Wanstead Flats
This large area of open grassland near Epping Forest has miles of walking trails to try. With its nice grassy paths, wildflowers and water features it's one of the best open spaces in London. On the flats you will find gorse, broom, woodland and ponds. It's a popular area with dog walkers and bird watchers.
You can also bring your bike to the park and enjoy a ride on one of the birdle paths. London Cycle Network routes 12 and 155 run past the flats to the south. You can follow these routes from nearby Ilford or Stratford.
The flats are well known for hosting a popular weekly parkrun. It's a 5km course taking place on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am.
There's a car park off Centre Road where you can start the walk. Heading east will take you across the flats to the lovely Alexandra Lake. You can then follow the Epping Forest Centenary Walk back to the western side of the park where you will find the Jubilee Pond. Look out for wildlife including meadow pipits and skylarks on your walk.
You can easily visit the area by public transport. Wanstead Park station is a two minute walk to the park.
It's easy to extend your walk by heading north along the Epping Forest Centenary Walk and visiting Bush Wood and Wanstead Park. The park has a splendid 3 mile trail taking you around woodland, parkland, two ponds and an Ornamental canal.
Just to the east you can follow a waterside cycling and walking path along the River Roding.
Postcode
E11 3QD - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsWanstead Flats Ordnance Survey Map 
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Wanstead Flats Open Street Map 
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Wanstead Flats OS Map 
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Wanstead Flats Open Street Map 
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Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the east is the noteworthy Valentines Park in Ilford. The lovely park includes a series of lakes, a 17th century mansion and beautiful gardens. In 2012 the park was voted the 6th favourite park in the country.
The circular Theydon Bois Oak Trail can be picked up on the eastern side of the forest at Theydon Bois underground station. The challenging trail visits Ambresbury Banks Iron Age Fort and a Deer Sanctuary near the village.
For more walking ideas in the area see the London Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Wanstead Flats at Forest Gate
Lake view
Lake and wood. Whilst most of Wanstead Flats is grassland and Epping Forest woodlands, waterfowl may be found on this large pond.
Grove of trees