WOODFORD Central Line


Woodford has managed to keep some of its ancient oak trees and green spaces and makes a pleasant potter if you happen to be in the vicinity. You might care to make a visit to pay homage to Sir Winston Churchill who was MP for the area at various times between 1924 and 1964. To find his statue take the main exit from the Tube marked ‘The Broadway’, turn left from the station, and go up Snakes Lane West. Follow this and turn left down Broomhill Road to reach the main green (takes about ten minutes). Walk the length of the green and you will find the bronze statue (David McFull, 1959) at the end.

A little further on, to the left is the Hurst House c. 1714.


Turn to go back, this time using the High Road. If you look between the trees just behind a large road sign you will see a cast -iron Parish pump painted white. Nearby is the Woodford High School for Girls. This large building was once Highams Hall and dates back to the 18th century. Continue walking the length of the green back towards Snakes Lane. At Broadmead cross at the lights to have a look at the late Georgian Castle Hotel. A little to the left of this No. 343 (late 18th century) is an attractive house with large arched windows.

If you want a longer/different walk you can turn down Mill Lane and visit the unusually densely wooded lake in The Highams Park. At the end of the lane turn right, cross at Village Heights (another pleasant green) and go down Montalt Road. This soon becomes Henry’s Avenue. Contnue until you see an unmarked turning to the right. This will take you into the park – it’s about ten minutes from the High Road. Before you head for the woods on the left have a look at the excellent info board. Near the playground there are a couple of stiles which give access to the lake. If you have a buggy or wheelchair you might need to go to the end of the path that skirts the woods, turning right at the The Charter Road to find a more user-friendly entrance. The original park was landscaped by Humphrey Repton in 1793 (as its name implies, it was once part of the Highham estate) and the lake is large and peaceful.




When you return, cross the High Road to Johnston Road where there is yet another green complete with duck pond, weeping willows - and another Parish pump. Continuing down here will bring you back to Snakes Lane West and the Tube station.

MAP

Woodford is just one walk from the many to be found at London Tube Rambles. There are architectural gems, beautiful country views, historic places and whacky buildings to be found, even in the most unpromising areas covered by the Greater London Underground stations. Usually the places listed are within a mile of the Tube - often only five minutes walk away. If you reached this as an individual page via a search engine, you might like to go to www.londontuberambles.co.uk to see the other destinations explored . You'll be amazed at what's out there!

© DR2007