Beautiful East London neighbourhoods

In this section, I share some of my tips on places to visit in East London, from historic houses in Walthamstow to quirky museums in Spitalfields, and cobbled streets in Wapping.

Walthamstow

Walthamstow is an east London neighbourhood which has undergone some changes in recent years, with new shops and places to eat. The recently opened Wetlands has added to the existing attractions in the area. You can get here on the tube - Walthamstow Central station is on the Victoria line. Highlights of the area include:

Walthamstow village - the oldest part of the area, centred around Orford Road, a pedestrianised street full of independent shops, bakeries, pubs and cafes. In summer, it’s a great place to hang out, with outdoor seating.

God’s Own Junkyard - a family-owned business selling colourful neon signs. Situated in a rather inconspicuous warehouse, this surprising shop is full of vintage signs and movie props. Although digital cameras aren’t allowed, you can take photos on your camera phone for personal use or social media, and it’s a fantastic place for a selfie!

William Morris Gallery - the largest collection of the designer’s work, located in a lovely Georgian house in Lloyd Park. It’s free to visit. The Lloyd Park food market takes place in front of the house every Saturday. Behind the house are lawns which are popular hang-out spots in summer.

Walthamstow Wetlands - a nature reserve that’s home to many different wildlife, and is a site of special scientific interest. The largest urban wetland reserve in Europe, it was only opened to the public relatively recently in 2017, and consists of reservoirs and quiet pathways. It’s free to visit.

Ancient House - a timber framed home dating back to the 15th century. Situated on the corner of Orford Road and Church Lane, it is said to be London’s oldest home.

Spitalfields, in London’s East End, has historically been home to people from a diverse range of communities. In the 17th century it was an area where Hugeunot Protestants fleeing religious persecution France settled, then in the 19th century it was home to Jewish communities escaping harsh conditions in Europe. It remains a multicultural area today, and while parts of it have been gentrified, there is still a fascinating mix of cultures, from the curry houses of Brick Lane to the last remaining synagogue in the area in Sandy’s Row. You can get here by train or tube to Liverpool Street station. Highlights of the area include:

Beautiful streets - don’t miss the lovely town houses that were once home to the Huegenot silk weavers. Some of the best streets include Fournier Street, Wilkes Street, Elder Street and Princelet Street.

Spitalfields City Farm - a hidden gem in a busy urban area, this farm (pictured, middle) has activities for families, as well as projects to support people struggling with loneliness. Created in the 1970s, the farm is home to goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and rabbits, and has a focus on promoting animal welfare. It’s free to visit.

Brick Lane - this lively street has undergone many changes over the years. For a while it was known for its Indian restaurants, and while there are several still here, there are many new cafes, bookshops and bars. It’s worth walking down some of the side streets to hunt for the street art as this area is very popular with local artists.

Whitechapel art gallery - a gallery hosting a range of temporary exhibitions, some of which are free and some of which are ticketed. It opens late on the first Thursday of the month, when it often hosts music and book events.

Dennis Severs House - a unique attraction that imagines what life was like for the Huegenot silk weavers who might have once lived here. The museum was founded by Dennis Severs who lived there in the 1980s-90s and wanted to create a theatrical experience for future visitors. One of the best ways of visiting is by taking a silent tour. The rooms have been set up as though its former residents have just recently left.

Spitalfields Market - a market open 7 days a week, with independent traders selling everything from clothes to artwork. A market has existed on this site for many years, and the current building dates from the late 19th century. As well as a wide range of stalls, there are also shops and boutiques and lots of food options.

Wapping

Wapping is a really interesting part of London. It has a strong maritime history, with characterful cobbled streets, a marina, and old warehouses.

St Katherine’s Docks - originally a place to unload the cargo from ships in the 19th century, the docks are still used by boats today and there are many luxury vessels moored here. There are also restaurants and cafes, many of which have views of the marina. Although it’s not far from Tower Bridge, the docks still feel very ‘local’ and undiscovered by tourists. It’s a great place to take visiting friends or family, as chances are they’ve never been here before! It looks particularly lovely lit up at night.

Historic pubs - there are some charming historic pubs here, including the Prospect of Whitby which claims to be London’s oldest riverside pub, dating back to 1520. The pub was apparently a favourite haunt of sailors and pirates, and is located close to what was once Execution Dock - a place where smugglers were executed. Other pubs include The Captain Kidd, named after an infamous pirate, and the Town of Ramsgate which dates back to the 16th century.

Wapping Old Stairs - these historic stairs lead down to the river. You can find them by going along an alleyway near the Town of Ramsgate pub. If the tide is out, you can go onto the beach, or even do some mudlarking - check out the great book ‘Mudlarking: lost and found on the River Thames’ by Lara Maiklem for more information on the type of objects that wash up on the shore.

Riverside views - there are great views of the river and Tower Bridge from the Hermitage Riverside Memorial Garden.