London, with rural Essex on its doorstep
With Epping Forest just three miles away, as well as a bustling high street lined with restaurants, the north London borough of Chingford has the best of both worlds when it comes to city and country. And Chingford's not without its history either. It's home to the timber-framed hunting lodge built by Henry VIII for Elizabeth I in the 16th century. You can step inside this historic Tudor building today to retrace the steps of two of Britain's most famous royals.
Explore Epping Forest
Epping Forest is the largest open space in London and the legendary hiding place of notorious highwayman Dick Turpin. But while we're yet to find his hideaway cave, the forest is a great place to go to escape from fast-paced London life. Grab your trainers and hike along one of the footpaths through the forest, or hire a bike and follow the cycle trail. For the more adventurous, the forest is also a popular place to go horse riding and mountain biking.
Channel the Olympic watersport greats
The white water rafting venue for the 2012 London Olympics is just 20 minutes away from Chingford. Lee Valley White Water Centre is the go-to place for watersports, offering everything from rafting and hydrospeeding to rapids and kayaking. White water rafting starts from �38 a person. Looking for a cheap hotel Near Chingford? Book a room at Travelodge London Chigwell. Handily located close to Woodford Station, you're just half an hour from central London.