Snaresbrook

Snaresbrook station occupies one of the more attractive settings on the Central line's eastern branch. The station building itself is a handsome Victorian structure, and directly opposite stands Eagle Pond - a large ornamental lake that gives the area a pleasantly leafy, almost rural quality that sits at odds with its position on the London Underground network. Snaresbrook Crown Court, one of the busiest in London, is also immediately adjacent, which accounts for a good proportion of the daily passenger flow alongside the residential commuters heading into the City.

The area serves a prosperous suburban population in the London Borough of Redbridge. Large Victorian and Edwardian houses line the streets around the station, many of them converted into flats but retaining the neighbourhood's original character. Epping Forest begins within easy walking distance to the north.

Station Overview

Snaresbrook station opened in 1856 as part of the Eastern Counties and Thames Junction Railway. It sits in Zone 4 and is served by the Central line only. The station does not have step-free access. It is located between South Woodford to the north and Leytonstone to the south on the Central line's Epping branch.

Lines and Connectivity

The Central line (red) connects north towards South Woodford, Woodford, Buckhurst Hill and Loughton to Epping, and south through Leytonstone, Stratford and into central London. Journey time to Liverpool Street is approximately twenty minutes.

Facilities

Snaresbrook station has free TfL Wi-Fi and ticket machines. The surrounding area has local shops and cafes on Snaresbrook Road and nearby High Street. There is a small supermarket within ten minutes walk.

Accessibility

Snaresbrook does not have step-free access. There are stairs between street level and the platforms. Woodford (north) or Stratford (south, several stops) are the nearest stations with step-free access.

Travel Tips

• Eagle Pond is directly opposite the station and is a lovely spot for a short walk - the pond is home to waterfowl and the surrounding area is well maintained.
• Epping Forest is a short walk north from the station. The Hollow Ponds lake in the forest is popular with cyclists and walkers.
• Wanstead Park, a Grade II listed historic parkland with its own ornamental lake, is accessible by bus or a longer walk.
• On Crown Court sitting days (weekdays), the station is busier than usual with barristers, solicitors and witnesses.
• Journey time to Liverpool Street is about twenty minutes, making it a popular commuter option.

Nearby Attractions

Eagle Pond - directly opposite the station. A large ornamental lake with a pleasant tree-lined setting. Free.

Epping Forest - fifteen minutes walk north. Ancient woodland covering 2,400 hectares between London and Essex. The Hollow Ponds area has lakes and good walking. Free.

Wanstead Park - twenty minutes walk or bus. A Grade II listed historic parkland with an ornamental canal, ruined house and serene walks. Free.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Central line services at Snaresbrook run from approximately 05:30 to midnight Monday to Saturday and 07:00 to 23:30 on Sundays. Night Tube operates on the Central line on Friday and Saturday nights. The station is quiet on weekday afternoons and most of Sunday.