Chigwell, near Epping · ★★★★ 4.5 Tudor inn · Original features · Near London · Character stay · From £120 B&B
★★★★☆ 4.0 (1,637 reviews) → TripAdvisor
The Kings Head is a characterful Tudor inn in Chigwell’s conservation area, a 16th-century gem 20 minutes from central London and adjacent to Epping Forest. Once a stop for highwaymen, it’s now a cosy bolthole with 6 beamed rooms blending historical charm with modern comforts.
Rooms feature low ceilings, inglenook fireplaces (in some), and en-suites with power showers, plus Nespresso and local toiletries. The Superior room has a four-poster, while others overlook the garden. The bar and restaurant serve hearty pub fare—Chigwell venison pie or Essex oysters—with real ales from Mighty Oak brewery and a solid gin selection. Breakfast includes smoked kippers and homemade granola.
Suited for walkers or London day-trippers, it offers free parking and proximity to Hainault Forest.
Pros
- Authentic Tudor character and history
- Excellent London access via Central Line
- Strong pub food and beer range
- Peaceful garden for summer stays
Cons
- Traffic on A113 can be heavy
- Small rooms in historic building