Loughton Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Loughton, a charming town located in the heart of England, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking a unique and authentic experience. Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the United Kingdom, Loughton offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and picturesque landscapes.

One of the highlights of Loughton is its rich history, which can be traced back to the Roman times. History buffs will be enthralled by the remnants of Loughton's past, such as the magnificent Loughton Camp, an Iron Age hill fort that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Immerse yourself in the stories of the past as you explore the ancient ruins and imagine what life was like centuries ago.

For nature lovers, Loughton is a paradise. The town is surrounded by the sprawling Epping Forest, one of the largest and most ancient forests in the country. Embark on a leisurely stroll or a thrilling bike ride through the forest, taking in the fresh air and marveling at the diverse flora and fauna that call this place home. The forest also offers a myriad of outdoor activities, including horse riding, bird watching, and even wild boar spotting.

In the heart of Loughton, you'll find an array of charming shops, boutiques, and cafes, perfect for indulging in a spot of retail therapy or enjoying a delicious cup of tea. The town's vibrant community ensures that there is always something happening, whether it's a local festival, a farmers' market, or a live music performance. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and mingle with the friendly locals to truly experience the essence of Loughton.

Just a stone's throw away from Loughton is the vibrant city of London, offering endless possibilities for exploration. Take a short train ride and find yourself in the midst of the city's iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife. From the historical Tower of London to the bustling streets of Covent Garden, London is sure to captivate and inspire.

Alternative names: Area: 5.91 mi²Elevation: 125 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°38'52"N, 0°3'17"E

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EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Loughton Top Attractions

Loughton Attractions - What to See and Explore

Loughton offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Epping Forest, Loughton Camp, Lippitts Hill, Gilwell Oak. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Ancient woodland with lakes and ponds
Epping Forest
Epping Forest is a 2,400-hectare area of ancient woodland, and other established habitats, which straddles the border between Greater London and Essex. The main body of the forest stretches from Epping in the north, to Chingford on the edge of the London built-up area.
Forts and castles
Loughton Camp
Loughton Camp is an Iron Age Hill fort in Epping Forest, one mile northwest of the town of Loughton. The camp's earthworks cover an area of approximately 10 acres and are visible today as a low bank and ditch encircling the main camp.
Hill
Lippitts Hill
Lippitts Hill is a hill located at High Beach, Epping Forest, Essex. It has played several historic roles in the defence and policing of London.

Tree
Gilwell Oak
The Gilwell Oak is an oak tree on the grounds of The Scout Association's headquarters at Gilwell Park, Essex. It is reputed to have been used as a hiding place by Dick Turpin and since the 20th century has become closely associated with the Scout movement.
Specialty museum • Museum
National Jazz Archive
The National Jazz Archive is a collection of materials pertaining to jazz and blues that is kept at the Loughton Library in Essex, England. The archive was founded by British trumpeter Digby Fairweather in 1998 and contains visual and print materials from the 1920s to the present.
Nature • Natural attraction • Forest
Great Monk Wood
Great Monk Wood is a wood within Epping Forest, in Essex, England. The wood, in the parish of Loughton, is centred on the Wakes Arms junction roundabout of the A104 Epping New Road, and the A121, and is southwest from the town of Epping and north from Loughton.
51°38'55"N • 0°4'42"E
Loughton Hall
Loughton Hall is a large house in Rectory Lane, Loughton, Essex. The architect was William Eden Nesfield, and it is grade II listed with Historic England. It is now a 33-bedroom residential care home for elderly people.
Park
Vange Hill
Vange Hill is an 11.5 hectare Local Nature Reserve in Vange, a suburb of Basildon in Essex. It is owned and managed by Basildon Borough Council. The site has grassland and scrub woodland, surrounded by a drainage ditch.
Campsite
Gilwell Park
Gilwell Park is a camp site and activity centre for Scouting and Guiding groups, and is the home of leadership training in the Scout movement.
Campsite
Debden House
Debden House is a residential adult education college, conference centre and campsite located in Loughton, Essex, England. The house is owned and operated by Newham London Borough Council.
51°38'43"N • 0°3'12"E
Loughton Arts Centre
Shopping • Museum
Park
Linder's Field
Linder's Field is a 3.6 hectare Local Nature Reserve in Buckhurst Hill in Essex. It is owned and managed by Epping Forest District Council. Linder's Field is a surviving fragment of an ancient wood called Pluckett's Wood. It is named after its former owner, Charles Linder.
Park
Home Mead
Home Mead is a 1.8 hectare Local Nature Reserve in Loughton in Essex. It is owned and managed by Epping Forest District Council. This site has woodland, scrub and acid grassland. The woodland has spread into part of the grassland. A wildflower meadow has yellow tormentil and blue bugle, both of which provide food for butterflies.
51°38'44"N • 0°5'2"E
Debden
Debden is a suburb in the civil parish of Loughton, in the Epping Forest district of Essex, England. It takes its name from the ancient manor of Debden, which lay at its northern end.

Day trips

Loughton – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Loughton, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Oxford Street (London), Palace of Westminster (London), Regent Street (London).

12 milesSW
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
Oxford Street, London
Oxford Street in London, United Kingdom, stands as a bustling epicenter of contemporary retail, a shopping district that attracts both locals and tourists alike. Stretching approximately 1.9 kilometers through the heart of the city, this vibrant thoroughfare boasts...
13 milesSW
Iconic home of UK parliament
Palace of Westminster, London
The Palace of Westminster, with its iconic clock tower known as Big Ben, stands as a monumental piece of Gothic Revival architecture on the banks of the River Thames in London, United Kingdom. This palatial complex is not only a tourist attraction but also the meeting...
13 milesSW
Shopping, Street, Edwardian architecture
Regent Street, London
Regent Street stands as one of London's most prestigious shopping districts, renowned for its historic Victorian architecture and an array of high-end retail stores. This bustling thoroughfare, designed by architect John Nash in the early 19th century, has evolved into...
12 milesSW
A historian's treasure trove
British Museum, London
The British Museum, located in the heart of London, United Kingdom, stands as a cornerstone of cultural heritage and is one of the most expansive and comprehensive museums in the world. This venerable institution, founded in 1753, opened its doors to the public in 1759...
11 milesSW
Medieval castle housing the Crown Jewels
Tower of London, London
The Tower of London is an iconic fortress situated in the heart of the city of London, United Kingdom. With a history stretching back over 1,000 years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a royal palace, an armory, a treasury, the home of the Royal Mint, a public...