Nestled in the London borough of Waltham Forest, Walthamstow is a vibrant and eclectic area with a lot to offer visitors and locals alike. Once an important centre for textile manufacturing, today Walthamstow is a diverse community that’s home to a range of attractions from markets and green spaces to historic sites, making it an exciting part of East London to explore. In this article we talk about What’s Happening in Walthamstow-A Local’s Guide to the Best Attractions.
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Walthamstow Market: A Bustling Retail Destination
At the heart of Walthamstow is its sprawling outdoor market. Believed to be the longest outdoor market in Europe at over a kilometre long, the Walthamstow Market first opened in 1885 and continues to be a hive of activity to this day.
The market comprises different sections, from the traditional market square to the covered mall area, where you can browse everything from fresh produce and street food to household goods, clothes, plants and more. Don’t miss the vintage section for pre-loved bargains too!
With over 500 stalls to meander through, you’re sure to find some unique keepsakes. The vibrant atmosphere and cultural diversity of the market make it a quintessential London experience for visitors and a treasured community asset for locals.
Walthamstow Wetlands: Urban Wildlife Haven
A more recent addition to Walthamstow’s attractions is the Walthamstow Wetlands. Converted from reservoirs that were previously closed to the public, this 211-hectare nature reserve opened in 2017 and has quickly become a beloved urban escape.
The wetlands offer walking and cycling trails over 10 kilometres in length that enable you to spot an array of wetland birds and wildlife. Highlights include seeing little grebes and great crested grebes nesting by the waterside, and kingfishers occasionally darting amongst the reed beds.
The wetlands have fast become an unexpected eco-tourism hotspot in London. With entry completely free, it makes enjoying nature easily accessible from the city. The onsite café serves refreshments and the indoor discovery centre provides panoramic views over the wetland landscape.
Vestry House Museum: Step into Walthamstow’s History
To delve deeper into the area’s past, pay a visit to Vestry House Museum. This grade II listed Georgian house transports you back in time with displays that chronicle Walthamstow’s history since the 18th century.
Highlights of the museum include the costume collection, charting changes in fashion over the centuries, and exhibits showcasing Walthamstow’s legacy as a powerhouse of textile manufacturing. Historic photos, machinery and finished goods give insight into this once thriving local industry.
There are also paintings by famous artists who lived and worked in Walthamstow at points, like the Pre-Raphaelite painter Sir Edward Burne-Jones. The museum’s period rooms and pretty courtyard garden offer a glimpse into bygone eras, making it one of Waltham Forest’s most important heritage sites.
God’s Own Junkyard: A Neon Wonderland
For a completely modern and unique experience, no trip to Walthamstow is complete without visiting God’s Own Junkyard. Founded by artist Chris Bracey, this neon workshop and gallery is dazzlingly bright attraction like no other.
As the name suggests, God’s Own Junkyard is filled to the brim with a vibrant collection of neon signs and artworks, stacked floor to ceiling in an old warehouse unit. From classic Las Vegas-esque signage, to abstract neon sculptures and Chris Bracey’s own creative designs, the dazzling colours and ‘organized chaos’ create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
It’s an eye-catching spectacle that has to be seen to be believed! The family-run business has supplied neon props to well-known brands and Hollywood films, so you never know what famous signage you might spot amongst the vibrant array.
Green Spaces and Parks: Relax amongst Nature
When you want to take a break from Walthamstow’s busier attractions, the area has no shortage of welcoming green spaces and parks for you to relax in.
Lloyd Park near William Morris Gallery offers formal gardens and wilder woodland walks, as well as a boating lake, play area, and café. While Walthamstow Marshes provide a vast expanse of countryside to wander beside the River Lea.
Smaller neighbourhood parks like St Mary’s Park and Low Hall Sports Ground allow you to picnic on the grass, feed the ducks or enjoy a kickabout away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.
And at the Lee Valley VeloPark, used as a 2012 Olympic venue, you can try your hand at cycling the same track once raced on by Team GB’s champions! With so much green space, Walthamstow gives you ample opportunity to enjoy the perks of an outer London location while remaining very well-connected to central London.
Family-Friendly Attractions
With lots of free and budget-friendly things to do, Walthamstow has become a popular destination for Londoners with families looking for entertainment and activities.
As well as the parks and wetlands, try go-karting at Street Velodrome, discover wildlife at Hall Farm, or let kids run wild at Willows Farm indoor play centre.
The local theatre scene also caters well to younger audiences, with Walthamstow’s Empire Cinema and theatre complex offering films, pantomimes and children’s shows throughout the year.
And no family day out is complete without stopping for cake and babychinos! Thankfully Walthamstow has cute cafes aplenty, like the kid-friendly Vanisha’s Cake Boutique.
Arts and Culture: Creative Community
Walthamstow has cultivated a vibrant creative community over the years, with many artists, designers, filmmakers and creatives calling the area home. This has fostered a thriving independent arts scene.
For live music and events, local favourites include the Walthamstow Rock ‘N’ Roll Book Club, the Walthamstow Folk Club, Eat Your Own Ears, and The Mill arts venue. While Walthamstow Cinema offers an offbeat programme of film screenings and director Q&As for movie buffs.
The borough also has a rich literary history as the former home of famous writers and artists like William Morris, whose decorative designs still inspire today. The William Morris Gallery captures his life’s work and changing style through intricately designed interiors and textile samples.
With new street art, open studio weekends and pop-up creative spaces, Walthamstow’s cultural landscape continues to evolve. Keep an eye out for posters about the latest happenings during your visit.
Diverse Dining: Global Flavours
Reflecting the diversity of Walthamstow itself, the area offers a smorgasbord of global cuisine to sample, from Turkish kebabs to Brazilian steakhouses.
Long-standing eateries mingle alongside trendy new openings, like Beigal Bake for bagels, the traditional pie and mash at Tony’s, or Yard Sale Pizza’s artisanal sourdough pizzas. While Babu Kitchen brings authentic Bangladeshi flavours, and the Goose Fat & Garlic restaurant prides itself on quality British fare.
With craft beer at Wildcard Brewery, cocktails at The Laundry, and coffee from local roasters like Climpson’s Coffee, Walthamstow caters to all tastes. The bustling street food scene also brings pop-ups and night markets serving everything from Punjabi curries to Venezuelan arepas.
You’re guaranteed to find somewhere tempting to dine in Walthamstow, no matter what you fancy! Checking the latest openings on blogs like Walthamstow Diary can help inspiration strike.
Transport and Accommodation
Despite a relatively outer London location in Zone 3, Walthamstow is impressively well-connected via public transport. Fast and frequent overground train services connect to London terminals like Liverpool Street in under 15 minutes. And the Victoria Line tube station brings the West End and central London within a 40 minute commute.
Several bus routes also serve the area well, making it easy for visitors to reach Walthamstow’s attractions. And for drivers, while parking is limited, roads like Forest Road or Grove Road offer pay and display options.
Accommodation wise, a handful of local hotels and B&Bs provide comfortable bases to rest your head. But with Walthamstow’s transport links, staying centrally in London and visiting for the day is simple too.
So don’t let the location put you off! Walthamstow is closer than you think. I hope you like reading this “What’s Happening in Walthamstow-A Local’s Guide to the Best Attractions” article.
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With over 5 years of experience exploring London’s diverse neighborhoods and a background in urban studies, our author brings a blend of expert knowledge and personal insights to alondonlist.com. Passionate about uncovering the city’s hidden gems and cultural hotspots, they offer readers practical tips and authentic experiences for making the most of London. Follow their adventures on Instagram.
