Waltham Abbey and Gardens
The Lee Valley
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Set in the heart of an English market town are the church, ruins and gardens of Waltham Abbey. It was once the favourite church of King Harold, who died in the famous Battle of Hastings and whose body is said to be buried somewhere in the church grounds. It is a place of history and mystery, where you can uncover the story of King Harold, discover Victorian star signs, and follow in the footsteps of the monks that once lived in the old abbey. Are you ready to uncover the myths and legends of Waltham Abbey and Gardens?
Missions to do in this location
| Mission name | User rating | Badge |
|---|---|---|
Trail Mission: A Church fit for a KingCOMPLETE the trail mission, DISCOVER the answer to the question, WIN your badge! |
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The Games Mission: Rose Garden RelayCOMPLETE three Games missions, DISCOVER the answers, WIN The Games Explorer Badge! |
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Buddy Mission: Who's who at the Abbey?CREATE a daredevil team, EXPLORE the unknown, REWARD your Buddies! |
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On the Way Mission: Bridge by BridgeTRAVEL to your fun-tastic location, DISCOVER the world around you, KEEP your eyes, ears and noses open! |
Info for grown ups
Directions: By train: Nearest station is Waltham Cross (20 minute walk) on the line from London’s Liverpool Street.
By bus: Buses 250, 251, 211,212,213 go from Waltham Cross station to the town.
By car: Waltham Abbey is a 5 minute drive from the M25 (J26) via the A121.
Address:Waltham Abbey Church, Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey Essex EN9 1DG
Parking: Car parking available outside the Abbey Church – free for 2 hours only. The Waltham Abbey Gardens car park (postcode: EN9 1XQ) car park is free and open 9am -7.30pm (summer), 9am – 5.30pm (winter). Alternative car parks close to the Abbey: Pay and Display until 6 pm.
Church Opening Times: Daily 10am - 4pm except Wednesdays 11am - 4pm and Sundays 12 noon - 4pm.
Fees: Free
Toilets: Next to the Town Hall opposite the church
Refreshments:There are a number of cafes and restaurants in the town
To make sure no events are happening at the church during your visit please contact the Parish Office before you go on 01992 767897. If you are visiting the gardens in a large group please contact Lee Valley Visitor Centre on 08456 770 600 before you go.
Time for missions: 2 – 3 hours
Age range: 5 years upwards. All missions to be accompanied by an adult.
Safety: Check out the full Survival Guide on www.discoverexplore.co.ukTop survival tips
Keep to the paths
Be careful of the traffic in the car park and on the road – stay to the side
Stick together always go with an adult
Check the weather – do you need a waterproof, or a hat and sun cream?
Be respectful when inside the church
Explorer Essentials (things to bring):
Pencils, pens and paper
Something to lean on – e.g. a clipboard
Camera
Imagination!
Discover Explore has been built by The Workshop. It is part of Discovering Places which is principally funded by the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor
Discovering Places is delivered in partnership between The Heritage Alliance and London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
Original artwork by Tom Morgan-Jones & The Geography Collective.