Victoria Park

The green heart of East London, Victoria Park is a place for spring picnics, summer flings and autumn strolls, stretching out over 86.18 hectares in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Picnic and politics

First opened in 1845, Victoria Park quickly became the main centre of leisure for the working classes in the East End of London, giving it the nickname ‘The People’s Park’. During the 19th and 20th centuries the park developed a reputation for political engagement, with meetings and speakers corners regularly taking place in the park. This heritage continued into the latter half of the 20th century, with the park hosting anti-Nazi and anti-racist concerts. The park is equally famous for its relaxing atmosphere, with a serene boating lake and peaceful picnic benches dotted throughout.

The Olympic site

Victoria Park is only a mile away from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and a short stroll from the eastern end will take you to the main site. Here you’ll find the London Aquatics Centre, London Velopark, the Copper Box arena, the Olympic Stadium and the red spirals of the ArcelorMittal™ Orbit. Stratford railway station is right next to the Olympic Park and as well as excellent transport connections the area boasts the enormous Westfield Stratford City shopping centre.

Bethnal Green and Shoreditch

Heading out of the western end of Victoria Park and crossing the picturesque Regent’s Canal will take you towards Bethnal Green and the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood. Keep walking and you’ll enter Shoreditch, the creative capital of the city where you’ll find bars, art galleries and cafés on nearly every street. From Shoreditch you’re only a short journey from Liverpool Street railway station and the bustling centre of Brick Lane.

Places to stay

Bordering Bethnal Green, Hackney and Bow, Victoria Park straddles a huge section of East London. That means there’re plenty of choices when it comes to finding a place to stay within walking distance. Whether you’re looking for a modern hotel in Stratford or a stylish B&B close to London Fields, we’ll help you find the right place for your visit.