Step inside a town where classic rhyme, castle earthworks and charming heritage meet.
Chipping Ongar, nestled between Chelmsford and Epping, continues to capture the imagination of visitors drawn by its storybook blend of history, culture and family-friendly attractions.
The Essex town takes its name from the Old English word for "grass land" and has long been known as a market centre, a tradition reflected in the "Chipping" prefix.
By the late 11th century, it already boasted a Norman castle and the imposing St Martin’s Church, with both landmarks shaping the town’s early medieval identity.
Although the castle was demolished long ago, its earthworks remain alongside more than 100 listed buildings, giving Ongar a rich historical character.
Read more
One of the town’s quieter claims to fame is its literary legacy.
Jane Taylor, author of the much-loved nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, is buried at the United Reformed Church.
Her presence adds a poetic charm to Ongar's heritage, drawing admirers of both history and literature.
Tourism in Chipping Ongar is underpinned by three standout experiences.
The Epping Ongar Railway, consistently rated as the town’s leading attraction, operates steam and diesel services across 5.5 miles of countryside and Epping Forest.
Run by volunteers, the heritage line occupies a stretch of track once belonging to the London Underground’s Central Line.
Vintage buses connect passengers from Epping Station, setting the tone for a nostalgic journey.
The remains of Ongar Castle and the nearby St Martin’s Church offer a glimpse into the town’s medieval origins.
The church, built in the late 11th century, features Norman design, Roman brickwork, and signs of a medieval anchorite’s cell.
Chipping Ongar is often described as a living museum, with its timber-frame buildings, coaching inns and historic sites creating a self-guided walking route through time.
As heritage tourism grows across Essex, Chipping Ongar’s compact charm continues to attract.
Visitors can step off a steam train and wander medieval streets, pause at the grave of a beloved children’s writer, and end the day in a centuries-old pub.
It’s proof that even the most unassuming places can glow with historical and cultural significance.
