A borough of culture and creativity
Say hello to Walthamstow
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:
Food and drink
Book a table at Eat17 and explore their menu. From grain bowls to burgers, there's a wide selection to choose from.
If you're looking for great coffee and a perfect lunchtime bite, then this is the place for you.
A local pub offering a friendly atmosphere for locals and visitors alike, with excellent food, this is a popular haunt for those seeking to relax and socialise.
Offering a wide selection of beers, ciders and gin (plus soft drinks) from their partner The Real Al Company.
Visit this local microbrewery and sample their drinks. Keep an eye on their events to find out about tasting evenings.
Art and culture
This festival, created by the residents of Walthamstow and curated by Artillery, sees local artists invite the local community into their homes and studios.
Our local museum provides an opportunity to explore Waltham Forest's story through the ages. It is also the home of the borough archive.
If you've ever admired designer William Morris' work, then this is your chance to discover his Grade II listed family home.
Known for miles around for its eclectic stock of neon signs and film props, this place is well worth a visit and is home to the Rolling Stones bar and cafe.
Visit a Victorian pumphouse and learn about Waltham Forest's industrial history. You can also have dinner in a decommissioned Victoria line tube carriage!
Shopping
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.
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.
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.
Green spaces
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.
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.
Take an afternoon and visit the ducks at Hawkwood. You might also spot muntjac deer, foxes and other local wildlife.
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.
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.
