Wanstead Park, East London, E11 2LS
Wanstead Park is a historic woodland park located in East London within the London Borough of Redbridge (postcode E11 2LS). Part of Epping Forest, it offers peaceful woodland walks, picturesque lakes, wildlife and fascinating remnants of the former Wanstead House estate, including the historic Temple.
Wanstead Park, East London, E11 2LS
Our visit
Before Graham's retirement at the end of December 2025, we regularly drove through the northern outskirts of Epping Forest en route to a supplier located in Enfield, north London.
We are fans of the wonderful writer and 'psychogeographer' (his word) John Rogers, whose walks around London and its environs broadcast on his YouTube channel are a wealth of information delivered in a very relaxed and humorous manner.
His excursions in various parts of Epping Forest inspired us to acquaint ourselves with this stunning area of ancient woodland stretching 13 miles from East London into Essex once we had more free time. Wanstead Park is at the southern end of the Forest and as it was unknown to us, we decided to start there, thanks to John!
It is a 140 acre woodland and Wikipedia states it is Grade II listed on the register of parks and gardens. Although situated within Redbridge, the Park has been managed by the City of London Corporation since 1881.
Part of Epping Forest and formerly the site of the historical Wanstead House, Wanstead Park retains a small number of original remains from the impressive 18th century mansion. It includes features such as a diverse wildlife and plants, a range of artificial ponds and rough grassland, seasonal fishing, a small museum and lots more.
The Park is also home to The Temple, one of the Forest's Visitor Centres - once a rich man's folly, and now home to art and history exhibitions and the story of Wanstead Park. It is not open every day so you would need to consult their website for further information.
Good to know
It was a lovely early autumn day when we visited and the dappled canopy provided a pleasant shade as we walked. We have recently developed an interest in rivers which are so important and often neglected, particularly, in its lower reaches, the Roding whose source we have tracked to Takeley near Stansted Airport. There are seven beautiful villages in Essex containing the name Roding occupying more than one parish, starting in the Epping Forest District to the south and crossing into and through the Uttlesford District up towards Dunmow. It was lovely to spot the River Roding on our walk in Wanstead Park as it made its way from Redbridge towards Barking Creek to discharge into the River Thames.
Getting around
There are wide tracks, generally on flat ground, although they were stoney in places so strong footwear is advised.
Photos from our visit
