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The Bell Hotel London Epping Forest

Stay at The Bell Hotel London Epping Forest, a 16th-century inn offering free Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, and an Indian restaurant near Epping Forest and Heathrow Airport.

Bell Cottage, High Rd, Epping CM16 4DG, United Kingdom View on map
6.4/10
Average Based on 264 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Breakfast Free parking Kid-friendly Restaurant
What recent guests emphasize

The Bell Hotel London Epping Forest

A historic coaching inn offering comfortable, clean rooms with friendly service and good breakfast options, situated near Epping Forest and local attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly and accommodating staff who assist with special requests and provide a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Clean, spacious rooms with useful in-room amenities such as tea/coffee making facilities and mini fridges.
  • Good quality, hearty breakfasts with buffet options and well-prepared cooked items when pre-booked.
  • Convenient free parking and comfortable beds enhancing the overall stay.
  • Traditional pub atmosphere in the bar with a good selection of drinks and casual setting.

Worth knowing

  • The hotel is about a 15-20 minute walk from Epping station; taxi recommended for convenience.
  • The historic building exterior appears dated, though rooms are generally well maintained and updated.
  • There is no air conditioning or fitness center on site, and the property is smoke-free and not pet-friendly.
  • Mixed feedback on early check-in fees—some guests report being charged extra, others were not.
  • The onsite Indian restaurant and lounge receive modest reviews, not strongly highlighted by guests.

Best for

  • Visitors seeking affordable, traditional accommodation with free parking near Epping Forest.
  • Guests looking for a quiet, countryside-view stay close to outdoor activities and local attractions.
  • Families appreciating kid-friendly amenities and easy access to nearby nature walks and parks.
  • Travelers preferring a casual pub environment with a bar and hearty breakfast offerings.
  • Those attending events nearby, like weddings or funerals, who need reliable, comfortable rooms.
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About this property

Welcome to The Bell Hotel London Epping Forest

The Bell Hotel London Epping Forest is housed in a historic building dating back to the 1500s, originally serving as a coaching inn. Today, it offers a relaxed atmosphere with a lounge bar and an on-site Indian restaurant, Nirvana Bar & Lounge, providing convenient dining options. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast service, and complimentary parking, though the property does not feature air conditioning, a pool, or a fitness center. The hotel is smoke-free and family-friendly, but it does not accommodate pets or offer airport shuttles.

Located on High Road in Epping, the hotel sits just off the M25 motorway, making it accessible for visitors exploring the surrounding Essex countryside and London outskirts. It is approximately 3 miles from the Epping Forest Visitor Centre and a 20-minute walk from the town center, although taxis are recommended due to the distance from Epping station. Nearby attractions include the expansive Epping Forest, Alexandra Palace, and Hertfordshire Zoo, all popular for outdoor activities and family outings.

Guest experiences at The Bell Hotel reflect a mixed but generally positive impression. Rooms are described as clean and well-equipped, with comfortable beds and practical amenities such as tea and coffee making facilities, mini-fridges, and trouser presses. The staff receive frequent praise for helpfulness and friendliness, enhancing the stay despite some comments on the building’s traditional appearance. Breakfasts are noted as substantial and good value when pre-booked.

Suitable for travelers seeking straightforward accommodation with character and a convenient location near natural attractions, the hotel also serves as an informal venue for events like weddings. While the property’s 3.2 rating indicates room for improvement, it remains a practical choice for visitors looking to stay close to Epping Forest and the surrounding region.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Breakfast
Free parking
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JP
John Piper Apr 14, 2026
8.0

Nice traditional pub, the oldest in Epping? Plenty of screens to watch the sport, but not intrusive. Nice drop of Landlord, and my colleague said the Doombar was good too. Pleasent young man and lass behind the bar as well.

CB
Catherine Buchanan Apr 06, 2026
10

Staff were wonderful. The waitress who served us dinner was lovely. The lady on the desk today early this morning found a walking stick for my son as he had hurt his foot on the journey to Epping. It was a sad reason for the journey my brothers funeral but your staff and comfortable accommodation made it better. Thank you.

NL
Nicola Lawrence Apr 05, 2026
10

Good quality room for the price. One scuff mark to wall but otherwise clean & well fitted out. Tea/coffee in room, plus trouser press & mini fridge. Front desk very helpful, calling taxis & serving tea outside. Good buffet style breakfast, full English plus bread products. Note it's about 20 mins walk from Epping station, take a cab!

WR
Will Reilly Feb 23, 2026
8.0

Great room which was good value. Building itself did not look great but the room was excellent. Stayed to attend a wedding at nearby Gaynes Park. Phoned to see if I could check in early and was told by a man it would be £20 extra. On the day, however, I was not charged extra to check in 2 hours early. Makes me wonder if the charge exists, so double check to make sure you're not ripped off!

AN
Alex Nimmo Feb 20, 2026
8.0

First time we have stayed here, just for one night. Arrived late so did not use the restaurant. However had a great breakfast in the morning, good quality, plenty to choose from. Help yourself to decent filter coffee, couldn't fault it. Nice friendly welcome, comfortable bed, plenty of space in the room, everything clean...and free parking! What's not to like. Will use it again when down in Walthamstow (which offers very little in terms of accommodation with parking).

LB
Lindsay B Jan 27, 2026
8.0

I just finished staying at this hotel and I had a really good experience. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating in my last minute booking and check in. The room was huge, clean, and had a nice countryside view. The breakfast in the morning was substanial, and they also had complimentary tea and biscuits waiting in the room which was a really nice touch! Overall, a great, cozy experience. Ps. There is a little eatery called "Cafe Mío" that is located about a 10 minute walk from the hotel that I would recommend for grabbing a bite!

RW
Reg Ward Jan 26, 2026
10

The accomodation is above reasonable but about right for the cost. The receptionist was very accommodating and no little trouble was taken booking me.transport that I required. It is around a.15 minutes stroll to the beginning of the many shops that Epping has to offer.

AJ
Andre Jeffries Jan 01, 2026
8.0

Staff found to be very friendly and easy going. Pre book your cooked breakfast at reception as it is a lot cheaper and well worth it. Set in a nice location 10 minute walk into Epping or just across the road to Epping Forest for a good walk.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Bell Hotel London Epping Forest

Epping, United Kingdom

Set in a 16th-century coaching inn, this casual hotel off the M25 motorway is 3 miles from the Epping Forest Visitor Centre and 12 miles from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

  • Bell Common 1 min Walk
  • Fishers Lane 6 min Walk
  • Bury Lane 6 min Walk
  • Heathrow Airport 58 min Car · 1 hr 51 Transit
  • London Gatwick Airport 1 hr 14 Car · 2 hr 14 Transit
  • London Stansted Airport 27 min Car · 1 hr 46 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Hertfordshire Zoo 10,092 reviews

Hertfordshire Zoo

White Stubbs Ln, Broxbourne EN10 7QA, United Kingdom

4.6 · Zoo
Alexandra Palace 23,513 reviews

Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY, United Kingdom

4.6 · Event Venue
Epping Forest 965 reviews

Epping Forest

United Kingdom

4.7 · Woods
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