Settle in South Woodford...
South Woodford offers an abundance of green space with a vibrant, village-style atmosphere less than 15 miles from the hustle of Central London.
South Woodford is a best of both worlds kind of place. It’s within Zone 4 of London, and has great transport links into the centre including the Central Line, but it also has good green space and larger, semi-detached houses. It has a great range of local amenities, including a Waitrose and several independent shops. The neighbourhood appeals to a wide range of people, including families – and it has staying power and a sense of community.
South Woodford’s retail and business area is centred on George Lane, the location of South Woodford tube station and Woodford Green High Road. There are several leading chain store shops, such as Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Boots and a number of smaller shops, restaurants and cafes.
South Woodford offers easy access to the A1400, which merges into the A12, as well as access to the A12 from the Green Man roundabout and the A104 which is known as Lea Bridge Road and is a major link to areas of central London via Hackney.
George Lane itself is split into two by the Central line rail track with the western part of the road containing the majority of shops and businesses. There was originally a level crossing at this point, but now a flyover (locally referred to as “the Viaduct”) carries traffic between the east and west sides of George Lane.
The area is served by South Woodford tube station in Travelcard Zone 4 on the Central line of the London Underground.
South Woodford’s retail and business area is centred on George Lane, the location of South Woodford tube station and Woodford Green High Road. There are several leading chain store shops, such as Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Boots and a number of smaller shops, restaurants and cafes.
There is a seven screen Odeon cinema and next door, The George pub, an 18th-century building on the site of an earlier inn, was originally a stopping point for stagecoaches, with several bars. The George once had a fine dining area on the first floor and then later a pizzeria in the basement, with a large spiral staircase between the floors. Other local amenities include a number of green areas, many of which form part of Epping Forest.
Transport
South Woodford Tube is on the Central line with 20-minute trains to Bank and half-hour trains to Oxford Street.
Best roads
The Drive, Clarendon, Tavistock, Cleveland and Lansdowne Roads are all sought after locations. Closer to the tube, look to Wavertree and Eastwood. Chelmsford road and surrounding area is also desired.
Woodford postcodes
E18 is the Woodford postcode and covers the area closest to South Woodford station; IG8 is the Woodford Green and Woodford Bridge postcode.
Green Space
With Roding Valley Park and the River Roding to the East, and Epping Forest to the South, South Woodford has excellent access to green and open space.
Epping Forest offers walks from Wanstead to Epping to the west and the Roding Valley with walks to Ilford to the east. Part of Epping Forest, Highams Park was created in the 1790s and has a large fishing lake.
Elmhurst Park, a Green Flag park in Gordon Grove, is home to the South Woodford Bowls Club and there are popular tennis courts. Claybury Woods and Park in Roding Lane North is famous for its bluebell woods.
If you are a golf fan why not play a few holes on Woodford Golf course.
Education
South Woodford has a good selection of schools including Nightingale Primary, Snaresbrook Primary, Churchfields and Oakdale which are both split into infants and juniors. There is also Snaresbrook Preparatory and Woodbridge Secondary School.
Forest School is an independent school, in close proximity to South Woodford, in that the playing fields are arguably in South Woodford.
