Where to stayWhy not make a weekend of it or even a week away!

WalthamAbbeyMarriottHotelOld Shire Lane, EN9 3LX01992 717 170 www.walthamabbeymarriott.co.ukLocated near junction 26 of the M25, this recently refurbished four star hotel boasts 162 en-suite rooms, conference facilities and leisure club with an indoor pool. Bar, lounge and restaurant facilities are also available to guests and day visitors.

PremierInnHotelWalthamAbbeySewardstone Road, EN9 3QF08715 279 122 www.premierinn.comLocated a few minutes from the M25 in a rural location near to Gunpowder Park, this national chain offers quality accommodation at reasonable prices. All rooms have king size beds with en-suite facilities and there is an old fashioned pub and restaurant on site.

LeeValleyCampsiteSewardstone Road, E4 7RA020 8529 5689 www.visitleevalley.org.ukIn an idyllic and peaceful setting, this popular and busy site can accommodate caravans, motorhomes and tents. Two person cocoons and four person woodland cabins are also available to hire and are perfect for those who want to go back to nature but want more shelter than a tent. On site facilities include: electric hook ups, service points, a fully equipped licensed shop, laundry, and children’s play area.

BedandbreakfastThere is a range of bed and breakfast accommodation in and around the town. Full lists and a booking scheme is available from the Tourist Information Centre - 01992 652 295.

How to get here Discover Waltham Abbey

Waltham Abbey is located in the south west of Essex and neighbours the Hertfordshire border. It’s close proximity to the M25 provides access by car as well as by train and plane.

Car: M25, Junction 26 Airports: Stanstead – 25 miles Heathrow – 45 milesTrain: Overground - Waltham Cross – 1 mile Underground – Epping – 6 milesBus: Routes 211/212, 213, 240/250, 251, 255, 505

and 555.

www.discoverwalthamabbey.co.uk

© Maggie Radcliffe

IntroductionLocated in the south-western corner of Essex, Waltham Abbey is a unique and traditional market town full of character and charm and proud of its heritage.

It has an impressive concentration of historical connections, including its famous associations with King Harold and with Henry II and Henry VIII. The Meridian Line (0 degrees longitude) divides the town into east and west hemispheres and the remains of the Monastic church as well as sites such as Copped Hall provide a clear insight into past times.The town continues to keep pace with modern times whilst not detracting from its historical past. Lee Valley White Water Centre is located to the west of the town. Nestled in the 1000 acre Country Park, this world leading facility comfortably neighbours the ‘explosive’ heritage site, Secret Island - Royal Gunpowder Mills.Market days continue to bring the town centre to life twice a week, whilst the town’s independent shops along with supermarkets and retail parks provide residents and visitors alike with the opportunity to shop for all their needs.Restaurants, cafes, tea rooms, pubs and hotels provide a wide range of food and drink for any occasion whilst sport and health centres and the library provide crucial public services. Parklands, forest, rivers and lakes are integral to the wider town. River Lee Country Park to the west and the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest to the east provide space, wildlife and countryside for all to enjoy. On the border of Hertfordshire and London, with excellent road links (M25, J26) and rail links from Waltham Cross Station into London Liverpool Street, Waltham Abbey is extremely well connected and provides great days out for people of all ages, both locals and visitors alike.

Walking and cyclingWith miles and miles of surfaced pathways, River Lee Country Park, Gunpowder Park and Epping Forest provide many ideal traffic free routes for you to walk, run or cycle in scenic and safe environments. There are a whole host of designated trails, routes and free guided walks. Cycle rides are provided by a number of different organisations in and around the town.

HeritageThe history and heritage of the town stretches far and wide. The church and its surrounding Monastic remains, the towns association with King Harold, the first performance of Shakespeare’s Mid Summers Nights’ Dream at Copped Hall and the 300 year history of gunpowder production at the Royal Gunpowder Mills, is just a taster of the town’s remarkable history. The Epping Forest District Museum is a great place to start exploring.

SportWhether you want to raft the rapids at an Olympic venue, practice your boarding skills at the skate park or just have a kick around, there’s plenty of opportunity to try your hand at a whole variety of sports.

Gardens and parklandsHundreds of acres of parklands are literally on the doorstep and are waiting to be discovered. Teeming with wildlife, the surrounding countryside is perfect for all ages to get out and discover the great outdoors. Whether you are birdwatching, walking the dog or looking for an ideal picnic site, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The gardens of Copped Hall and Waltham Abbey should not be missed.

ShoppingTraditional market days still take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The pedestrianised Sun Street offers a quaint and long established mixture of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés.

Family funThere’s plenty of fun for all the family. Professor Nitrate’s Mad Lab at the Secret Island - Royal Gunpowder Mills, activity programmes at the museum or getting up close to the animals at Lee Valley Park Farms will provide hours full of fun for all generations.

