A Visitor's Introduction to The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Why is Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Worth a Visit?

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is more than just a reminder of the 2012 Olympic Games; it is a living testament to urban regeneration and sustainable development. Visitors can explore a blend of iconic sporting venues, such as the London Stadium and Aquatics Centre, which still host major events today, alongside beautifully landscaped parklands and waterways. The park provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while also being a hub of activity, with year-round events, guided tours, and opportunities for sports enthusiasts. With family-friendly playgrounds, scenic trails, and unique attractions like the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the park offers something for everyone, making it an ideal spot for a day out, whether you’re looking for relaxation, recreation, or cultural exploration.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Highlights

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is home to several key attractions, each contributing to its appeal as a multi-faceted visitor destination:

1. London Stadium: Originally built as the main Olympic Stadium for the 2012 Games, this multi-purpose venue now hosts a variety of events, including athletics, concerts, and football. It is the current home of West Ham United Football Club and also serves as a venue for large-scale community and sporting events.

2. ArcelorMittal Orbit: Standing at 114.5 meters (376 feet), the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the UK’s tallest sculpture and a striking symbol of the park. Designed by artist Sir Anish Kapoor and engineer Cecil Balmond, the structure offers panoramic views of London’s skyline and a thrilling ride down the world’s longest tunnel slide, which spirals around the tower.

3. Aquatics Centre: The Aquatics Centre, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is an architectural masterpiece that served as the swimming and diving venue during the Olympics. It features two 50-metre swimming pools and a 25-metre diving pool, open to the public for recreational use, lessons, and fitness training.

4. Lee Valley VeloPark: This unique cycling centre includes a 6,000-seat velodrome, a BMX track, a mountain bike trail, and a road circuit. As one of the few places in the world offering all four cycling disciplines in one venue, the VeloPark is accessible to riders of all levels and offers bike hire and coaching sessions.

5. Copper Box Arena: Known as the “Box That Rocks” during the 2012 Games, the Copper Box Arena is now a versatile sports and events space. It hosts a range of activities, from basketball and handball to fitness classes, and serves as a venue for local sports clubs and community events.

6. Parklands and Gardens: The park is divided into two main areas—Northern Parklands and Southern Parklands—each with its own character and attractions. Visitors can explore themed gardens, wetlands, and meadows, as well as the Great British Garden, which celebrates the nation’s landscape and horticultural heritage.

7. Waterways and Canals: The park’s network of waterways, including the River Lea and the Bow Back Rivers, has been restored to provide a scenic environment for walking, cycling, and boating. The riverside paths and viewing points offer serene views and unique perspectives of the park.

8. Children’s Play Areas: The park features several play areas, such as Tumbling Bay Playground, which is designed to encourage creative play with rock pools, sand pits, and treehouses. The Waterworks Fountains in the Southern Parkland are particularly popular during the summer months.

9. East Bank: Under development, East Bank is a new cultural and educational district within the park that will house prestigious institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, University College London (UCL), and the BBC. This initiative is set to transform the area into a leading centre for arts and innovation.

Facilities and Amenities

The park offers a range of facilities to ensure visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

Cafés and Restaurants: Dining options include casual cafes and kiosks, such as the Timber Lodge Café and the Last Drop, which overlook scenic parts of the park. Pop-up food vendors also appear during larger events, offering a range of cuisines.

Visitor Centres: The Information Point near the ArcelorMittal Orbit and the Podium Café serve as visitor hubs, providing maps, guides, and information about events and activities in the park.

Toilets and Changing Facilities: Public restrooms, including accessible toilets and baby changing facilities, are available throughout the park.

Bicycle Hire and Repair Stations: The park encourages cycling, offering Santander Cycles for hire and repair stations for those who bring their own bikes.

Events Spaces: The park features a variety of outdoor and indoor spaces suitable for events ranging from small community gatherings to large-scale concerts and festivals.

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was designed with sustainability and environmental considerations at its core. The park includes diverse wildlife habitats, energy-efficient venues, and sustainable planting schemes that enhance biodiversity. The wetlands and green spaces also act as natural flood management systems. Additionally, the park’s venues are powered by renewable energy sources, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and energy consumption.

Nearby Attractions

The park is conveniently located near several other attractions, making it easy to combine a visit with other points of interest:

Westfield Stratford City: Adjacent to the park, this large shopping and entertainment complex offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and leisure activities, including a cinema and bowling alley.

Hackney Wick: A short walk from the park, Hackney Wick is known for its vibrant arts community, with galleries, studios, and eclectic cafés housed in converted industrial buildings.

Victoria Park: Located just north of the park, Victoria Park is one of London’s oldest public parks, featuring beautiful lakes, sports facilities, and a range of family-friendly amenities.

Museum of London Docklands: A short distance away, this museum explores the history of London’s rivers and docklands, with exhibitions covering trade, the development of the Docklands area, and London’s maritime heritage.

Practical Information for Visitors

Getting There: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is easily accessible by public transport. Stratford Station, a major transport hub, connects to the Central and Jubilee lines, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, and regional rail services. Other nearby stations include Hackney Wick, Pudding Mill Lane, and Stratford International.

Opening Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day, though specific venues like the ArcelorMittal Orbit and Aquatics Centre have set opening hours. It’s best to check the official website for up-to-date information.

Accessibility: The park is designed to be fully accessible, with step-free paths, accessible toilets, and blue badge parking. Mobility scooters are available for hire at Information Points.

Parking: Limited parking is available, but visitors are encouraged to use public transport due to the park’s excellent connectivity and limited on-site parking spaces.

Tips for Visitors

Plan Your Route: The park is large, so planning your visit in advance can help you cover more ground. Use maps or the park’s official app to locate attractions and facilities.

Explore on Foot or by Bike: Walking or cycling through the park allows you to take in its diverse landscapes and attractions at your own pace. Bike hire is available at several points in the park.

Check the Events Calendar: The park hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, from festivals and outdoor cinema screenings to sports competitions. Checking the schedule in advance can help you plan your visit to coincide with these events.