A substantial part of Waltham Abbey survives from the Middle Ages, and it now used as the parish church. In addition there are a few other remains - the former Gatehouse, a vaulted passage and Harold’s Bridge all in the care of English Heritage.
Waltham Abbey is notable for the reputed grave of Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon King of England. The Abbey also contains the Epping Forest District Museum, housed in a building dating back to 1520, which tells the story of the people who have lived and worked in this part of south Essex from the earliest inhabitants to the present.
On the site of the former gunpowder factory the museum illustrates the evolution of explosives and the development of the Royal Gunpowder Mills (an Anchor Point of ERIH, The European Route of Industrial Heritage) through interactive and traditional exhibitions and displays. the site hosts living history and battle re-enactment events most summer weekends and you can also take the self guided nature walk that shows visitors the ecology that has reclaimed much of the remaining 175 acres.
The former gravel pits in the Lea Valley and parts of the former Abbey Gardens are now in the care of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority for recreation use and nature conservation.
The Epping Forest Conservation Centre in High Beach provides information, maps, books, cards, displays and advice on the area.