This Grade II* former estate was landscaped more than 200 years
ago as the parkland attached to Wanstead House, the home of the
Tylney family. A system of lakes was constructed around the house
and extensive tree planting was carried out. The Grotto, now in
ruins, was originally built as a boathouse in fantastic style,
decorated with mirrors and shells. The Temple, a garden building
constructed in the late 18th century still stands;
see opening times below. The house itself was completed in
1720 as a truly magnificent mansion, said to rival Hampton Court.
To clear bankruptcy debts, the contents were auctioned off in 1822,
the house itself sold in 1823 for demolition, the purchaser being
obliged to clear everything - down to the foundations - by Lady Day
1825. The site now lies under Wanstead Golf Club. In 1881 the City
of London purchased part of the lands of Wanstead Park, and opened
them to the public in 1882.
Today, the Park is still maintained in a more formal style than
the rest of Epping Forest. From the parking area in Warren Road, a
wide grassy track slopes to the central open area, from which a
number of paths can be taken through the trees. Alternatively on
your left there is a wide, grassy glade with Rhododendrons on both
sides leading down to the Ornamental Water where Herons can often
be seen, a remnant of the famous heronry here at the turn of the
century. This is a delightful area in the spring when Bluebells are
in flower and many of the migrant birds can be heard. In summer,
the Speckled Wood Butterfly is one of the species which add to the
attraction of Wanstead Park.
Download leaflets about Wanstead Park below:
Wanstead Park map (406kb)
Wanstead Park (442kb)
The Temple
Wanstead Park, E11 2LT
Tel 020 8508 0028 (Epping Forest Visitor Centre)
Fax 020 8532 0188
Email
The Temple, Wanstead Park is about 15 minute walk from Wanstead
Station (Central line) and local bus stops. There is car parking
space for registered disabled users only at The Temple itself
(enter from Warren Road along shared pedestrian/vehicle path).
Street parking is also available in various nearby side streets. A
kiosk serves teas, coffees, home-made cakes and other refreshments
nearby. Wanstead High Street with its selection of cafes and
restaurants is about 15 minutes' walk. There are public toilets
open during daylight hours at The Temple.
Access information about The Temple
Opening hours
From 1 April 2008 the Temple, Wanstead Park extended its opening
hours to be open every weekend, throughout the year, between 1.00
and 5.00pm. At the Temple we are offering information, displays,
family craft events and guided walks for all ages. Why not visit
and find out more about the history of Wanstead Park, pick up our
Epping Forest information leaflets or just browse in our shop?
Summer events in Wanstead Park include two plays, Shakespeare's
The Merry Wives of Windsor and a dramatisation of The Hound of the
Baskervilles with staging of Socca Op'ra on Wanstead Flats. We look
forward to seeing you there.