North Chingford Heritage Festival
Get ready to bring the past to life and celebrate the rich history and culture of North Chingford during the first ever North Chingford Heritage Festival happening this summer from Saturday, 21 June to Sunday, 6 July 2025.
Situated on the edge of the beautiful and sprawling Epping Forest, settled over one thousand years ago during the Saxon period and listed in the ‘Domesday Book of 1086’, North Chingford is the perfect blend of old and new with its independent High Street and historical landmarks.
The town is rich in history with charming shops and places to eat, as well as well-preserved heritage buildings, including the Grade two listed Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge, built in 1543, and is the gateway to ancient Epping Forest, often referred to as the ‘Lungs of London’. Epping Forest is home to 55’000 ancient trees (more than any other single site in the country) spread over six thousand acres and was dedicated by Queen Victoria ‘for the enjoyment of my people forever’.
The North Chingford Heritage Festival will celebrate the fascinating past of this area, its buildings and the famous characters connected to the town, including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Walt Disney, Laurence of Arabia and Queen Victoria.
There will be Heritage Bus Tours, Walks, Talks, Open Houses, Heritage Train Rides, Children’s Craft, Theatre, Film, Song, Windrush Day Events, Museum Exhibitions, Art Exhibitions, a Plein Air, an Author Event and much more, all focused on this wonderous place and its people, over a 16 day programme.
Cllr Rosalind Doré, Cabinet Member for Libraries, Culture and Sports and Leisure, said,
I’m truly excited for the first ever North Chingford Heritage Festival happening this summer. It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate our rich local heritage and learn about North Chingford’s fascinating past. Whether you’re exploring traditions, spending time with family and friends or meeting new neighbours, this festival is all about connection, pride and unity’.
From exploring the ancient trees of Epping Forest to getting out with the kids and playing Tudor dress up, local residents and visitors from outside of the borough will get to explore North Chingford and imagine what life was like for the generations that came before us.
We want everyone to have access to culture, and the chance to learn about our past, not just through classrooms, but through joyful interactive experiences which make learning fun, at every age.
The festival programme has been developed in partnership between the councils Regeneration team, Chingford Historical Society, Friends of Pimp Hall Nature Reserve, Chingford Amateur Dramatics and Operatic Society (CADOS), Love North Chingford and Love North Chingford Art Group.
Throughout the Festival
North Chingford library
Throughout the festival, Chingford Library will be a primary location for heritage related activity and for obtaining up to date information about the North Chingford Heritage Festival.
Opening times
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 7pm
- Saturday: 9am to 6pm
- Sunday: 12noon to 4pm
Visit the Queen Elizabeth Hunting lodge
Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge is a Grade II* listed former hunting lodge, built at the instruction of King Henry VIII in 1543, located next door to the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford, on Rangers Road, Chingford. It is perched on the edge of beautiful Epping Forest overlooking significant ancient trees on all sides, many of which are older than the building itself!
Legend has it that Queen Elizabeth I once rode her horse up the steps of the Hunting Lodge. Come along and retrace Queen Elizabeth I's steps in this historic gem.
Suitable for all ages, free, just turn up.
Address: 95 Forest Side, Chingford, London E4 6BA
Opening times
Tuesday to Sunday: 11am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm)
Exhibitions on display during the North Chingford Heritage Festival
Visit the delightful forest museum and the galleries on site at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre, and explore the forest themed gift shop.
Woodford Arts Group exhibition
Art exhibition featuring work inspired by Epping Forest.
Located in the upper gallery.
James Brimble's Picture Archive - The Epping Forest Collection
James Arthur Brimble uncovered the secrets & beauty of Epping Forest to the public like no one before. Come along for this rare opportunity to see his Epping Forest Collection and learn more about this local legend. Located in the lower gallery.
Suitable for all ages
Address: Epping Forest Visitor Centre, 6 Rangers Road, London E4 7QH
Opening times
Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm