The Oldest Wooden Church in the World Summer Walking Tour and Picnic

This is a unique and exciting tour, with an unusual twist!

Guests will be taken on a real journey of adventure and discovery – contrasting the life of a sinner with the life of a saint…

Tour Details

We start the tour in Ongar

A beautiful setting which was an important market town in the medieval era.

Ongar comes from an old Anglo Saxon word, and it means ‘Grassy Place’

There has been a market in Ongar, for over 1,000 years.

It has the remains of an original and fantastic 12th century Norman Motte and Bailey Castle

Our sinner is…

Dick Turpin

We see the beautiful and atmospheric 17th century Stage Coach Inn, The Kings Head, where Dick Turpin, the infamous Essex Highwayman may have stopped for a meal and drink before robbing people in Epping Forest just 20 minutes away!

Hear the exciting adventures of Dick Turpin, our Sinner, who became a legend in his own life time!

Our Saint is…

Saint Edmund

St Edmund was cruelly killed by the Danes in 869 AD and became a Martyr and England’s first patron saint.

The Essex Way

We will walk across the glorious open Essex countryside to visit an ancient pagan site where, nestled amongst the fields of wheat, we arrive at Greensted Church, the oldest wooden church in the world!

Greensted Church

Enjoy a fascinating tour of the church and its history. Especially focusing on our dear Saint Edmund

Hear the very moving story of the savage martyrdom of St Edmund by the Danes, after which, St Edmund became England’s first Patron Saint.

Return walk

We return to Ongar via a peaceful, circular walk through the fields frequented by rabbits, pheasants and songbirds.

Back in Ongar

After the tour guests can enjoy refreshments in Ongar, at an establishment of their choice. The tour guide will offer suggestions of the best places to eat in Ongar at the end of the tour, with directions given.

Tour timings

June and August Dates

Saturday Mornings

10am -10.30

Coffee and Cake and Toilet Stop

Meet Jane your Tour Guide at The Kings Head Restaurant, a beautiful and atmospheric 17th century former Stage Coach Inn. To enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and cake.

10.30am to 11.10am

- Walk across the fields along The Essex Way seeing beautiful rural Essex views to Greensted Church, The Oldest Wooden Church in the World!

Field Walking 2-3 miles moderate level

11.10 am to 11.40am - Arrive at Greensted Church

On arrival at church, there will be time to have a coffee stop, Guests please bring a flask of tea or coffee and a small snack/picnic to enjoy here

History Tour of church given, the ancient history is amazing!

11.40am to 12.15 - Return walk to Ongar

Arrive in Ongar

12 noon - Tour ends at The Kings Head Restaurant, where there is a free car park, and you can enjoy a coffee or meal.

We have all enjoyed a wonderful time!

Additional info

Please note

• This tour involves field walking

• Please wear suitable walking shoes or boots that may get muddy

• Approx. 3 miles of field walking

• Must be walking fit!

• Not suitable for buggies, wheelchairs, zimmer frames, or those on walking sticks

Dogs

Well behaved friendly dogs are welcome on tour, but please to be kept on leads at all times during the tour.

At Greensted Church

You can purchase home made jams, pickles and post cards, so please bring some small change for this.

Please email me your mobile no, once you have booked your ticket, so you can contact me by mobile, if you need to on the day of the tour. Thank you!

Gift Cards

We have Gift Cards that may make the perfect gift for your special friend, or loved one!

Special Occasions whilst on Tour

Please let your Tour Guide know in advance of the tour, if you are celebrating a special occasion, and you would like this to be announced whilst on tour!