With something for everyone, London Stratford is the place to be, whether you live around the corner or are just visiting. Known for its modern attractions like the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this area blends contemporary architecture with green spaces perfect for relaxation or a casual stroll.
Westfield Stratford City, one of the largest shopping centers in Europe, is another draw. Its retail and dining offerings are a godsend for shopping and dining enthusiasts. For culture aficionados, the Theatre Royal Stratford East promises stellar performances throughout the year.
So whether you’re a sports fan, a shopaholic, or just looking to soak up some local culture, Stratford has you covered. Here are the best things to do in London Stratford. Find out what sets this neighborhood apart from all the rest!
1. Visit the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Weaving together nature, sports, and culture, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London is a recent example of a truly special public realm. Thanks to its wide-open lawns and colorful floral beds, the park feels like a peaceful oasis. As you walk through, you’ll encounter a diverse array of native plants and vibrant blooms, making it an ideal place to unwind or observe local wildlife. The park’s biodiversity trail enhances the experience, showcasing different wildlife in their natural habitats.
For a scenic experience, the walking trails connecting Hackney Marshes and the River Lea offer peaceful views of waterways and open fields. Lovers of the games won’t want to miss the park’s world-famous sports venues, including the iconic London Stadium, built for the 2012 Olympics, which now serves as a hub for events and activities throughout the year.
From football matches to fitness events, the park is always buzzing with activity. Football pitches in parks and schoolyards nearby create outlets for more spontaneous activities, while families will want to explore play areas created specifically for little ones. At the same time, fitness fans will benefit from the new recreational facilities found throughout the park, including a trampoline park and BMX track.
The park is impressive not just for its natural wonders. It’s a cultural center, featuring a robust schedule of live events, arts and culture, and performances. Sadler’s Wells East, one of the capital’s most exciting new venues, promises to showcase the finest contemporary dance theatre.
Shows such as Our Mighty Groove and Skatepark have been recent hits, providing beautiful entertainment, creativity, and escapism. The park boasts a wide array of dining options including restaurants, bars, and cafes. From your morning coffee to dinner, you can indulge any craving while enjoying views of the London skyline.
Since its grand opening in 2014, more than 20 million visitors have enjoyed the expanded park. The 2012 Olympic Games did indeed build a lasting legacy. Today, it is still one of the most popular attractions for locals and tourists alike.
2. Explore Westfield Stratford City Shopping Centre
Westfield Stratford City is the biggest shopping mall in Europe with more than 250 shops under one roof. From high-street favorites, such as Zara and H&M, to unique boutiques, you’ll find something for every style and budget. Whether you’re seeking out the hottest new styles, cutting-edge technology, or chic home accessories, the selection is nearly limitless. The iconic London skyline serves as a backdrop, enhancing the shopping experience.
Given the overwhelming size of it, the layout goes a long way towards making it easy and pleasant to navigate, so browsing is still an enjoyable experience. When you’re ready to recharge, a staggering array of culinary experiences awaits you. Pick and choose from over 70 different places to eat, located in four colorful zones! Reflecting traditional mill architecture, the Mezzanine features an industrial yet chic atmosphere ideal for leisurely fine dining.
World cuisines are represented with restaurants such as Wagamama, Las Iguanas, and Giraffe. The lower ground Food Court makes for a fun and speedy meal, with featured eateries including Harry Ramsden’s, Sticky Rice, and Crêpeaffaire! For more adventurous fare, the Great Eastern Market introduces a twist on classic food markets to enhance your culinary journey, making it a must-visit venue.
Vue Cinema has 17 all-digital screens, a great place to catch the latest blockbuster. For a bit of fun, All Star Lanes offers bowling with a stylish twist, while Aspers Casino caters to those feeling lucky. These world-class facilities are a welcome opportunity for easily expanding a shopping trip into an entire day of fun, especially for sports enthusiasts.
Getting to Stratford City is a piece of cake, due in large part to the train/bus/subway links provided by adjacent Stratford Station. Don’t forget that once you arrive, you’ll want to take in the epic views of the Olympic Park. Its opulence forms a fantastic counterpoint to the gritty cityscape that surrounds you, and the proximity to Hackney Wick adds to the appeal.
As East London’s regeneration continues, this shopping centre is many times embedded in deep retail—it’s now gone deep as a lifestyle placement, plus a tourist conductor. With the nearby green spaces and recreational areas, it’s perfect for families looking to explore London and enjoy the outdoors.
In conclusion, Westfield Stratford City not only offers a shopping experience but also serves as a vibrant hub for dining, entertainment, and leisure activities, making it one of the major London attractions.
3. Discover the Stratford Waterfront Cultural District
In addition to its modern design, the Stratford Waterfront Cultural District stands out with its mix of cultural, educational, and residential spaces. This vibrant interchange, which sits at the doorstep of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, taps into, feeds, and flows with East London’s rich history of radicalism, multiculturalism, energy, youth, creativity, and more. Visitors can easily reach this area via the pivotal Stratford Station, making it a prime location for exploring the sights of Stratford London.
If you love the cutting edge of performance, the Yard Theatre is one of your first visits. Home to strikingly innovative shows and colorful block parties, this imaginative performance space is a real atmosphere maker. From an experimental play to an artist workshop, the buzz around here never seems to lack for freshness and inspiration, making it a must-see venue for arts enthusiasts.
