Fairlop

Fairlop station is one of the more outdoors-friendly stops on the Central line's Hainault loop, sitting close to Fairlop Waters - a leisure park with a country park, water sports centre, golf course and camping facilities that collectively form one of the larger open-air leisure destinations in east London. For a station in Zone 4, the range of outdoor activities available within walking distance is unusual. Fairlop also provides access to Hainault Forest Country Park, which is one stop further along the loop.

Station Overview

Fairlop station opened in 1903 as part of the Great Eastern Railway. It sits in Zone 4 and is served by the Central line on the Hainault loop. The station does not have step-free access but has a car park. It is between Barkingside and Hainault on the loop.

Lines and Connectivity

The Central line (red) serves Fairlop on the Hainault loop. Trains head south towards Barkingside, Newbury Park and westbound to central London, or north towards Hainault and around the loop through Grange Hill and Chigwell to Woodford. Journey time to Liverpool Street is approximately twenty-five minutes heading via Newbury Park.

Facilities

Fairlop station has free TfL Wi-Fi, a station car park and ticket machines. The area around the station is largely residential. Fairlop Waters, within walking distance, has a cafe, golf clubhouse and leisure facilities.

Accessibility

Fairlop does not have step-free access. Stairs connect street level to the platforms. The nearest step-free stations are at Stratford, heading westbound via Newbury Park.

Travel Tips

• Fairlop Waters country park and leisure centre is about ten to fifteen minutes walk from the station - follow the signs north-east.
• The golf course at Fairlop Waters is one of the more accessible pay-and-play courses in east London.
• Hainault Forest Country Park is one stop north at Hainault - a better option for pure woodland walking.
• The car park at Fairlop is useful for those driving from Essex to use the leisure park or as a park-and-ride for the Central line.
• Check the train destination on the Hainault loop before boarding.

Nearby Attractions

Fairlop Waters Country Park - ten to fifteen minutes walk. Open grassland, a reservoir, water sports centre, golf course and camping facilities. Free entry to the park.

Hainault Forest Country Park - one stop north at Hainault. Ancient woodland with lake fishing and walking trails. Free.

Barkingside - one stop south. The local high street and the historic Barnardo's Village.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Central line services at Fairlop run from approximately 05:30 to midnight Monday to Saturday and 07:00 to 23:30 on Sundays. Night Tube does not operate on the Hainault loop. Weekends are the busiest time for Fairlop Waters; the station itself is quiet outside rush hours.