Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge

This Timber-framed hunting grandstand was built in 1543 for Henry VIII. It still stands in a beautiful part of Epping Forest overlooking the old hunting field for which it was designed. The Hunting Lodge was originally called the Great Standing and was used to watch the hunting of deer or possibly from which to shoot deer, with crossbows.

This is the only remaining timber-framed standing in England, possibly in Europe, and is an excellent example of Tudor carpentry. Today, it is calm and peaceful: a fabulous historic building in an area of beautiful semi-natural woodland on the edge of London. Explore the Tudor kitchen, see the stairs which legend says Queen Elizabeth rode her horse up, and admire the fantastic carpentry. Dressing up clothes, quiz trail and brass rubbings available for children.

The Lodge is open to the public who can step back in time to get a sense of how it would have been in Tudor times. An exciting range of free events is provided throughout the year from archery days to Tudor style picnics, from family activity afternoons to celebrations of Tudor New Year. There is also a vibrant education service for school groups as well as guided tours for adult groups.