12 Amazing Things to Do in Walthamstow, London (2026) – from a Londoner
Looking for the best things to do in Walthamstow? Look no further! Here’s your ultimate guide to the neighbourhood — from a Londoner!
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Welcome to Walthamstow: home of Europe’s largest urban wetland reserves and longest daily outdoor markets, birthplace of the iconic British band Blur and popular due to its quirky food and art scene.
This huge borough in North East London is one of the areas under the spot at the moment, with thousands of students, young professionals and small families looking for a place in ‘the Stow’ to live.
It’s for sure one of the neighbourhoods in London you should explore, and I’m here to help you with that! So here’s a complete list of fun things to do in Walthamstow, to enjoy it like a true local.
Amazing Things to Do in Walthamstow
P.S. – Explore London’s neighbourhoods to the fullest with our London Explorer Guides 🏡🇬🇧
TOP HOTEL IN WALTHAMSTOW
Looking to stay in the area? The best hotel in Walthamstow is the Trinity House Hotel.
✔️ Next to Walthamstow Market
✔️ City view in most rooms
✔️ Paid airport shuttle service available
FAQs on Walthamstow
How to Get to Walthamstow
Walthamstow is a well connected area, so getting there is easy. Just take the Victoria line on the London Underground or Overground services to the Walthamstow Central or Wood Street stations.
➡️ What is Walthamstow known for?
Walthamstow is known for its diverse community, thriving art scene, historic architecture, and the famous Walthamstow Market, Europe’s largest outdoor market.
➡️ What is the nicest part of Walthamstow?
The nicest part of Walthamstow is often considered to be Walthamstow Village, with its picturesque streets and historical charm.
➡️ What is the difference between Waltham Forest and Walthamstow?
Waltham Forest is the London Borough that has multiple districts, including Walthamstow, which is the largest of the districts within it.
➡️ Is Walthamstow a good area to live?
Yes! There’s a reason why Walthamstow is so popular to live right now, as it has accessible transportation, pleasant and massive green spaces and a thousand things to do. Like the ones in this list!
1. Walthamstow Market
116 High St, E17 7JX
As the longest daily outdoor markets in Europe, Walthamstow Market is a top destination you shouldn’t miss.
Dating back to 1885, the popular market stretches over a kilometre long and operates from Tuesday to Saturday. Here, locals find fresh produce like vegetables, fruits, meats and fish, as well as clothing, accessories and homewares.
You’ll love the diversity of the vendors overall, as it’s a real showcase of different cultures around the globe. Besides, the lovely attitude of every single one of the local sellers provides an authentic joyful shopping experience.
2. God’s Own Junkyard
Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, E17 9HQ
God’s Own Junkyard is an incredible spot that earned a cult following in London and Los Angeles, and it found a new home in Walthamstow!
This wonderful place displays an extensive collection of neon lights, vintage signs, and quirky sculptures from film sets, old businesses, and other locations.
You’ll be dazzled by the luminescent colors and glowing artwork from the moment you step in, and you’ll even feel like you’re in old Las Vegas or Times Square. Ideal for all art lovers, photographers and anyone seeking an Instagram-worthy experience.
You can also enjoy a coffee in their cafe, open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
3. Walthamstow Wetlands
The Walthamstow Wetlands is Europe’s largest urban wetland reserve, with over 211 hectares of green paradise.
It was opened to the public recently, in 2017, and it’s perfect to explore the diverse wildlife of the country, within its massive water bodies and multiple trails. Just be extremely careful and conscious on your visit, as it’s part of London’s water supply!
Prepare to walk or cycle a lot, as it’s so gorgeous you’d want to see it all (although you probably won’t). And don’t be afraid to bring some snacks, as locals love their picnics in this oasis.
4. Lloyd Park & Clissold Park
The wetlands are not the only green wonder in Walthamstow, as you also have two spectacular spaces to enjoy.
The first is Lloyd Park, one of the borough’s most beloved parks. You can enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens, tennis courts, basketball court, skate park and a children’s playground. Or visit the iconic William Morris Gallery (more on that in the next point) and the waterside café.
The park is also a community hub, hosting several events throughout the year, including the annual Walthamstow Garden Party, a free festival offering local crafts, food, entertainment, and music.
Clissold Park is another amazing option nearby, in the borough of Hackney. It’s also big, with approximately 22 hectares, and among its amenities are a paddling pool, tennis courts, a skate park, and children’s playgrounds.
In its heart there’s Clissold House, a stunning 18th-century private residence, which now operates as a coffee shop and events space. Or you can also visit the cute Clissold Park Animal Enclosure, with a range of animals like pygmy goats, fallow deer, and exotic birds.
5. William Morris Gallery
Lloyd Park House, 531 Forest Rd, E17 4PP
The William Morris Gallery, in the surroundings of Lloyd Park, is the only museum in the UK devoted to the life and legacy of William Morris, one of the most influential designers, craftsmen and social activists of the 19th century.
Today it’s the home of his largest collection, including his work in arts and crafts and his contributions as a poet, novelist, translator, and socialist.
I personally fell in love with the iconic textile and wallpaper designs, but maybe you’ll be more impressed with his stained glass, ceramics or furniture.
Aside from the permanent galleries (which are all free to enjoy), you can have a cup of tea in the charming Tea Room overlooking the park, browse the Gallery shop for amazing books and prints, or visit a temporary exhibition related to design, printmaking and social issues reflecting Morris’s influences and ideologies.
6. Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum
10 S Access Rd, E17 8AX
The Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum is a local transport and industry museum in the neighbourhood that will give you a good insight into its fascinating history in the area.
