Students in Walthamstow market

A borough of culture and creativity

Say hello to Waltham Forest

Introducing Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest is a bustling neighbourhood, boasting Europe’s longest street market, a variety of independent shops and cafes, art galleries, and beautiful wetlands nature reserves. 

We've picked out just some of our favourite places in the borough to eat, drink, shop or visit below:

Students shopping in Walthamstow market

Shopping

Walthamstow Market

Welcome to the longest open air market in Europe. Started in 1885, the market spans a kilometre with stalls selling food, clothes, and lots more.

Theatre of Wine
A local independent wine merchant with a huge selection of high-quality wines to suit all tastes, occasions and budgets.

Wood Street Indoor Market

This indoor market has a mix of stalls offering every thing from costume hire to a tacqueria. You'll also find a wealth of pre-loved clothes and vintage vinyl on sale.

17&Central

The local shopping centre in Walthamstow Central offers a range of high street favourites and well-known brands offering fashion, cosmetics, gifts and more.

Sunday Social Market
Sunday Social Market is the place to go to experience fresh street food, to soak up local vibes and to socialise with friends. Open Saturday and Sunday. 

Walthamstow London green

Green spaces

Walthamstow Wetlands

This Site of Special Scientific Interest, offers 211 hectares of space and is home to various wildlife, a cafe and a reservoir serving 3.5M people in London.

Walthamstow Marshes

This award-winning nature reserve is one of the last remaining examples of London's floodplain grasslands, and is home to more than 400 plant species.

Hawkwood Nature Reserve

Take an afternoon and visit the ducks at Hawkwood. You might also spot muntjac deer, foxes and other local wildlife.

Coronation Gardens

Opened in 1903, the gardens boast a maze, fountain and the borough's last remaining bandstand, providing the perfect spot for a quiet picnic lunch.  

Langthorne Park

Looking for a climbing wall, outdoor gym or basketball facilities? This park has lots of options for activities, as well as spaces for quiet reflection or performances.

Find out more about life in Waltham Forest