Waltham Abbey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Waltham Abbey which includes street scenes, a city and heritage architecture
Waltham Abbey showing a small town or village as well as a large group of people
Waltham Abbey featuring signage, heritage architecture and street scenes
Waltham Abbey showing food
Waltham Abbey featuring street scenes and heritage architecture

This quaint market town is famous for its namesake church, which is said to be the final resting place of King Harold II.

Set amid rolling green hill, Waltham Abbey is a traditional market town in Essex that is best known for its 12th-century church and gardens. See the beautiful church, browse local markets and explore modest museums and parks.

The town’s history is connected to King Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon King of England before the Norman invasion. He founded a monastic house on the site that would later hold Waltham Abbey Church. The current church building dates back to the 12th century. Visit it to see where the monarch was allegedly buried following his death in 1066.

This abbey is at the heart of the community and has been serving this town for more than eight centuries. Learn about its history, marvel at its Romanesque architecture and stroll through its pleasant gardens, where you will encounter pretty streams and forested pockets.

Waltham Abbey Market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday and is the ideal place to get a flavour for the local culture. Browse fruit, vegetables, toys and handicrafts in this traditional market, which has been held for more than 700 years. Note the well-preserved old houses surrounding the stalls many of these date back several centuries.

Take a daytrip to Epping Forest just north of the town. This vast area of scenic woodland was once a designated royal forest, but was declared a Public Open Space in the late 19th century. Meander through the trees and discover more than 100 lakes and ponds. There are also opportunities for mountain biking and horse riding in the forest.

If you’re seeking adventure, stop by the Lee Valley White Water Centre. This activity centre has artificial rapids for surfing, canoeing and kayaking. Take the kids to the Lee Valley Park Farms, where they can pet animals and play on small slides.

Elsewhere in the town, you’ll find the Royal Gunpowder Mills. The defunct mills are now open to the public and feature an interactive museum, an armoury and gun test ranges. Find out how to make rockets and watch fascinating science shows devoted to explosives.

Waltham Abbey is situated in southwest Essex, 28 miles (45 kilometres) from London. Travel to the town using regional train and bus services.

Where to stay in Waltham Abbey

Upshire

Upshire might not have many top sights, but Epping Forest and Lee Valley White Water Centre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Upshire
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The price is AU$279 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$279
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is AU$370 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$370
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,324 reviews)
"Helpful, friendly and polite staff. Rooms very clean and well serviced. Doorman especially helpful"

Reviewed on 27 Aug. 2025

Strand Palace Hotel
President Hotel

President Hotel

3.5 out of 5
56-60 Guildford Street, London, England
The price is AU$316 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$316
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
President Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vertus Edit Canary Wharf

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf

4 out of 5
3 & 15 West Lane, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions O2 Arena and ExCeL Exhibition ...
Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
Rockwell East

Rockwell East

4 out of 5
99 Mansell Street, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Rockwell East
Citadines Trafalgar Square London

Citadines Trafalgar Square London

4 out of 5
18/21 Northumberland Avenue, London, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Citadines Trafalgar Square London
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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