The Story Centre is home to an interactive exhibition that brings to life the story of Stratford’s wealth of history and culture. It’s a really fun, immersive experience that’s great for anyone who wants to learn about how this area has changed over the decades. From homegrown athletes’ legends to Olympic achievements, there’s much to see and discover, especially for those interested in the legacy of the mighty Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park venues.
Stratford Circus Arts Centre, located on the other side of the district’s square, is yet another gem. This venue is home to a vast array of performances, from cutting-edge contemporary dance to world music. Its eclectic schedule is a window into the community’s surprising, luminous energy—each experience there feels fresh and new, showcasing the vibrant arts scene of the Stratford area.
The waterfront itself is a thing of beauty with lovely views and striking public art works peppering the landscape. The Carpenters Road Land Bridge, a pedestrian and cycle bridge, connects this cultural hub to surrounding neighborhoods, making it easy to explore the charming parks and gardens nearby.
Occupying 785,765 square feet, the district includes space for shops, restaurants, and apartments. The London College of Fashion, which was finished during the pandemic in 2022, is the biggest of the cohort.
Other landmarks, such as the BBC and V&A buildings, are scheduled to be completed by 2023, rounding out this exciting hub.
4. Experience the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide
Plus, the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide delivers an unparalleled combination of stunning views and heart-pounding excitement. Starting with the climb to the observation deck, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views stretching up to 20 miles across London, including the iconic London skyline. From this 376-foot-tall vantage point, landmarks such as the Shard and Canary Wharf suddenly become clear, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Stratford.
It has wonderful views around the park as well, and it’s an incredible way to enjoy the city’s skyline, particularly on a sunny day. For adventure-hunters, it’s here that the fun truly starts at the exciting Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Designed by Hang-It-All creator and ultra-turbine elevator maker contemporary artist Carsten Höller, this is the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide.
At 584 feet long, the ride itself is a full 45 seconds long, with twists and turns and lots of whooping going on. The enclosed design of the slide maximizes the rush, intensifying the feeling of speed as you zoom down. It’s a truly exhilarating experience, perfect for the thrill-seekers in your life who are exploring London.
With 114 entwined steel tubes, the sculpture itself makes a stunning backdrop for unforgettable photos. Take selfies from the ground or photograph the impressive structure from the observation deck. Just one look and you’ll understand why it’s a highlight of the Hackney Wick area.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit doubles as both a viewing platform and a public art piece, making it a standout feature of London’s Olympic Park. Putting the fun aside, the space is full of musical history. Constructed for the 2012 London Olympics, it was meant to be a symbol of the fabled city’s new, post-Olympic legacy.
Tickets are as low as $18 for adults, $12 for children when you reserve early. These pink tickets unlock entry to both the observation deck and ArcelorMittal Orbit’s thrilling slide! It’s fast, fun, and pretty darned unique, making it an adventure that 8 out of 10 visitors would recommend.
Tickets are simple to book in advance online via AttractionTix.
5. Enjoy a performance at the Theatre Royal Stratford East
Whether you’re in the mood for a Shakespearean classic or an edgy new work, Theatre Royal Stratford East has something for everyone. From classic masterpieces to innovative, new works, there’s always something thrilling happening on stage. The theatre has a long history of producing work by acclaimed artists such as James Rowland. He’s a master at mixing theatre, comedy and music into one spellbinding performance that you won’t forget.
The building itself, a glorious Grade 2 listed structure flickering with lovely history and architectural details, makes every visit a special one. This political theatre champions local talent and celebrates East London’s cultural diversity through its programming, a response to the area’s significant gentrification. Whether it’s a play that highlights local stories or performances that explore global themes, the shows reflect the vibrancy of the community and the iconic London skyline.
Supporting these productions means contributing to the growth of artists while enjoying the rich storytelling unique to this part of London. You may even have the chance of rubbing shoulders with the theatre’s ghost, which is just one of many unusual quirks that define Stratford East’s heritage. In addition to mainStage productions, the theatre provides numerous community events and workshops catered to children and adults, making it a vital part of the Stratford area.
From exhibitions to free performances, these are activities that allow you to experience the arts in profound and engaging ways. Whether you can perform, compose, or just learn more about the beat, there’s something for everyone! Free guided tours – led by enthusiastic Community Ambassadors – give you a peep behind the scenes, detailing the fascinating history and architecture of one of Europe’s coolest theatres, located near the pivotal Stratford station.
New for 2023, each tour is limited to just 20 participants. These sessions, courtesy of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will give you a real sense of the space and its importance to the local community. With its cozy, welcoming vibes, it’s the ideal place to start or end your evening out in Stratford, especially after exploring the exciting Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park venues.
Whether you are visiting for a late-night performance or a matinee workshop, Theatre Royal Stratford East will make you feel at home and get your creative juices flowing, ensuring your London trip is filled with memorable experiences!
Conclusion
Stratford provides no shortage of activities, whether you’re looking for a day out in nature, or something more enriching. Take in breathtaking views of the park from Tea House and spend a day shopping among one of the largest shopping centers in the area. Explore a colorful and diverse artistic community. The ArcelorMittal Orbit provides truly special unforgettable thrill. In the meantime, the Theatre Royal Stratford East provides productions that stick with you.
Whether you live in London or travelling, Stratford offers visitors an experience unlike any other. Whether it’s thrilling performances or astounding exhibitions, there’s always something exciting, new and spectacular to see and do! Don’t miss the opportunity and take advantage of everything it has to offer.
Don’t wait to plan your visit—we hope to see you there! Find out why Stratford is a great destination full of energy and cool experience.