Leyton Flats in the Beautiful Epping Forest
Wide-open grassland, serene ponds full of wildlife, ancient forest, shaded woodland, endless walking trails and peaceful sounds of nature. Leyton Flats in Epping Forest is the perfect day out to escape the hustle and bustle of London. Read on for our complete guide.
Located in the London borough of Waltham Forest is Leyton Flats, a beautiful 75-hectare nature reserve made up of wide-open grassland, shaded woodland and tranquil ponds.
Leyton Flats forms part of Epping Forest, an ancient woodland spanning from Manor Park in the south up to Epping in the north. It’s the perfect escape to the hustle and bustle of London as it’s very easy to reach and at over 2400 hectares, has many trails to explore!
We moved to Leyton a couple of years ago from Wapping in Central London and we’ve loved getting to know the best things to do in Epping Forest. Hiking and nature are a big part of who we are and living in the city it can be a struggle to get our outdoors fix.
Moving close to Epping Forest has allowed us to go on long walks without having to drive miles out of London. Leyton Flats is right on our doorstep so we’ve spent a lot of getting to know it.
I (Helen) have spent many mornings running here. If I manage to make it just after sunrise, it’s so peaceful and the mist gives it a mystical and eerie feel. I end up spending more time taking photos than running!
It’s also our favourite place to walk Plum as she loves the wide-open spaces and swimming in the ponds. It’s quite hard to believe we’re actually in zone 3!
Most of Leyton Flats is open grassland, which is widely used by birds for nesting in the quieter areas. There are also shaded wooded areas and two ponds.
Eagle Pond, one of the oldest ponds in Epping Forest, is popular for fishing and has a large concentration of mute swans. Hollow Pond is popular to rent rowing boats in the summer and for discovering the wildlife the pond is home to.
As well as the numerous walking trails, Leyton Flats, is also a great place for a picnic. Find a shaded spot under a tree by one of the ponds or in the open grass and watch the world go by, bring a book or just sit and listen to the sounds of nature.
One of the best things to do in Epping Forest is to find a walking trail and go for a hike. Our favourite walk around Leyton Flats is the Hornbeam Trail; an easy 5-and-a-half kilometre-looped trail starting at the Snaresbrook Road Car Park by Eagle Pond.
The trail is clearly marked with green arrows and leads you around all the best areas of Leyton Flats.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Leyton Flats
Can I eat at Leyton Flats?
In Leyton Flats, there’s a lakeside diner and boathouse that serves tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks.
For meals and/or drinks, the Sir Alfred Hitchcock Hotel has a cosy restaurant and beer garden looking directly over the flats. On a sunny summer’s day, it’s the ideal spot for a pint after a walk!
Close by in Leytonstone is The Red Lion, a cosy pub with a large outdoor terrace that serves delicious pub grub and hearty Sunday roasts.
How do I get to Leyton Flats?
Where should I stay?
Or, if you want the full London experience, stay in Central London and travel out. It’s super easy to get to and from Covent Garden only takes approximately 45 minutes.
Exploring Leyton Flats is not only a great escape from the city, but it’s also one of the best free things to do in London. We know London can be expensive, so if you’re looking for something that won’t cost you anything except for transport, this is it.
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