Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The Basics

Whether you want to explore the beautiful parklands on a walking or biking tour, take a boat cruise along the City Mill River, or enjoy lunch at The Podium or the Timber Lodge Café, there are plenty of ways to visit the Olympic Park. Relive the trials and triumphs of the 2012 Olympics on a guided London Stadium tour, or see the ArcelorMittal Orbit illuminated by night on an after-hours tour of London’s East End. You can also enjoy aerial views of iconic Olympic venues like the London Aquatics Centre, the Copper Box Arena, and Lee Valley VeloPark from the roof of the O2 or on a thrilling helicopter flight.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Head to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Information Point (just north of the London Aquatics Centre) for a park map and the latest visitor information.

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.

• The park and its venues all all wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and sighted guides are all available.

How to Get There

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is located in East London, straddling the districts of Stratford, Hackney Wick, Bow, and Leyton. To get there by train, get off at the Stratford stop on the Jubilee and Central lines, or at Pudding Mill Lane or Hackney Wick stations The Stratford International train station offers direct links to other UK destinations including Kent, Dover, and Canterbury.

When to Get There

The park is open daily all year and special events, and family activities are held on weekends and during school holidays throughout the year. The most popular time to visit is during the summer months, when you can enjoy open-air concerts, art exhibitions, boat tours, and other activities. During the holiday season, the park hosts a Christmas Market, choir concerts, and other events.

Things to Do at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Take in the views or ride the slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest sculpture, follow the Art Trail or London 2012 Trail, stroll through the Mandeville Place orchards, or go shopping at the gigantic Westfield Stratford City Mall. There are ample opportunities for sports and outdoor activities too: the state-of-the-art Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre comes equipped with 10 courts and two hockey pitches; the one-of-a-kind VeloPark offers all sorts of two-wheeled fun, from track cycling and road racing to BMX and mountain biking; and the London Aquatics Centre has two gigantic swimming pools and a diving pool.

Ways to explore

Entry to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is free, and its landscaped trails, art installations, and playgrounds are open to all. You’ll need to book tickets for events and attractions at many of the Olympic venues, such as the London Stadium and Lee Valley Velodrome. Sculptor Anish Kapoor designed the towering ArcelorMittal Orbit for the 2012 Games, now home to a viewing deck and the Helix—the world’s longest tunnel slide—which wraps around the structure; both are ticketed.

Guided walking, cycling, and sightseeing tours often include a stop at the park during East London itineraries. For a more immersive visit, combine your time at the park with nearby attractions at East Bank and neighboring Westfield Stratford. On-site cafés, bike rentals, and public events make this a versatile destination for solo travelers, families, and active sightseers alike.

Accessibility

The park has step-free paths. Venues throughout the park have accessible toilets and induction loops, but it’s best to check the accessibility of individual venues ahead of your visit if you have specific needs.

Age limits

None—the park is popular with families, although height restrictions apply for the ArcelorMittal Orbit Helix.

What to pack

Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, layers for seasonal weather

What to wear

Dress casually and comfortably—think sneakers, layers, and activewear. The park is large and mostly outdoors, so be ready to walk or cycle, and be prepared for weather changes.

Not allowed

Drones, BBQ (open flames), glass containers, littering

Amenities

Cafés, bars, rental bikes, playgrounds, public restrooms, baby-changing facilities

Address

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is located in Stratford, East London, and is easily reached by public transport or car.

Driving

From Central London, take the A11 (Bow Road) or A12 to Stratford, and follow the signs for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Paid parking is available at venues such as the London Stadium, the Copper Box, and the London Aquatics Centre—charges apply during events. Metered parking is available on roads surrounding the park, but note that spots can fill fast on weekends or when events are taking place.

Public transportation

Stratford station is served by the Jubilee, Central, and Elizabeth tube lines, the DLR, and the Mildmay overground line. Many buses stop locally to the park, including the 25, 97, 108, 308, 339, and 388, to name a few.

Best times to visit

Mornings and early afternoons are quieter; evenings come alive during concerts and events.

Best days to visit

Weekdays typically see fewer visitors, while weekends host more activities and installations. Check ahead whether events are taking place at the London Stadium—which hosts concerts and is the home ground of West Ham United—as the park can be very busy then.

Best months to visit

Visit from April through October for the best weather and full access to park venues and outdoor activities, including boat tours and pedalos, which open seasonally.

Special events

The park hosts many festivals and events throughout the year; check the calendar on its website for up-to-date information.