Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Tucked away to the south of Epping Forest, Buckhurst Hill is perfect for long walks and some serious forest bathing, while also offering fantastic places to eat, drink and shop. Best of all, it&#8217;s on the Central Line, so it&#8217;s quick (and cheap!) to get into the heart of the capital. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/1-10.jpg" alt="Soiree Buckhurst Hill" class="wp-image-18264" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/1-10.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/1-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/1-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/1-10-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Soiree</figcaption></figure>



<p>When we say you&#8217;re spoilt for choice we&#8217;re not kidding. Whatever cuisine you fancy it&#8217;s bang on your doorstep, starting with the high-end Indian <a href="https://www.tandooratthechambers.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tandoor at the Chambers</a>. Scallops, soft shell crab and sea bass tawa, all washed down with Veuve Clicquot or Whispering Angel? Yes please. Also worth checking out is Turkish restaurant <a href="https://soireerestaurant.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soirée</a>, country pub <a href="http://thethreecolts.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Three Colts</a> and <a href="https://www.thequeensrooms.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Queen&#8217;s Rooms</a> for steaks and epic Sunday roasts. Then, for a cheeky drink or two, it&#8217;s got to be <a href="https://ilvino.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Il Vino</a> wine bar, offering worldwide wines plus charcuterie, cheese and light bites.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1440" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/240737904_205598984954103_2888598984070626943_n.jpg" alt="Florist and gift shop One Six Queens Buckhurst hil Essex" class="wp-image-18988" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/240737904_205598984954103_2888598984070626943_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/240737904_205598984954103_2888598984070626943_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/240737904_205598984954103_2888598984070626943_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/240737904_205598984954103_2888598984070626943_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/240737904_205598984954103_2888598984070626943_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/240737904_205598984954103_2888598984070626943_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/240737904_205598984954103_2888598984070626943_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One Six Queens</figcaption></figure>



<p>Queen&#8217;s Road is where to head for the majority of boutiques, especially if it&#8217;s indie stores you&#8217;re after. For fashion head to <a href="https://purebuckhursthill.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pure</a> and <a href="https://www.neverfullydressed.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Never Fully Dressed</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.prettythingsuk.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbDY_X6kgH3s3W6LV9eaaqcf4mCnPRcZIGUZ7r6RmueG_zqL69" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pretty Things</a> for undies and swimwear. Want to treat someone to gorgeous blooms? Check out <a href="https://www.carolelangley.co.uk/flower_delivery/Buckhurst_Hill.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carole Langley</a>, with <a href="https://www.onesixqueens.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Six Queens</a> also offering bouquets plus candles, homeware and more. For those deli treats you never knew you needed, try the <a href="http://www.greenowlcafe.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Owl Café &amp; Deli</a>. And for top-notch meat and other produce visit the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oldstreetbutcher/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Street Butcher</a>: trust us, it&#8217;s worth heading over for their homemade chicken Kievs alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s no need to worry about registering for a GP: <a href="https://www.palmerstonroadsurgery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palmerston Road Surgery</a>, <a href="https://www.kingsmedicalcentre.co.uk/page1.aspx?p=3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kings Medical Centre</a> and <a href="https://www.theriversurgery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The River Surgery</a> were all accepting new patients at the time of writing, providing you live in the area. Need a workout? <a href="https://www.kgntraining.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KGN Studio</a> is a private training facility on the Queen&#8217;s Road, or those a little braver can visit Chigwell&#8217;s <a href="https://beenduranceopenwater.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luxborough Lake</a> for one of its open water swimming events. To  keep your hair and beauty in check, visit <a href="http://www.hobsalons.com/salons/salons/15/loughton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HOB Salons&#8217; Loughton</a> branch and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/haylandsbeautyclinic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haylands Beauty Clinic</a> for lashes, brows, aesthetic procedures and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>The Parish Council has <a href="https://www.buckhursthillpc.gov.uk/our-community/clubs-associations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an impressive list</a> of clubs and associations in the area, from sports and music groups to antiques, horticulture, rambling and languages. You should also check out the Visit Epping Forest site and its <a href="https://www.visiteppingforest.org/events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">event page</a> – from fireworks to festivals, historical tours and more, there&#8217;s always plenty going on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/3-5-1000x667.jpg" alt="Lee Valley Adventure Park" class="wp-image-18266" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/3-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/3-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/3-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/3-5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lee Valley Adventure Park</figcaption></figure>



<p>For a start, you have <a href="https://www.visiteppingforest.org/explore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Epping Forest</a> on your literal doorstep, with 6,000+ acres to explore through an array of walks and country parks. Waltham Abbey&#8217;s <a href="https://leevalleyfarm.co.uk/tickets-events#event-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lee Valley Adventure Park</a> is great for children, with a wide range of animals and seasonal events. Or, for a bargain day out, head to <a href="https://www.eorailway.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Epping Ongar Railway</a> (30-min drive), which has a 2024 <a href="https://www.eorailway.co.uk/events/kids-for-a-quid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kids for a Quid</a> offer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Copped Hall is a stunning Georgian mansion currently undergoing renovation, but still hosts <a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/coppedhallevents" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plenty of events</a>, from an afternoon browsing its gardens to drawing classes, guided tours and Christmas carols come December. Need more art in your life? The <a href="https://electricgallery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Electric Gallery</a> in nearby South Woodford stocks modern, contemporary works from a host of leading and emerging artists.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Right now the average house price is £701,874 – not unexpected being so close to London. The majority of properties sold last year were terraced, for an average £619,930. Semi-detached homes went for around £770,435, with flats fetching £367,548.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-9.jpg" alt="Party time! This detached family home has 5/6 beds and a large kitchen-diner for entertaining. On the market for £1.595m." class="wp-image-18252" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-9.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/Untitled-design-9-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Party time! This detached family home has 5/6 beds and a large kitchen-diner for entertaining. <a href="https://caplenestates.com/property/luctons-avenue-buckhurst-hill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £1.595m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.children-first.info/baby-nursery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queens Baby Nursery</a>, on Queen&#8217;s Road (it&#8217;s the road that has it all) is Ofsted Outstanding and cares for infants from three to 22 months, then the <a href="https://www.children-first.info/queens-nursery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queens Nursery</a> takes them from two to four years. In nearby Chigwell, the <a href="https://fsdn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flying Start Day Nursery</a> is described as &#8216;warm and welcoming&#8217;. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://daiglen.essex.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Daiglen School</a> in Palmerston Road is a mixed co-ed prep for ages 3–11 yrs, with a child-centred approach to learning. <a href="https://staubyns.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Aubyn&#8217;s School</a>, in nearby Woodford Green, covers the same age group and has eight acres for them to enjoy. Want your kids with just the one educator from start to finish? <a href="https://www.chigwell-school.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chigwell School</a>&#8216;s for you – split from 4–18 yrs across pre-prep, junior, senior and sixth form, it got a <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/chigwell-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great review</a> when we headed there to do a little digging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>According to legend, Epping Forest&#8217;s Turpin&#8217;s Cave was the hiding place of highwayman Dick Turpin. It is said his spirit haunts the area, and he&#8217;s not the only local ghost – there are regular reports of poltergeist activity. Ready to be pushed or touched by unseen hands? No thank you!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Buckhurst Hill is on the Central Line and just nine stops from London Liverpool Street, which takes under 30 mins. Buses are also regular, and you can even bike in – the journey will take around an hour. Pay as you go is capped at £14.60 a day for zones 1-5, or a monthly pass is £280.40, or £2,920 for the year.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Buckhurst Hill

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