LOCATED between London and rural Essex, the ‘enchanted’ Epping Forest has featured in the hit Netflix series The Witcher.
Yet, the forest itself – as suggests – truly is a magical destination dating back to the end of the last ice age, with autumnal walks, historic spots to be discovered and top foodie finds.
Epping Forest is just over half-an-hour from central London and provides a great autumnal day out
The destination features in series three of Neflix’s hit show The Witcher
Just 35 minutes on the Central Line from Tottenham Court Road in , visitors can get off at Loughton Station and walk 15minutes to reach Epping Forest.
Alternatively, you can catch the 20 bus from the station and get off at Church Lane, for a shorter five-minute walk to the forest.
In the forest itself, visitors can participate in a wide variety of activities including hiking and cycling, as well as explore over 100 lakes and ponds.
One of the most popular lakes in the forest is Connaught Water, where visitors can walk around the lake via a path or even attempt some fishing.
The pond is known for having lots of wildlife too, such as ducks, geese, swans and herons.
Then Strawberry Hill Ponds were used as the set for the Belleteyn Festival in The Witcher series.
At the time of filming, the ponds were transformed into a large set with festive tents, barrels and large metal containers known as braziers to shoot scenes at night.
Across the entire forest there are numerous paths that wind through the , and into the surrounding countryside.
For example, you could head on the Way, which stretches over 82miles starting at Epping Station.
If you don’t fancy doing the walking yourself, they you could opt for a from one of the local stables, such as High Beech Riding School.
Wildlife fans can spot large herds of deer as well, usually found in the northern part of the forest.
And fishing is permitted in 24 ponds in the forest as well.
One person who visited the forest said: “Miles and miles of very attractive forest with no restrictions and good dotted throughout.
“Whichever season you will be enchanted.”
Another added: “It seems to be in an enchanted valley.”
For history buffs, the forest is also home to somesuch as Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, dating back to 1543.
Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge is home to a free museum where visitors can learn about Tudor life
Inside is a free museum where visitors can learn about Tudor food, discover Tudor fashion and even discover mysterious marks left by carpenters who built the lodge.
Or head to Loughton Camp, which is one of two Iron Age earthworks in the forest.
The site features ancient mounds surrounded by a number of beech trees.
There is also the Copped Hall, which has walled gardens surrounding a
It is said to be the location where was first performed and costs £10 per person to enter.
And if you are looking for somewhere to grab a coffee or light bite, then head to The Larder at Butler’s Retreat, next to Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge.
Next to Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge is The Larder at Butler’s Retreat, if you fancy a bite to eat
Options include speciality hot drinks such as a Turkish delight hot chocolate for £4.85 and fresh sandwiches like a chimichurri steak butty for £9.45.
The forest is also home to traditional tea huts for a quick drink or snack.
Littered around the forest’s edge are multiple quaint towns and villages including Waltham Abbey, a with royal connections.
In the town, visitors can wander along the historic Sun Street which runs alongside the abbey grounds, with numerous alleys off of it to small shops and and riverways.
There are many quaint towns and villages, with cosy pubs surrounding the forest
There are also a number of surrounding the forest, providing a great place to stop after a long walk.
One spot, The Kings Oak, is a Victorian-era – inside are log fires and the pub boasts great views of the forest.
Alternatively, head to The Owl, which was built in 1776 and features open fires and wood panelling.
There is also athat’s now officially one of the most beautiful in Spain.
Plus, there is an in an ‘enchanted’ forest with lakes, waterfalls, and a 1000-acre mountain landscape.
And if you fancy a go at some fishing, there are 24 ponds were visitors are allowed to fish 
