Nazeing - The 'little gem' Essex village near Romford

Nazeing is a village and civil parish in the Epping Forest district and contains three separate settlements of Upper Nazeing, Middle Nazeing, and Lower Nazeing.

Researchers Area Hive describe the village as a "little gem" that is "often overlooked but has plenty to offer".

Nestled inside the cross-section of the M25 and A10, Nazeing is accessible via car and according to Google Maps, is only a 45 minute drive from Romford Market. 

The Black Swan has a 4.3 Google rating (Image: Google) For non-drivers, the nearest train station is Broxbourne, which offers regular services to London Liverpool Street.

Area Hive said: "Located conveniently close to both London and the more rural parts of Essex, it offers a unique blend of accessibility and tranquillity and offers a fair selection of amenities to cater to its residents."

Nazeing has three pubs: The Black Swan in Common Road, The New King Harold's Head in Bumbles Green Lane and The Crooked Billet in Middle Street.

The Black Swan averages a 4.3 out of five star Google rating and on its website describes itself as a "picture-postcard country pub with a delightful restaurant".

It is a "traditional village inn offering traditional homemade food and offering a cosy atmosphere that makes you feel at home".

The Crooked Billet has a 4.5 Google rating (Image: Google) Both The Crooked Billet and The New King Harold's Head average slightly higher 4.5 star Google ratings.

Area Hive also highlights Jaal Indian and The Green Spice as options for eating out in Nazeing.

The location researchers also described the village as "a pretty safe area where residents often report feeling secure, and local police statistics back this up.

"Burglary rates, for instance, are significantly lower than the regional average."

The New King Harold's Head has a 4.5 star Google rating (Image: Google) As well as safety, Nazeing seems to excel in its offering of outdoor space.

"One of Nazeing’s major selling points is its proximity to beautiful countryside and nature reserves," said Area Hive.

"The Nazeing Triangle is perfect for weekend walks and outdoor activities.

"The surrounding area offers numerous walking and cycling routes, perfect for those who love to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors.

"Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike, you’re spoiled for choice."

Clayton Hill Lake proves another popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts with a 4.5 average Google rating.

The Nazeing Triangle is popular for walks (Image: Google) One Google reviewer wrote: "A beautiful place to go for walks with a furry friend or on your own, the lake was stunning - lots of ducks and other birds."

Along the lane to Nazeing Common are several Grade II listed buildings - multiple cottages and an old post office.

Lodge Farm, standing remotely on the edge of the common, dates from 1777.

Perhaps the most notable of listed buildings is Nazeing Park, a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion which can be seen from the Nazeing Common Road.

It was built between 1780 and 1820 by William Palmer, a London merchant and father of George Palmer, MP for South Essex from 1836 to 1847. 

The building has had a number of uses during its long history, including as a family estate and boarding school.

Hillgrove Business Park hosts around 30 firms (Image: Google) As well as historical buildings, Nazeing is home to Hillgrove Business Park which hosts around 30 firms.

The village also has a golf course, a gym, multiple youth football teams and a cricket team that was established in 1883.

According to Rightmove, houses in Nazeing had an overall average price of £619,579 over the last year.

The majority of properties sold in Nazeing during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £528,200.

Detached properties sold for an average of £797,019, with terraced properties fetching £380,000.