Welcome to Chingford
Cosy, contained, and with a real East End community feel, Chingford is still just a short train ride from central London. It’s easy to see why this characterful part of the capital is so popular with young families, with great facilities and generous parkland on the doorstep and the 6,000-acre Epping Forest nearby.
Our Local Guide:
Chingford
Chingford has flourished more quickly than people have caught on in recent years, making it something of a well kept secret for locals (it wasn’t us who told you). Full of village charm but only 26 minutes from central London, it’s easy to see the appeal.
With sprawling parks in the centre and the 6,000-acre Epping Forest lining the northern boundary, there’s more open space than you can shake a native hornbeam stick at, no wonder that Chingford has spawned two England football captains in recent decades.
For those looking to refuel after burning off all that energy in nature, there’s a thriving food and drink scene, although let’s be clear that the area’s admired status pre-dates the macchiato. Local historical landmark the Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge was built for Henry VIII way back in 1543.
A word from our Chingford area expert…
I enjoy the outdoors as well as the hustle and bustle of the city, so Chingford is the perfect spot for me. With Epping Forest on the doorstep, cycling, hiking and exploring are only a hop away. And the amazing transport links can take you into the city in less than half hour.
Being able to alternate between Chingford Mount and North Chingford for a pub, restaurant, café or a takeaway means I’m spoilt for choice. I particularly enjoy meeting friends, family and colleagues in The Rusty Bike to grab some Thai food, choose from a large selection of beers or catch a game of football.
Weekends are reserved for the Kings Head. The beer garden is perfect for basking in the sun during the summer. In the colder months you can warm up inside with a great roast dinner.
Travelling between appointments is a joy. The sense of community is strong and friendly, and you’re often wished good morning or afternoon as you walk by. The diversity of the locals is what makes Chingford great — there are loads of international takeaway restaurants and supermarkets, where I’m constantly discovering new tastes and flavours.
The perfect evening spot for dog walking is Yates Meadow, where you can see across the city vista for miles. The tranquillity of the hills with the high-rise buildings in the distance creates a juxtaposition that feels really special.
Chingford has something to offer for almost every buyer. From stunning period properties overlooking golf courses or Epping Forest. To brand-new builds perfect for getting on to the property ladder for first time buyers. Did I mention that it’s more affordable than most of London?
Will Turner
Assistant Branch Manager
Chingford
’s
Places + Wonders
Breezy, easy, stretched-out open spaces, quirky independent shops and a fascinating history … our local team hand-pick some of their favourite spots in and around Chingford.
Epping Forest
With 8,000 acres of green space to explore, Epping Forest provides the perfect day out for nature lovers. It’s easily reached from Chingford station – the Epping Forest Visitor Centre is less than a ten minute walk away.
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Pole Hill Obelisk
Once home to T.E. Lawrence, Pole Hill offers sweeping views across London as a reward after a hearty hike. Take a kite if you’ve got one, and visit the summit’s Obelisk, which was erected on the Greenwich Meridian Line in 1824.
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Butler Retreat
One of the few remaining Victorian retreats within the forest, this Grade II listed structure was originally built as a barn in 1859. It takes its name from John Butler, whose family sold refreshments from 1891-1971, but nowadays it has a great cafe called The Larder.
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Chingford Golf courses
Chingford has a ‘hole’ lot of golf action, with several clubs within just a few miles of the station, including Chingford Golf Range, West Essex Golf Club & Royal Epping Forest Golf Club.
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The Narrow Street Kitchen
A cosy, family-run spot known for its ever-changing menu of globally inspired, home-cooked dishes. Expect hearty, flavour-packed meals like slow-cooked stews, vibrant salads, and creative vegetarian options, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients
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Patpong Thai
You can’t do much better than London’s oldest Thai restaurant if you’re craving authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. Non-meaters will be delighted to find an entire vegetarian menu brimming with flavoursome dishes, and carnivores will be happy too.
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Wilsons Fish and Chips
Chippy fans might be still at loggerheads in the great curry sauce, gravy or ketchup debate, but they’d all agree that Wilsons fries fish to perfection. Established in 1930, the award-winning chippy is a treat for any day of the week.
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The Connaught Club
This historical sports club’s mission is to create an inclusive environment for members and guests to enjoy playing, develop their skills and compete. It has nine tennis courts, four squash courts, a great bowling green, and a friendly gym.
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Epping Forest
With 8,000 acres of green space to explore, Epping Forest provides the perfect day out for nature lovers. It’s easily reached from Chingford station – the Epping Forest Visitor Centre is less than a ten minute walk away.
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Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge
Although closed to walk-in visitors, those interested in Tudor history can book a private tour of the Hunting Lodge, which was built for King Henry VIII 1543 and renovated by Queen Elizabeth I (contact the Epping Forest Visitor Centre for info).
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Craft Cabin
Calling all artists young and old! The Craft Cabin allows you to create your very own masterpiece to take home. With snacks, drinks and a gated play area for little ones, it’s also a great place to meet friends.
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Ridgeway Park
With such high standards it was awarded Green Flag status in 2018, Ridgeway Park is a place of pride for locals. It’s got everything from tennis courts to a modern railway, which was once ridden on by Walt Disney no less.
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The Kings Head
Bigger might not always be better, but it is when it comes to beer gardens. The dog-friendly Kings Head has a glorious one, along with a cosy interior – just the place to enjoy a drink and some tasty pub grub.
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BarOneTwenty
Scan through BarOneTwenty reviews and you’ll notice how many people single-out the owner’s friendly attitude. Y’see, good customer service really does go a long way. With quality drinks and nibbles in the mix, this is the perfect hangout spot.
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The Front Room
As the name suggests, this neighbourhood cafe bar is a friendly little place, allowing you to escape your own front room for food, cocktails and even live music. Treat it like your own home, without the stress of washing up.
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Queen Elizabeth
It’s hard to beat the location of The Queen Elizabeth. Set on the edge of Epping Forest, the cosy but roomy pub offers the perfect spot for a well deserved pint and lunch after a woodland ramble.
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Rusty Bike Pub
Serving up great beer and Thai food, this friendly pub knows exactly how to please its customers. Handily located across the street from the station, the Rusty Bike Pub shows live sport events, and recently added a sushi menu.
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Chingford
’s
Features + Perks
Transport links
With trains running four times an hour, you can nip to Liverpool Street from Chingford in about 25 minutes on the Overground. It’s only a short hop to Walthamstow on the same line, so it’s easy to connected with the ultra-convenient Victoria line.
Family friendly
Growing families look towards Chingford when they want to stretch out but still enjoy nifty travel to and from Central London. It’s a win, win situation, especially considering all the child-friendly amenities.
Vibrant shopping
Although Chingford enjoys the benefit of all that calm, open space, it has still got a vibrant centre, with shops ranging from chains to independents offering everything from essentials to quirky gifts.
Plenty of open green spaces
As one of the best access points to the 8,000 acre Epping Forest, Chingford is quite the prime spot when it comes to open spaces. If you like your nature to be slightly more manicured, there’s also the Green Flag awarded Ridgeway Park.
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Contact Us
Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling your first home, or just want to say hello.
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Phone: 020 3369 6444
Email: hello4@stowbrothers.com