Epping Forest District Museum
📍 Waltham Abbey, Greater London
Free museum in a Grade II* listed building from 1485, with interactive exploration kits including torches, magnifying glasses, and adventure waistcoats. Collections include King Harold's battle axe and woolly mammoth tusks.
This museum was advertised as telling the story of the people of the Epping Forest District, so we did think it might be a bit too much for our two small people - thankfully we didn't need to worry! Yes there is some stories and history of the area, but rather randomly there is other stuff like the current exhibition on mummified animals. For the kids, there are a few activities, and the opportunity to grab a torch and magnifying glass (and an adventure waistcoat) and look round the museum. The museum feels fairly laid back, which again is useful when your brining kids to visit! We all enjoyed the museum and spent more time than we originally expected - extra bonus - it's FREE to enter!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with younger children who engage more with exploration than passive display. The adventure waistcoats and torch kits transform a standard museum visit into an active hunt through the collections. Families with toddlers report a relaxed atmosphere with no pressure to keep children quiet.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →137 Google reviews
Andrew Cartwright
3 years ago
“This museum was advertised as telling the story of the people of the Epping Forest District, so we did think it might be a bit too much for our two small people - thankfully we didn't need to worry! Yes there is some stories and history of the area, but rather randomly there is other stuff like the current exhibition on mummified animals. For the kids, there are a few activities, and the opportunity to grab a torch and magnifying glass (and an adventure waistcoat) and look round the museum. The museum feels fairly laid back, which again is useful when your brining kids to visit! We all enjoyed the museum and spent more time than we originally expected - extra bonus - it's FREE to enter!”
Fiona Dunlop
2 years ago
“I came to the Tiger who came to Tea exhibition with an under 2 and a 5 year old. There was lots to entertain them not just in the exhibit but around the rest of the museum. We particularly loved the torches/binoculars for the children to help them investigate artefacts!”
David Sankey
a year ago
“A delightful community museum. I attended on a day they held a Saxon event, featuring an Axehead from Waltham Abbey. Costumed volunteers and staff were a delight to talk go”
HeccTech
2 months ago
“Really enjoyed the visit to this Museum, learned and saw so many interesting things. I advise anyone visiting to donate to the Museum so it can be kept open.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Housed in a Tudor building dating from 1485, this free museum holds King Harold's battle axe, the Waltham Abbey Bible, woolly mammoth tusks, local paintings, and costumes. Staff provide children with torches, magnifying glasses, and adventure waistcoats to explore artefacts hands-on. Changing exhibitions and themed event days — Saxon days, Punch and Judy — add variety for repeat visits.
