Traveling to The Merry Fiddlers
Discover one of Essex's oldest pubs, dating back to the 16th century. Located in historic Fiddlers Hamlet, we're easier to reach than you think!
Pub History & Origins
The Merry Fiddlers inn is extremely old – sources identify it as a 16th-century establishment. This lovely family-run pub has been serving the community for over 400 years, making it one of Essex's most historic watering holes.
Through the 1800s and 1900s the pub remained the focal point of the tiny hamlet. The hamlet itself was historically known as part of Theydon Garnon parish and later the Epping Union. Its very name recalls the pub's signboard –local lore says fiddlers' gatherings once featured here, giving rise to the name.
Heritage Treasures Discovered
Guests have uncovered fascinating relics that tell our pub's story:
- A Victorian gunpowder flask
- Original W.D. & H.O. Wills "Wild Woodbine" cigarette packs (introduced 1888)
- 16th-century clay pipes found in our garden
- Old coins from various eras
These finds underscore the pub's remarkable age and rich history.
As noted by one 1887 source, The Merry Fiddlers' traditional sign showed three fiddlers. Legend has it that annual local fiddling contests – a now-lost tradition – gave the pub its distinctive name.
How to Get Here
The Merry Fiddlers is unusually well-connected for a rural pub. Whether you're arriving by car, train, bus, or on foot, we're easy to find!
By Heritage Railway
We're just a short walk from North Weald Station on the Epping Ongar Railway (EOR) – a heritage railway running vintage trains between North Weald and Ongar.
Perfect Day Trip:
- Take the Central Line to Epping station
- Hop on London Bus route 339 (free with EOR rover ticket!)
- Ride to North Weald station
- Walk 200m to The Merry Fiddlers
- Enjoy steam trains & historic pub lunch!
Distance from North Weald Station: Just 200 metres (~3 min walk)
By Local Bus
Local bus services stop right at the pub. Central Connect's route 31 (Harlow–Coopersale–Epping) calls at The Merry Fiddlers on each run.
Bus Routes Serving Us:
- Route 31: Harlow ↔ Epping (hourly service)
- Route 339: Epping Central ↔ North Weald (EOR heritage bus)
- Routes 13, 18, 20: Additional local connections
Stop name: "The Merry Fiddlers" – we're that well-known!
By Car
Address:
4 Fiddlers Hamlet
Epping CM16 7PY
United Kingdom
Directions:
Fiddlers Hamlet sits at the junction of Mount Road (toward Theydon Mount) and Coopersale Street (north toward Ongar). These historic carriageways have served travelers since the 18th century.
Parking: Ample free parking available on-site
Postcode for Sat Nav: CM16 7PY
Essex Way Walking Trail
The Essex Way long-distance footpath runs right through our area! This scenic route connects Ongar, Fiddlers Hamlet, and Epping via Coopersale Street and Epping Forest.
Perfect for Ramblers:
Walk the Essex Way from Epping to Coopersale, then through Fiddlers Hamlet en route to Ongar. The Merry Fiddlers sits steps off the trail – the perfect refreshment stop!
Many walkers mention our pub as an essential stopping point on this historic trail. Muddy boots welcome in our bar area!
Local Roads & Historical Trails
Fiddlers Hamlet sits where old routes converged. The village lies at the junction of Mount Road (toward Theydon Mount) and Coopersale Street, which historically led north into Coopersale and on toward Ongar.
Old maps show these roads as the main carriageways in the 18th–19th centuries. A 1777 Chapman & André map plots Coopersale Street running straight into Fiddlers Hamlet. Before modern bypasses, the A414 through Coopersale Street and this junction was the old route from Epping to Ongar.
Did You Know?
Winston Churchill was vice-president of the old Epping Golf Club, whose original course lay nearby. Imagine – Churchill may have had a pint near here!
War Stories & Legends
Local lore claims German soldiers once hid in our chimney during WW2. While unverified, it speaks to the building's age and the tales these walls could tell!
Ready to Visit?
Whether you're arriving by heritage railway, local bus, car, or on foot along the Essex Way, we can't wait to welcome you to one of Essex's oldest and most beloved pubs.