London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is one of those places that defies easy categorisation. Is it a sports park? A scenic green space? A futuristic playground? The answer is: all of the above and more. Nestled in Stratford, East London, this sprawling legacy of the 2012 Olympics is now a hub of activity, culture, and leisure, making it the perfect destination for a day out. Whether you’re a sporty adrenaline junkie, an architecture buff, a foodie, or someone who just fancies a good old-fashioned stroll, the Olympic Park has something to offer. Let’s dive into a perfectly curated itinerary for a day in this East London gem.
9:30 AM: Kick-Start with Coffee at The Breakfast Club
Begin your day with a proper caffeine fix at The Breakfast Club in the bustling East Village, just a short walk from the park. Known for its quirky, retro interiors and indulgent breakfast menu, this spot serves up everything from pancake stacks to full English fry-ups. If you’re feeling a little virtuous, opt for an acai bowl or a green smoothie – though no one will judge if you go straight for the maple-drenched bacon.
10:30 AM: Scale the ArcelorMittal Orbit (And Maybe Slide Down It)
Next, head over to the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the park’s most striking landmark. Designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, this 114.5-metre-tall twisted metal structure offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of London. On a clear day, you can see as far as Wembley Stadium and The Shard. Feeling brave? Ride the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide, a 178-metre whizzing spiral that takes you down in 40 seconds of sheer exhilaration. If you prefer a more sedate descent, the lift will get you back to solid ground without the heart palpitations.
11:30 AM: A Stroll Through the Park’s Hidden Gems
Now that your adrenaline levels have peaked, it’s time to take it down a notch. Wander through the park’s beautifully landscaped gardens, including the tranquil Great British Garden and the atmospheric Wetlands Walk. Keep an eye out for the giant Olympic Rings, an obligatory photo spot. If you’ve got kids (or you’re just young at heart), the Pleasure Gardens play area is a fantastic pit stop, with giant slides and climbing structures that put your childhood playground to shame.
12:30 PM: Lunch at Hackney Bridge
A short stroll away, you’ll find Hackney Bridge, an eclectic food hall offering some of the best street food in East London. With everything from Neapolitan-style pizzas to Vietnamese banh mi, it’s a great place to sample a little bit of everything. Grab a seat outside by the canal if the weather’s on your side, or hunker down indoors and soak up the creative energy of this repurposed industrial space.
2:00 PM: Get Active at the London Aquatics Centre
If you’re feeling inspired by the Olympians who once made history here, head over to the London Aquatics Centre. Designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, this stunning venue is now open to the public, so you can take a leisurely swim or challenge yourself to some lengths in the competition pool. If swimming’s not your thing, you can also book a session at the nearby Copper Box Arena for some indoor sports fun.
3:30 PM: Westfield Stratford – Retail Therapy or Roof Garden Drinks?
By mid-afternoon, you’ve earned a little downtime. Wander over to Westfield Stratford, one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, where you can indulge in some retail therapy. If shopping isn’t your thing, take the lift up to Roof East, a rooftop bar and entertainment space with crazy golf, baseball batting cages, and an unbeatable view over the city. Perfect for a lazy drink in the sun.
5:00 PM: Culture Fix at Here East and the V&A Storehouse
If you fancy a touch of culture, make your way to Here East, a creative hub that hosts exhibitions, tech showcases, and pop-up events. Alternatively, check out the new V&A East Storehouse, a treasure trove of art and design where you can explore items from the iconic museum’s collection up close.
6:30 PM: Dinner at The Gantry
Wrap up your day with dinner at The Gantry, a stylish restaurant in Stratford that offers a mix of modern British and European dishes. Think perfectly cooked steaks, seasonal small plates, and killer cocktails. If you time it right, you can catch the golden hour over the Olympic Park from their terrace – the perfect end to a jam-packed day.
8:00 PM: Bonus Round – A Show at the Theatre Royal Stratford East
If you’ve still got energy left, why not round off the day with some live entertainment? The Theatre Royal Stratford East has an ever-changing lineup of cutting-edge theatre, comedy, and musical performances, offering a taste of London’s vibrant arts scene without the West End price tag.
Why You’ll Love the Olympic Park
The beauty of a day out in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is that it can be as action-packed or as leisurely as you like. Whether you want to relive the magic of 2012, get lost in nature, eat your way through East London’s best bites, or simply enjoy a picturesque walk, this place delivers in spades. And the best part? It’s just a short hop on the Central Line, ready for you whenever the mood strikes.
So, lace up your trainers, grab your Oyster card, and dive into one of London’s most dynamic and exciting urban spaces. Gold medals not required – but you might just feel like a champion by the end of it.
