Once a quiet industrial area, Stratford has transformed into one of London’s most exciting and modern districts - full of culture, sports, shopping, and green spaces.
This vibrant neighborhood in East London gained global attention during the London 2012 Olympic Games, and today it’s a perfect place to spend a full day exploring on foot.

In this walking tour, we’ll start at Westfield Stratford City, wander through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, visit iconic Olympic venues, and finish with breathtaking views (and a thrilling ride!) at the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

🗺️ Walking Route Overview

Start: Westfield Stratford City
End: ArcelorMittal Orbit
Distance: Approx. 3 km (1.8 miles)
Walking Time: 1-2 hours (plus stops)
Nearest Tube Station: Stratford (Central, Jubilee, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth Line)

🛍️ 1. Westfield Stratford City

Begin your walk at Westfield Stratford City, one of the largest shopping centres in Europe.
It opened in 2011 just before the Olympics and became a key gateway to the Olympic Park.

🛒 What to Do Here:

• Browse over 250 shops and international brands.

• Enjoy coffee or lunch before your walk.

• Visit the John Lewis Viewing Gallery (top floor) - it offers one of the best free panoramic views of the Olympic Park.

🍽️ Where to Eat: Try Wahaca for Mexican street food or Yo! Sushi for a quick bite before heading out.

💡 Tip: The shopping centre connects directly to the Olympic Park via footbridge - follow signs for “Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.”

🌳 2. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Cross the bridge and enter the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a vast 560-acre urban park built for the 2012 London Olympics and named after Queen Elizabeth II.
It’s now a thriving public space combining art, nature, and legacy from the Games.

🏞️ Highlights:

• Beautiful gardens designed by world-famous landscape architects.

• Canals, playgrounds, and walking paths with art installations.

• Stunning skyline views of East London.

🦋 Fun Fact: The park has over 6,000 trees and 300,000 wetland plants - a true green oasis in the city.

🏊‍♀️ 3. London Aquatics Centre

A short walk from the park entrance, you’ll see the elegant London Aquatics Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid, one of the world’s most celebrated architects.
The wave-like roof represents the fluidity of water - it’s one of the most iconic Olympic buildings.

🏅 Then: Hosted swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming during the 2012 Games.
🏊‍♂️ Now: Open to the public! You can swim in the same pools where Olympic records were broken.

📍 Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2AQ
💷 Entry: Around £5-£7 per swim session.

💡 Tip: Check the timetable online before your visit - family swim sessions and lane swimming times vary.

⚽ 4. London Stadium (Formerly Olympic Stadium)

Next, walk along the park paths toward the London Stadium, once the centerpiece of the 2012 Olympics.
It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics events.

🏟️ Today:

• Home of West Ham United Football Club.

• Venue for concerts and athletics (like the Anniversary Games).

• Offers stadium tours where visitors can explore behind the scenes.

📍 Address: London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2ST
💷 Tours: From £25 for adults.

🎤 Fun Fact: The stadium has hosted concerts by Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones, and Foo Fighters.

🌼 5. The Parklands and River Walk

Continue walking south along the River Lea, where you’ll pass peaceful green areas, bridges, and art pieces from the Art in the Park project.

🌳 Don’t Miss:

• The Tumbling Bay Playground - perfect for families.

• Timber Lodge Café - great spot for coffee and snacks.

• View Tube - a creative community café with views of the stadium.

💡 Local Secret: The park is home to bees, foxes, and wildflowers, all part of an eco-friendly restoration project.

🎢 6. ArcelorMittal Orbit and The Slide

End your walk at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, London’s most unusual landmark.
This twisting red sculpture is 114.5 meters (376 ft) tall - the UK’s tallest sculpture - and was designed by artist Anish Kapoor for the 2012 Olympics.

👀 What to Do:

• Take the lift to the viewing platforms for panoramic views of London.

• Brave the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide (178 meters long!).

• Learn about the Olympics legacy inside the exhibition area.

📍 Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2AD
💷 Tickets: Around £12-£18 (extra fee for the slide).
🕒 Opening Hours: 11 am - 5 pm (check seasonal changes).

🎡 Fun Fact: The structure is made from 60% recycled steel, donated by ArcelorMittal.

💡 Tip: The slide reaches speeds of up to 15 mph (24 km/h) - it’s a thrilling way to finish your day!

☕ 7. Bonus Stop: Hackney Wick

If you’re not ready to head home, cross the River Lea toward Hackney Wick, a creative area full of street art, microbreweries, and canal-side cafés.
It’s a perfect way to unwind after exploring Stratford.

🍺 Try: Crate Brewery for pizza and craft beer by the canal.

🌤️ Practical Information

🕒 Best Time to Visit:
Spring through autumn (March-October) for warm weather and green park views.

🚇 Getting There:
Take the Central, Jubilee, DLR, or Elizabeth Line to Stratford Station.

🚴‍♀️ Accessibility:
All paths are wheelchair-friendly and bike-friendly.

🗺️ Interactive Walking Map

Route:
Westfield Stratford City → Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park → London Aquatics Centre → London Stadium → River Walk → ArcelorMittal Orbit

🏅 Final Thoughts

Stratford is more than just a shopping destination - it’s a place where modern London meets its Olympic legacy.
With its stunning architecture, open green spaces, and dynamic atmosphere, it’s the perfect area for a relaxing and inspiring walk.

From the futuristic curves of the Aquatics Centre to the dizzying heights of the Orbit, this part of East London shows how the city reinvented itself after 2012 - blending sport, art, and community into one unforgettable destination. 🌿✨