Epping Forest © Jonathan Preston

Copped Hall

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Lee Valley Regional ParkFrom dragonflies to fisheries, gardens to wildlife havens, the Regional Park provides acres of open space and parklands for all to enjoy. The 1000 acre River Lee Country Park hosts picturesque lakes, miles of traffic free surfaced pathways and is internationally important for birds. Wildlife is prevalent throughout and especially in the neighbouring Cornmill Meadows Dragonfly Sanctuary where over half the types of British dragonflies can be found. On the outskirts of the town, the historical 222 acre Gunpowder Park provides an ideal site to explore the great outdoors.www.visitleevalley.org.uk

Town MeadA recently developed premier outdoor sport and leisure complex including football, rugby and cricket pitches, a baseball diamond, tennis, netball and basketball courts, an athletics track, play area and new state of the art skatepark. www.walthamabbey-tc.gov.uk

Waltham Abbey Town CentreThis charter market town is steeped in history with shops, pubs and restaurants housed in its many historic buildings. The market, which takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, maintains a tradition dating back to 1189.www.walthamabbey-tc.gov.uk

Epping Forest District MuseumLocated in a Tudor house dating back to 1520 this vibrant family friendly museum offers an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions and drop in events and activities for all the family.www.eppingforestdistrictmuseum.org.uk

Waltham Abbey Church and GardensA fine Norman Abbey founded in 1060 by King Harold, who is reputedly buried here, and still a vibrant centre of worship today. Guide available for pre-booked groups; there is a visitor centre in the crypt. With both the town centre and Lee Valley Regional Park nearby the church stands at the heart of Waltham Abbey. The adjacent ‘Abbey Gardens’ are a magical site steeped in history containing the remains of the Monastic church framed by the Cornmill stream, apple orchard and the rose garden. The gardens host the award winning ‘King Harold Day’ in October.www.walthamabbeychurch.co.ukwww.kingharoldday.co.uk

Copped HallCopped Hall is a fine Georgian mansion that is currently under restoration. It is superbly sited on a ridge overlooking its landscaped parkland. The mansion and gardens, which contain the remains of an Elizabethan palace, offer a fascinating glimpse into country life.www.coppedhalltrust.org.uk

Gilwell Park Conference CentreSet within over 108 acres of mature parkland on the London/Essex border next to Waltham Abbey, Gilwell Park is truly a place of inspiration. The entire location combines 17th century charm with 21st century facilities, and provides an outstanding venue for both public and private events including wedding receptions, parties, anniversaries, meetings and conferences. www.towntocountry.co.uk/gilwell

Places of interestAddressandcontactdetailsCopped HallCrown Hill, Upshire Road, CM16 5HS 01992 571 657

Epping Forest District Museum39 – 41 Sun Street, EN9 1EL 01992 716 882

Epping Forest - Queen Elizabeth Hunting LodgeRangers Road, Chingford E4 7QH 020 8529 6681

Epping Forest Visitor CentreHigh Beach IG10 4AE 020 8508 0028

Gillwell Park Conference Centre Chingford, E4 7QW 020 8498 5300

Gunpowder ParkSewardstone Road, EN9 3GP 08456 770 600

Lee Valley Park FarmsStubbins Hall Lane, EN9 2EF 01992 892 781

Lee Valley White Water CentreStation Road, EN9 1AB 08456 770 606River Lee Country ParkStubbins Hall Lane, EN9 2EF 08456 770 600

Secret Island - Royal Gunpowder MillsBeaulieu Drive, EN9 1JY 01992 707 370

Tourist Information Centre Highbridge Street, EN9 1DG 01992 652 295

Town Mead Leisure ParkBrooker Road, EN9 1DE 01992 710 426Waltham Abbey Church (Church Centre)Abbey Gardens EN9 1XQ 01992 767 897

Waltham Abbey Town Hall High Bridge Street, EN9 1DE 01992 714 949

Supported by Epping Forest District Councilwww.eppingforestdc.gov.uk 01992 564 000

Epping ForestEpping Forest is the largest public open space in the London area, at over 2,476 hectares. It stretches 21km in length from Manor Park in East London to just north of Epping in Essex. Forest Centres at Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, Chingford, the Epping Forest Visitor Centre, High Beach and The Temple, Wanstead Park offer visitors the opportunity to access information on walks and recreation, history and an extensive programme of events throughout the year. Why not follow Epping Forest on Twitter at www.twitter.com/coleppingforest.www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Eppingforest

Lee Valley White Water CentreSet in the south of River Lee Country Park, this world class white water centre will host the London 2012 Canoe Slalom event. The centre is available for rafting, and canoeing or just a great day out watching the fun. Please visit the website for up to date opening times. www.visitleevalley.org.uk

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Secret Island - Royal Gunpowder MillsStep through the gates to discover this ‘Secret Island’ full of fascinating history and exciting science for a surprising family day out. Set within 170 acres of natural parkland the site offers an extensive programme of events, award winning exhibitions and tours.www.royalgunpowdermills.com

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Lee Valley Park FarmsA great family attraction offering the chance to see and learn about animals. Let the children go wild in Piglets’ Paradise and enjoy the indoor and outdoor play areas. There’s a tractor and trailer ride too and the chance to see our dairy cows being milked. www.visitleevalley.org.uk

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Waltham Abbey Town Centre