Wanstead Park was once a sculpted landscape surrounding the great Wanstead House, often compared to Blenheim Palace. Though the house is gone, the park remains and provides a perfect venue for relaxing and escaping the urban sprawl.
The park is also home to The Temple, one of our Visitor Centres - once a rich man's folly, and nowadays home to art and history exhibitions and the story of Wanstead House.
Please note that fishing is not currently possible at Perch Pond or the Ornamental Waters. For more information, please see our News page. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Things to do and see
If picnicking in the Forest, please take care not to litter. Please note too that barbecues are prohibited under our byelaws. Our byelaws can be enforced by fine or prosecution.
How to get here
See our Wanstead Park Map (400KB) and Epping Forest Map (300KB)
View a Google Map
Plan your trip with TfL Journey Planner
Street parking is available on nearby Warren Road, with Blue Badge parking available at The Temple.
The past and future of Wanstead Park
Wanstead Park was originally the site of a medieval manor house and later a Tudor mansion, once owned by the Earl of Leicester. Later, the extravagance of William Pole-Tylney-Long-Wellesley led to the downfall of the estate in the 1820s.
The two structures which remain from the park landscape, The Temple and the Grotto, are listed and the park itself is a Grade II* listed historic parkland. Read more about the history of Wanstead House and Park on our heritage pages.
To ensure the preservation of this historic and important parkland, there is currently a project underway. The City of London is working closely with the Friends of Wanstead Park to develop a management plan.