Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, originally known as the Great
Standing, was built for Henry VIII in 1543. It was constructed as a
grandstand or platform that allowed guests both to view the hunt
from a high vantage point, participate by shooting their crossbows
from the upper floors and a venue for royal Tudor ‘corporate
hospitality’ to show off the wealth and power of the king.
Today it is a peaceful and atmospheric building set in the
historic semi-natural woodland of
Epping Forest, five minutes’ walk from Chingford Station.
Visitors may also use the Hunting Lodge’s own car park.
Refreshments are available from the adjacent pub or nearby on
Station Road, Chingford.
The Hunting Lodge is open throughout the year. Entrance is free
though donations are very welcome. There are three floors. On the
ground floor, there is a colourful and fascinating display of Tudor
foods and replica kitchenware. The upper floors are particularly
remarkable for their good views over Chingford Plain and Epping
Forest and also provide displays on Tudor carpentry joints and
costume. Children may enjoy rummaging in our basket of Tudor
dressing-up clothes or (for 50p) doing a brass-rubbing of Henry
VIII and Elizabeth.
We run a busy programme of events for both adults and children
with a themed craft afternoon on the first Saturday of every month,
activities during half-term and school holidays and a variety of
lively historical re-enactments and musical events throughout the
year.
Contact details
Tel 020 8529 6681 during opening hours 020 8529 7090 outside
opening hours.
The Epping Forest Visitor Centre is now open seven days a week and
has an extensive stock of 'woodland gifts', soft toys, local
crafts, books and booklets. Staff are on hand to answer your every
query about the Forest.
The Visitor Centre should be your first port of call to find out
about the facilities the Forest has to offer. You can apply for a
Riding License or pick up information from our selection of
leaflets and guides. It also our booking office for a variety of
events including guided walks, children's activities and open-air
theatre.
Don't miss the children's table, viewing point for the bird
feeder, handling collection of natural finds and our digital
displays.
Address
Epping Forest Visitor Centre,
High Beach,
IG10 4AE
QEHL Public opening hours
Summer: (30 March 2009 - 28 Sept 2009) - 12 noon - 5 pm
Wed-Sun
Winter: (29 Sept 2009 - 29 March 2010) - 10 am - 3 pm Fri-Sun
Access
The ground floor is wheelchair accessible. The upper two floors
are only accessible by stair but staff on request, will be happy to
bring objects downstairs to show and discuss. There is a disabled
toilet in an adjoining building.
Facilities
Facilities in the area include a shop,toilets, parking,
refreshments.
Events
See the
Epping Forest events page.
To book a visit call the Forest Centres Officer 020 8529
7090.