tourist information guide to Waltham Abbey Essex from TourUK

Waltham Abbey

Waltham Abbey, right on the border with Hertfordshire, close to London, yet very much a country town with Epping Forest to the east and Lee Valley to the west. The town has a long history, originally based on the Abbey itself, with Royal visitors from the 11th century onwards. After becoming a market town the Gun Powder Mills were established in the 1500's, the gunpowder being transported by barge. The industry stopped finally after the Second World War, the mills becoming an explosives research establishment which closed in the 1990's. Today there is still a market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, continuing a 700 year old tradition. Old buildings can be seen in the town and the Lee Canal, to the west, once used to transport the gunpowder, is now a pleasant place to walk. There is a leisure park, Town Mead, with lake, adventure playground, shop, putting green, picnic and barbecue areas, as well as football pitches and tennis courts.
Location Map of Waltham Abbey

What To See -

Waltham Abbey Tourist Attractions

Waltham Abbey Church, Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DG, a Norman Abbey with bells, founded 1060 by King Harold, who may be buried here, museum, and ruins.Open: 10:00-16:00, opens 12:00 on Wed & Sun. Tel: 01992 767897

Epping Forest District Museum, 39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EL. Located in a 1520 timber framed building the museum has permanent displays and exhibitions. All on the history of the area with Renaissance decorated wooden panels from the Abbey. Shop. Open: Mon, Tue, Fri 14:00-17:00, Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun (May-Sept) 14:00-17:00

Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY, the history of the mills and the science involved, all in 175 acres of parkland. Inside displays, hands-on, gunpowder explained, whilst outside there are walks, wildlife and a "land train" to take you around the site for a small charge. Shop, cafe, etc. Open: May-Sept weekends 11:00-17:00

Tel: 01992 707370

Lee Valley Regional Park, this regional park goes from Hertfordshire to the north all the way south to East London, following the river, a distance of 22 miles.Besides being a good place to walk there is fishing, golf, birdwatching, even an icerink, plus events. Due it's size you will only cover part of it in one day, so get information from the Lee Valley Park Information Centre at the Visitor Centre, Lee Valley Park Farm, Hayes Hill, Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey. The farm is next to the entrance to the River Lee Country Park, or see www.leevalleypark.org.uk Information Centre Tel: 01992 702200

Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EG, two farms here, animals to see, picnic areas and play areas. Open: Mon-Fri 10:00-16:30 Sat-Sun 10:00-17:30

Tel: 01992 892781

River Lee Country Park, lakes, wildlife, birds, and countryside for walking and picnics, bird hides. Tel: 01992 702200

Ordnance Survey Maps and more

Where To Stay in Waltham Abbey


Call our Hotel Telephone Reservations Line: 0870 4786316

Hotels

	Waltham Abbey Marriott Hotel
	Old Shire Lane Waltham Abbey EN9 3LX MAP Set on the edge of the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest, this contemporary-style hotel is ideally located in a peaceful position yet within easy reach of the M25, M11, M1 and Stansted Airport. More...

	Premier Inn Waltham Abbey
	The Grange Sewardstone Road Waltham Abbey EN9 3QF MAP At Waltham Abbey food and drink is available at the Bakers Arms and Chef & Brewer More...

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Around The Waltham Abbey Area

Off to Epping Forest

Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:

Frinton-on-Sea (5.01 miles) Walton-on-the-Naze (6.20 miles) Mistley (11.02 miles) Harwich (11.33 miles) Manningtree (11.38 miles) Shotley Gate (12.52 miles) Colchester (12.74 miles) Dedham (13.52 miles) Felixstowe (14.17 miles) East Burgholt (14.19 miles) Nayland (17.40 miles)