Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Built for the 2012 Olympics, this East London park is now a permanent public space with sporting venues, parklands and one of London's more unusual viewing towers.

ArcelorMittal Orbit

The twisting red steel sculpture-tower offers city views from its viewing platform, plus the world's longest tunnel slide for the adventurous. Ticketed separately.

Sporting Venues

The London Aquatics Centre (public swimming sessions) and Lee Valley VeloPark (cycling, including sessions on the actual Olympic track) are both open to the public.

Parklands

Extensive parkland along the River Lea, free to walk, with playgrounds and wetland areas.

Getting There

Stratford station (multiple lines) is a short walk from the park.

Tips

• Book Aquatics Centre swimming sessions in advance — they're genuinely excellent value.
• The parklands alone are worth a free visit even without the paid attractions.

The View from the Orbit

The ArcelorMittal Orbit's viewing platform sits 80 metres up, giving a genuinely unusual perspective on East London — the Stratford towers, the park's wetlands, and on a clear day the City skyline to the west. The slide (the world's longest and tallest, at 178 metres) is a separate, additional thrill for those who want it — not for the faint-hearted, but shorter and gentler than it sounds.

West Ham & Local Football

The London Stadium, built for the 2012 Games and now home to West Ham United, sits within the park boundary and runs stadium tours on non-matchdays for those interested in football history or the building's Olympic legacy.

Getting Around the Park

The park is large — allow at least half a day if you want to properly cover the parklands, a venue visit and the Orbit. Free shuttle buses and clearly signed walking routes connect the main areas; renting a bike is also a practical way to cover the distances.

Tips

• The Orbit's viewing platform is worth the ticket even without doing the slide.
• West Ham stadium tours run on non-matchdays and are a good option for football fans.
• Bring good walking shoes — distances between park areas are longer than they first appear.