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.
Public opening hours
31 March 2008 – 28 September 2008
Wednesday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 5.30pm
3 October 2008 – 1 March 2008
Friday – Sunday 11.00am – 4.00pm
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.