Discover Woodford: woodland landscapes and history

Woodford offers a range of ways to spend your stay: green spaces and walks, sports in Ray Park, or a look at local history. In Woodford Green and Woodford Wells, distinctive landscapes meet notable landmarks. Which aspect interests you most can help guide your travel planning.

Landscapes and paths around Woodford Green

Woodford Green is a well-maintained area of grassland in the central part of Epping Forest. The land has been held in trust as part of the forest since 1882. Woodford Green is connected to Epping Forest, whose network of paths covers more than 284 kilometres.

The Woodford Green and Woodford Wells Conservation Areas lie on a ridge 60 metres above sea level. From there, the land slopes gently down east towards the River Lea and west towards the River Roding. Long stretches of natural open space, old trees and ponds characterise both areas. The development along a forest path is also important to understanding the local landscape: Woodford Green and Woodford Wells grew up along this path, which is now the A104.

Walks, sports and golf

Ray Park offers space for dog walking and leisurely strolls through the park and along the River Roding. Those who want to combine exercise with a particular sport will find tennis courts and a full-size football pitch there. Walking and sports are different ways to spend your leisure time in Ray Park.

The James Leal Centre is a suitable starting or finishing point for a walk or cycle ride on the Roding Valley Way. This makes the route a possible focus for your plans. Woodford Golf Club in Woodford Green welcomes visitors; on weekdays, you can usually play 9 or 18 holes, subject to restrictions on playing times. If you plan a round, check the playing times beforehand, as availability and restrictions may change.

Listed buildings and local history

The Woodford Green and Woodford Wells Conservation Areas were designated in 1970. In Woodford Green, All Saints’ Church stands in Inmans Row; it is a Grade II listed building. The Castle Hotel on the High Road is also Grade II listed; the building dates from the early 19th century.

Another notable landmark is the small obelisk Opposite Number 1. It is made of Portland stone, probably dates from the 19th century, and was restored in 1977. Its approximate dating sets it apart from buildings whose year of construction is known more precisely.

The Woodford Green War Memorial is a Grade II First World War memorial dating from 1920, designed by Sir Charles Nicholson. It takes the form of a Calvary with a wooden canopy and a brick covering. Together, the designated conservation areas and buildings dating from different periods tell several layers of local history: from development along the forest path to a 20th-century memorial.

When looking for a hotel in Woodford, these points of interest can help structure your decision: would you most like to explore green spaces and walking paths, consider Ray Park or the golf club, or discover listed buildings? This lets you choose a destination that suits your interests, without making assumptions about the specific features of any individual hotel.

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