The Temple
The Temple is situated in the middle of Wanstead Park. It was designed in the 18th century as a feature for the formal gardens of historic Wanstead Park, complete with a classic portico.
These days, The Temple serves as a visitor centre where you can discover the story of Wanstead House and the park that surrounded it. Its enclosure also hosts regular events and an annual open air theatre!
Cost
Entry is free of charge.
Opening times
October to March
Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10am – 3pm
April to September
Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 12noon – 5pm
We regret that dogs - other than assistance dogs - are not allowed within the building.
How to get here
The Temple is located in Wanstead Park; with access from Warren Road, Wanstead, London, E11 2LS.
See our Wanstead Park Map (400KB)
View a Google Map
Plan your trip with lan your trip with TfL Journey Planner
Parking is available on nearby Warren Road. Blue Badge parking is available directly outside the building.
Contact us
Tel 020 7332 1911 or epping.forest@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Facilities
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Public toilets (open until dusk, seven days a week)
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Refreshment kiosk by Perch Pond (open at peak times)
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Lower floor fully accessible
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Shop
Access for all
The lower floor is fully accessible. The upper floor can be reached via two shallow stone steps. The site also has blue badge parking and an external unisex accessible toilet, locked with a RADAR key.
Please see our access for all page for a full access statement.
What to see
The Temple tells the story of Wanstead Park from the Roman era right up to the present.
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Discover the fascinating history of the 'lost' Roman villa through sections of painted wall plaster and pieces of mosaic
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Explore the story of the Regency romance gone wrong that led to the downfall and destruction of the estate
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Examine the catalogue from the 1822 auction that spelled the end for Wanstead House
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See the battered remains of statues that were once the glory of the gardens
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Try on a variety of hats from different periods of Wanstead’s history, from Roman helmets to Victorian bonnets!
As a visitor centre, The Temple also provides information on Wanstead Park and Epping Forest to help you make the most of your visit.
Find out more
Visit our heritage pages to find out more about Wanstead Park and its history.
Don’t forget to visit The View and Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge too, where you can find out all about Epping Forest.
Awards
The Temple is a recognised Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction. We will always do our best to make sure you enjoy your visit.