Newham between Olympic Park, art and nature

Newham has plenty to offer, whatever kind of trip you have in mind: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park combines expansive green spaces with sports venues, museums and theatres. Elsewhere, trails lead through natural areas and past places that tell the story of the Lea Valley’s industrial heritage. If you’re planning a stay, you’ll find ideas here for culture, exercise and time outdoors.

Olympic Park: green spaces, sport and architecture

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park covers hundreds of acres. Its landscape includes peaceful green spaces, canals, landscaped gardens and fountains. Among these open spaces are some distinctive destinations: London Stadium is the former Olympic Stadium and home of West Ham United Football Club. A 60-minute tour takes you into West Ham United’s changing room, through the players’ tunnel and to areas by the pitch, as well as offering panoramic views. Access and the tour itinerary may change during events or maintenance work. Visitors to the park can also watch elite teams compete in football, basketball, netball and other sports.

The park’s architecture and views are also part of its appeal. Designed by Zaha Hadid, London Aquatics Centre has two 50-metre pools and a dedicated diving pool with platforms from 1 to 10 metres. Facilities and activities include family swimming, lane swimming, diving, lessons for children and adults, and community swimming sessions; the current programme may change. The centre is a 10-minute walk from Stratford station, although walking times and transport connections may vary.

Anish Kapoor’s red lattice tower, ArcelorMittal Orbit, has an observation platform with 360-degree views across London and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It also features a tunnel slide, described as the world’s highest and longest, and views of the surrounding area from the summit. Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre offers tennis lessons and indoor and outdoor court hire. The venue also has two world- and Olympic-standard hockey pitches and hosts international matches.

Museums and theatres

Across five floors, V&A East Museum explores how creativity changes the world. Its galleries and exhibitions take up this theme, and its collection includes more than 500 objects from different centuries and cultures. The museum is about a 15- to 20-minute walk from Stratford’s main rail and Underground stations. As with any walking time, the actual duration may vary depending on the route.

Sadler’s Wells East brings dance to the stage of a 550-seat theatre, with performances ranging from hip-hop and ballet to Kathak and krumping. Brick Lane Music Hall offers a different kind of stage as a permanent venue for music hall. It presents both traditional and newly developed shows, with options such as dinner, afternoon tea or dancing. Check programmes and dining options before booking.

Outdoor art and green trails

The Line connects Newham, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich along the Greenwich Meridian, between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2 on the Greenwich Peninsula. This free, publicly accessible outdoor route brings together public art, nature and heritage. It’s popular with walkers, cyclists, families and birdwatchers, among others. Temporary diversions or changes to access are possible, so check the route in advance when planning your journey.

Beckton’s nature spots each offer a different experience. Beckton Meadows covers more than two acres, with wildflowers and grasses, a butterfly garden and the accessible Queen Elizabeth Memorial Pathway. The area is opposite Beckton Park DLR station; check travel conditions before setting off. Beckton District Park has a cycle path, a lake, a tree trail and woodland. Cody Wilds, meanwhile, is a one-kilometre wildlife corridor from Cody Dock to Bow Locks. Bow Creek Ecology Park is a wildlife haven in the city and has received the Green Flag Award for several consecutive years.

Riverside heritage and trails through Newham

The Royal Docks are a waterfront area and a growing cultural destination in east London’s Newham. At Cody Dock, the focus is on the Lea Valley’s industrial history, explored through boat trips, education programmes, a heritage pavilion and an archive. Tailored environmental and heritage boat tours are available for groups of all ages and sizes; details of bookable activities may change.

The Colours of Newham Mural Art Trail offers another way to explore local stories on a self-guided route through Newham. Large-scale murals and creative lighting reflect local stories, heritage and culture. The Lee Valley Walk follows Bow Creek, continues to Three Mills and then passes through the Lee Valley. You can choose between individual cultural and sporting visits, a self-guided art route and trails through green and riverside areas. A stadium tour, for example, has a stated duration of 60 minutes; for an outdoor route, the route itself and possible diversions are the main considerations.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Stratford, East Ham, Lewisham, Havering, Croydon, Redbridge, Hillingdon, Barnet.

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