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Explore Epping Forest's wildlife and natural history at our Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach, and get lots of tips on enjoying your visit to London's great Forest. 

The Visitor Centre is run by volunteers of the Epping Forest Heritage Trust on behalf of Epping Forest.

The Centre has:

  • lots of wildlife and natural history displays to teach you about the Forest
  • a gift shop full of Forest-themed giftware for all ages
  • maps, books and more to plan your day out
  • friendly, knowledgeable volunteers on hand to answer all your questions
  • public toilets

Please note that after the clocks go back in October the Visitor Centre will change to winter opening hours of 10am - 3pm.

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 a 45 minute walk through the Forest from Loughton Station, served by the Central Line 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 car park with 18 parking spaces and two dedicated disabled bays for Blue Badge holders.

Nearby Pillow Mounds car park, a two minutes' walk away, has more parking if needed.

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 at the High Beach Visitor Centre:
Postcode: IG10 4AF
What3words location: ///scale.sting.stump

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, and everything is on the ground floor.
The front entry doors are automatic.
The welcome desk is at an accessible height and there is ample room to turn a wheelchair.

Auditory access

There is a hearing loop installed.

Assistance animals

Assistance animals are welcome. We politely ask that dogs are kept on their lead and supervised at all times during their visit. 

Accessible toilet

There is one universal, toilet in a self-contained cubicle. The cubicle is large enough for wheelchair use, with vertical and horizontal rails available.

Baby change

There is a pull-down baby change unit and nappy bin in the accessible toilet.