Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London, combines the venues built for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games with meadows, wetlands, gardens and waterways. Walk or cycle its paths, look for artworks and poems along the routes, or visit the London Stadium and London Aquatics Centre. Families can head to Tumbling Bay Playground, with rock pools, sand and treehouses. For a more active stop, the ArcelorMittal Orbit has a tunnel slide and views across London; access to its paid attractions is separate from exploring the park.
A park shaped by the 2012 Games
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was built for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Its grounds cover 227 hectares, with sporting venues, gardens, play areas and paths now open for public use. The park lies in Stratford and spans parts of four east London boroughs: Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Waltham Forest.
The site’s sporting landmarks include London Stadium and the London Aquatics Centre, alongside other venues from the Games. London Stadium is now West Ham United’s home ground and also hosts concerts and athletics events. Tours of the stadium are available, though arrangements depend on the venue’s schedule.
Walking routes, waterways and wildlife
Walking and cycling paths connect the park’s lawns and gardens with the River Lea and its canals. The waterways extend for 6.5 kilometres. Routes include the Parkland and Wildlife Trail, which passes through landscaped gardens and wilder wetland and meadow areas. For a quieter outing, follow a towpath or take time in the meadows.
The park’s planting includes almost 6,000 trees and more than 120,000 flowers and plants. Some areas were designed with habitats for birds, bats, pollinators and other insects in mind. Several self-guided routes are available online, including walks focused on the park’s wildlife.
Public art and poetry
Artworks are spread across the park, so a walk can take in more than its gardens and sports venues. The Art in the Park route includes colourful posts beside the Waterworks River, large-scale murals and steel works set in the water. One installation commemorates the September 11 attacks, and the Carpenter’s Curve is a tile mural that wraps around a building.
Poems are inscribed at landmarks around the grounds. Look for Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s “Ulysses,” Carol Ann Duffy’s “Eton Manor” and Jo Shapcott’s “Wild Swimmer” as you explore.
Play areas and the ArcelorMittal Orbit
Tumbling Bay Playground has rock pools, sand, treehouses, bridges, slides and swings. It is beside Timber Lodge Cafe, where toilets are available. Other play areas in the park include the Pleasure Gardens Play Areas, with climbing structures, slides, swings and a large sandpit.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit is both a sculpture and a visitor attraction. Visitors can ride its tunnel slide or abseil from the structure. These activities require separate payment, and the slide has age, height and weight limits. Check the attraction’s current details before setting out if you plan to take part.
FAQ
Is it free to visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park?
Exploring the park’s paths, gardens and public spaces is free. The ArcelorMittal Orbit slide and abseiling are paid activities.
How long should I spend at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park?
Allow around two to three hours for a walk, a playground visit or time to see part of the park. Add more time if you plan to visit a sporting venue or book an activity.
What can children do at the park?
Tumbling Bay Playground has rock pools, sand, treehouses, bridges and slides. Other play areas include climbing structures and swings.
Can you cycle in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park?
Yes. The park has cycling paths as well as routes for walking and running.
Does the ArcelorMittal Orbit slide have age restrictions?
Yes. The supplied details list a minimum age of eight, a minimum height of 1.3 metres and a maximum weight of 22 stone. Check current requirements before your visit.
