The Royal Forest

The Royal Forest Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to The Royal Forest on Ranger’s Road, you immediately get why this four-star hotel has such devoted fans. The name isn’t just marketing fluff — you’re literally on the edge of Epping Forest, and honestly, the setting feels almost too good to be true for London. I mean, you’re still technically in Chingford, but it’s like someone dropped a proper country retreat into Zone 4. The building itself has this understated elegance that doesn’t try too hard, which I actually appreciate more than flashy lobbies that photograph well but feel cold in person.

The Forest Location

Here’s what the travel guides don’t tell you — Epping Forest isn’t just some patch of green space. We’re talking about 6,000 acres of ancient woodland that stretches for miles, and The Royal Forest sits right where civilization meets wild nature. You can literally step out the front door and be on forest trails within minutes. I’ve stayed at plenty of hotels that claim to be “near parks,” but this is different. Early morning walks here feel like you’ve escaped London entirely, even though you’re only about 30 minutes from central London by tube. The Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge is practically next door, which gives you some idea of how special this area has been for centuries.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in faced the forest, and you know what struck me most? The quiet. Not the fake quiet of soundproofing, but actual natural silence broken only by birdsong. The furnishings lean traditional without being stuffy — think comfortable armchairs you’d actually want to sit in, not museum pieces. The bathroom was properly spacious (always a gamble with older British buildings), and the bed was one of those you sink into but don’t struggle to get out of. Small touches matter here too — decent coffee facilities, blackout curtains that actually work, and enough parking space that you’re not circling the block at check-in.

Dining and Atmosphere

The hotel restaurant surprised me, honestly. I wasn’t expecting much — hotel dining can be hit or miss — but they’ve clearly put thought into sourcing local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, which makes sense given the forest setting. Breakfast was particularly good, with proper attention to detail rather than the usual buffet approach. What I really loved was how they’ve managed to create spaces that feel intimate without being cramped. The bar area has these deep leather chairs positioned near windows overlooking the forest, perfect for that end-of-day drink when you want to decompress.

Why Guests Love It

The 9-star rating makes perfect sense once you’ve been here. It’s that rare combination of accessibility and escape — you can reach central London easily, but you feel like you’re somewhere completely different. Couples especially seem to get it (and the feedback confirms this), because there’s something genuinely romantic about being surrounded by ancient trees while still having all the comforts of a well-run hotel. The staff clearly understand what they’ve got here too — they’re knowledgeable about forest walks, local history, and seem genuinely proud of the place rather than just going through the motions. It’s not trying to be the flashiest hotel in London, but for what it offers, it’s pretty much perfect.

The Royal Forest Accommodations

Reviews of The Royal Forest

• Carole from United Kingdom (9/10)

• James from United Kingdom (9/10)

• Paul from United Kingdom (7/10)

Surroundings

Facilities