The museum shows an impressive Marshall-Columbia Beam Engine, an original steam-powered engine originally installed in the building back in 1897 (that you can even see in action on special occasions), and other informative displays detailing the history of water supply and sewage systems in the area.
You can also admire the beautiful vintage vehicles and railway artefacts. So any transport lover or curious person will enjoy this massively!
7. Vintage Shopping in Walthamstow
Walthamstow’s vintage shopping scene, loyal to its East London roots, offers a rich and engaging experience for anyone interested in old classics. Here are 3 remarkable options for nostalgia seekers.
Lot One Ten
Located on Hoe Street, Lot One Ten is an antique and vintage shop with quirky products, from furniture, lighting, mirrors, and paintings to interesting curiosities and knick-knacks. This is the place if you’re looking for a statement piece to add character to your home.
Jimmy Mack Vintage – Retro London
Located at the Wood Street Indoor Market, here you’ll find a colourful and eclectic collection of retro and vintage clothing from the 1950s to the 1990s. This place is particularly known for its retro knitwear and dresses, with vibrant patterns and designs.
Fabulist Costume Vintage
Also located at the Wood Street Indoor Market, this gem is loved by theatre people and stylists. You’ll find a stunning collection that go from glamorous headdresses to flapper dresses and flowing capes to sequin jackets. All ideal for the stage, screen or any special occasion.
8. Red Imp Comedy Club
Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre, 55 Hoe St, E17 4SA
The Red Imp Comedy Club is a fun thing to do in Walthamstow. And I mean it.
It started as a community endeavour, but it now hosts some of the finest comedians from the UK and around the world. Their regular comedy nights, typically held on Thursday evenings, are a fun experience regardless of who you go with or even if you’re doing it on your own.
So grab a delicious cocktail, pick a spot with a good view and get ready to exercise your abs in the most wonderful way: with laughter!
9. 17&Central
42 Selborne Rd, E17 7JR
17&Central is a stylish and contemporary shopping centre where you can find all your high street favourites, everyday essentials and amazing food and drink options, including the new and popular CRATE.
It’s the perfect place to either shop for whatever you need, or enjoy local brewers, mini golf, music, art, culture and so much more.
The shopping mall is also located in the heart of Walthamstow, so it’s very easy and convenient to get to.
10. Walthamstow Restaurants
Among the best things to do in any area is eat, am I right? Well, Walthamstow delivers with amazing options from different parts of the world.
Sodo Pizza
Located on Hatherley Road, this is a local favourite for authentic sourdough pizza with high-quality, sustainable ingredients. From the classic Margherita to the original ‘Jon Bon Chovy’, it provides options to suit every taste in an informal cosy atmosphere.
Gökyüzü Walthamstow
Situated on the High Street, it’s an award-winning Turkish restaurant known for its generous portions and delicious kebabs. It offers a wide range of grilled meats, salads, hot and cold Mezze, as well as oven-baked Pide. So make sure you visit with an empty stomach!
Eat 17
Eat 17 on Orford Road is “not your usual store”. This modern bistro-styled restaurant and cultural food store is famous for its homemade burgers and delicious ‘Bacon Jam’. It also offers other delicious dishes, including vegan options with fresh, locally-sourced food.
Orford Road Tapas
This is the Spanish restaurant of your dreams, as it offers a great variety of hot and cold tapas, including traditional favourites like patatas bravas, albondigas (meatballs), and cheese and charcuterie plates. The restaurant’s wine list also includes a selection of the best Spanish wines and sherries.
Rhythm Kitchen
Hoe Street is home to this lively and colourful restaurant offering Caribbean cuisine. Best known for their authentic jerk chicken, they also serve other Caribbean favourites like curry goat, roti wraps and a lot of vegan options. Their dishes are vibrant, spicy and full of flavour.
11. Walthamstow Pubs
The pub scene in Walthamstow is another example of how East this district is. Here’s a super short list of some of the best in the area.
Mother’s Ruin Gin Palace
Located in a refurbished WWII munitions factory, this is Walthamstow’s go-to destination for gin enthusiasts. With over 100 varieties of gin to choose from, as well as their own delicious homemade fruit liqueurs, the quirky and cosy place with live music and local art displays makes it a unique spot.
Wild Card Brewery
Situated at Lockwood Way, this is a popular microbrewery and taproom where you can enjoy a wide range of craft beers produced on-site. All while you enjoy events like open mic nights, street food pop-ups, and frequent live music performances.
CRATE St. James Street
A recent addition to Walthamstow’s pub scene, this is quickly becoming a favourite among local craft beer lovers. Their stylish canal-side location features a spacious bar area, as well as an airy outdoor deck, perfect for sipping a drink while taking in the sunset.
12. Epping Forest (in Walhamstow)
Epping Forest in Walthamstow which stretches across the border of Greater London and Essex, is one of UK’s ancient woodlands and a significant natural treasure.
Walthamstow is fortunate to have easy access to this stunning 6,000 acres forest, making it an ideal location for residents and visitors looking for outdoor activities or a peaceful retreat from urban life.
Read more: Epping Forest Walks from London: A Quick Guide (+ Maps!)
This outdoor enthusiast’s paradise is ideal for hiking, picnicking, bird watching, and horse riding. But it’s also a massive historical place, as the traces of Iron Age earthworks and historic buildings, such as Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, add to the forest’s unique panorama.
So it’s the perfect breath of fresh air, right there in Walthamstow.
Map of the Best Things to Do in Walthamstow
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Happy Londoning,
