Waltham Abbey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Waltham Abbey featuring street scenes, a city and heritage architecture
Waltham Abbey which includes a small town or village as well as a large group of people
Waltham Abbey featuring heritage architecture, signage and a city
Waltham Abbey featuring food
Waltham Abbey which includes 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 Waltham Abbey Church are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Upshire
Strand Palace Hotel
Strand Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £170 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£170
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,145 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel although it has low ceilings. If you are over 6 foot 3, the shower in our room would have been too low. Breakfast was great with lots of choices! Would definitely recommend staying here!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Strand Palace Hotel
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
The price is £108 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£108
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (4,873 reviews)
"Great location, convenient, staff was very helpful and polite. The room could have been abit more cleaner."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The price is £139 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£139
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,567 reviews)
"Awesome location great view of bridge"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions O2 Arena and ExCeL Exhibition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (283 reviews)
Lovely property - hit and miss with the staff
"Property was fabulous - really clean, new, lovely. The initial receptionist was very brusque and bordering on rude (to everyone I witnessed coming in). This was an exception as the receptionist in the morning was really lovely and pleasant."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
Marlin Apartments London Bridge - Empire Square
Marlin Apartments London Bridge - Empire Square
4.5 out of 5
34 Long Lane, London, England
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (535 reviews)
"We had a great stay at Marlin Apartments London Bridge – Empire Square. The location is fantastic—just a short walk to shops, restaurants, tourist sites, and public transportation. One of the highlights was the amazing view of The Shard right from our apartment! The space is perfect for families, ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Marlin Apartments London Bridge - Empire Square
Rockwell East
Rockwell East
4 out of 5
99 Mansell Street, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (611 reviews)
10/10 stay
"First time staying at this hotel and we’ll definitely be back! Clean, great location and lovely, helpful front desk staff."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Rockwell East
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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Reviews of Waltham Abbey

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 24%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The standard of staff made this stay a special one

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Some evening entertainment especially at weekend

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Food is very good either choice of vegetarian fresh food.

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