Theydon Bois lies 9.5 miles outside of Romford and falls within the Epping Forest district.
By car it takes just more than 20 minutes to reach from Romford, within the M25 circuit.
Despite its close location to the M25 at its junction with the M11, it has no direct connection to either motorway.
The village and civil parish does however have direct Tube access, with its station on the Central line.
From the station, visitors can embark on a walk stretching just more than six-and-a-half miles known as the Oak Trail.
Paths and tracks lead past the Ambresbury Banks, two historic Iron Age forts rumoured to have been the legendary battle ground of Boudicca versus the Romans.
Those on the trail can continue on to stop at the Deer Sanctuary.
It is understood the village name Theydon Bois has evolved from the Old English term Thecdene, roughly translating to “valley where thatching materials are got”.
Bois refers to the village’s status as one of three manors as split by the Saxons, the others being Gernon (Garnon) and Mount.
Perhaps one of the most unique characteristics of the village is its lack of street lights.
Theydon Bois has been the favoured meeting place of The Loughton Astronomical Society for a number of years and meets the requirements of a dark sky to allow the night sky to be observed.
According to the group’s website the area “retains its village charm but importantly, it is a reasonably dark sky”.
The lack of street lights is understood to be the wish of the local people, with past petitions to fit street lighting being batted down.
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An annual tradition known as the Donkey Derby has also led the village to make a name for itself.
Since its founding in 1987 by Peter Simmance, children in the village ride on real donkeys to raise money for groups such as the Scouts and Guides.
Other offerings in the town include a single primary school, two pubs which go by the names of The Bull and Queen Victoria, and a Christmas tree farm.
