.pops
Disabled parking is free, but due to ANPR cameras in forest car parks, any Blue Badge holders using Epping Forest car parks need to register their details with us within 24 hours of parking.
We need to see a copy of your Blue Badge, along with details of your vehicle registration number. You will only need to do this once, and you will then have free parking until the expiry of your Blue Badge, which you should still display in your vehicle during your visits.
Register your details with staff in the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford, or email Horizon Parking.
Wheelchair and physical access
The Centre has step free access, with lift-access to the first floor.
The front entry doors are automatic.
The welcome desk is at an accessible height and there is ample room to turn a wheelchair throughout the centre.
Auditory access
There is a hearing loop installed at the front desk.
Assistance animals
Assistance animals are welcome. We politely ask that dogs are kept on their lead and supervised at all times during their visit.
Drinking bowls are available in the courtyard area. Please speak to staff if any help is required.
Accessible toilets
Toilets are on the ground floor, located off the courtyard area.
All our toilets are unisex, in self-contained cubicles.
There is one large universal accessible toilet cubicle. It is suitable for wheelchair use and has has vertical and horizontal rails available.
Baby change
There is a pull-down baby change unit and nappy bin in the accessible toilet.