Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge

A Cultural Explorers’ Visit to Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, Chingford

Fifteen Cultural Explorers visited Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge in Chingford. We caught the 97 bus from Stratford to Chingford, the end of the bus route, and enjoyed a short stroll along a nature trail to the Lodge, also known as The Great Standing.

Steve kindly shared the history of this fascinating building with us. We explored the Lodge, including the kitchen, admired the panoramic views from the windows where visitors once shot arrows at game and even had the opportunity to try on Elizabethan costumes! We also discovered William Morris had connections with the building.

Afterwards, we visited an exhibition about the history of Epping Forest. Some of us then took a short walk down to Connaught Water, which, sadly, is looking very low at the moment.

Along the way, we spotted a trail of adorable wooden mouse sculptures, adding extra fun to our walk.

A little recommendation for the half-term holidays: if you have grandchildren, this is definitely a place worth considering for a visit. There’s history, nature loads of walks and a fun trail to enjoy along the way! And it’s free!! (Except the car parking - if you choose to visit by car. )