Tell me about Epping and Loughton with children

[Sheisamum]

Considering moving to Epping or Loughton with our almost two year old. Currently live in Shoreditch and fear we might not have enough activities for a growing child in these areas. Any local parents can tell me what is like living in these areas with children and what activities are available? Sports, clubs? Weekend activities for the family? Also any thoughts on local primary schools?

We’re in North Chingford (brilliant for families) and go to Loughton and Epping quite a bit. I don’t really know what to say other than there’s loads of activities, some great primary schools, secondary schools are a bit more dodgy (but changing all of the time). Loads of sport options. I would say that they are very much “essexy” places and the kids would grow up within that culture vs a more London culture, not a bad thing but it is different.

@dreamersdown we could consider North Chingford too! What sort of activities are there for children in NC? And how about local schools? Any preferred one?

There’s every kind! From dancing to brownies to skateboarding to parks to the forest to chess clubs - honestly there’s everything. There’s a couple of tiny soft plays, there’s the craft cabin for painting and crafts - totally dependent on what your kid is into. Schools - all local primaries are good or outstanding, Yardley is in the top 50 primaries in the country.

I live out this way - closer to Loughton. Epping is really much further from town and also feels further in terms of what's on offer. If you're willing to go that far out, I'd start looking at areas you can access from the overground train line.

If I were you, I'd go no further than Loughton and also look at Wanstead, South Woodford, Woodford, and Buckhurst Hill on the tube, plus Highams Park on the overground train which is like 25 min to Liverpool Street. My gym in Shoreditch, it's as easy as anything to get into town from where we are. Lots of excellent primaries about and Wanstead High, Woodbridge, Trinity are getting good reports for secondary schools. My kids did go private and there are a lot of good options if that is what you'd want to do. Davenant in Loughton. Highams Park has some good secondaries too. In Epping, my impression is you're on dodgier ground with secondaries but I may not be well informed on that.

There's every sort of kid activity about here, spoiled for choice.

I'd bring my kids up here again, if I were doing it all over.

I didn't grow up here.

Prices are also not necessarily cheaper in Epping than closer in, that's also a bizarre part, if that was a consideration.

If you're in Shoreditch now, you'll love Wanstead .... where all the hipsters move once they start families. Good schools, a lovely park right on high street, surrounded by tracts of Epping Forest.

Excellent transport: 2 tube stations on Central line. 25 mins to Stansted airport.

Great local high street: Gail's, Ginger Pig, fishmonger, independent cafés like Bare Brew and a fab greengrocer. M&S Food, Coop and Tesco. Waitrose down road in S Woodford.

Loughton is OK. Epping, imho, is just a bit too far out.

Agreed, we just bought here and really like it in Wanstead.

South Woodford seems great as well, easier for big shops and George Lane seems decent and prices are a bit more affordable.

Hi OP,
I’ve lived in Loughton for 5 years now and have a 6 year old and a 2 year old. Previously, we lived in Woodford Green which is also very nice.
We love Loughton. Good high street, amazing access to Epping Forest, full variety of activities for children. Mine do: ballet, gymnastics, karate, drumming, acting classes, swimming lessons and baby sensory all without leaving the town.
A good variety of local restaurants, cafes and shops.
DS goes to an ‘Outstanding’ primary school and will then go on to a popular church school for secondary. There are other good local secondaries, which don’t necessitate church attendance, and a number of local private schools too.

What are you after that isn’t accessible from Shoreditch?

I just want to leave the big smoke really. Looking for a calmer and quiet life where children can grow up in a safe environment. Feel London is getting too dangerous nowadays.