Things to Do in Stratford London

Stratford London is a vibrant city located in the East End of London, England. It is situated in the London Borough of Newham, and as of 2018, its population stands at approximately 57,000. Stratford is known for its rich history and culture, and it was once the home of William Shakespeare, the world’s greatest playwright.

History and Culture

Stratford first emerged as a settlement in the 11th century. In the following centuries, it grew rapidly until the Great Plague of 1665 killed most of its inhabitants. The plague was followed by a period of rebuilding and regeneration, and by the 18th century, Stratford had become a popular destination for writers, artists, and musicians. During this period, it was also home to the famous playwright William Shakespeare, who wrote many of his plays in Stratford.

Today, Stratford is a bustling borough full of culture and history. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife, its world-class arts venues and museums, and its diverse range of shopping and dining opportunities. It’s also renowned for its green spaces, with numerous parks and gardens that offer visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Popular Sights

Stratford is home to a wide range of popular attractions, including some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the famous Westfield Shopping Centre. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was built for the 2012 London Olympics and is now a bustling hub for leisure activities, culture, and entertainment. It is home to the ArcelorMittal Orbit – a spectacular sculpture designed by Anish Kapoor – as well as the London Aquatics Centre and the Olympic Stadium.

The Westfield Shopping Centre is located in Stratford City and is one of Europe’s largest shopping malls. It boasts over 270 stores, including high-end designer outlets and popular high street stores, along with numerous restaurants and cafés.

Notable Museums

Stratford is home to a number of notable museums, including the Museum of London Docklands and the Museum of London Stratford. The Museum of London Docklands is located in the old West India Docks and tells the story of the port and its people from Roman times to the present day. The Museum of London Stratford is located in the former Stratford Library building, which was built in 1928. It tells the story of Stratford through its collections of local objects, photographs, paintings, and documents.

Outdoor Activities

Stratford boasts many green spaces that are perfect for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and picnicking. The Hackney Marshes are located in the north of Stratford and are a great spot for outdoor activities. The area consists of over 200 acres of grassland and is home to a variety of wildlife including foxes, badgers, birds, and insects. It is also a popular spot for footballers due to its numerous pitches.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is also home to numerous outdoor activities such as walking and cycling trails, an athletics track, and a BMX park. There are also regular events held in the park such as concerts and festivals.

Food & Drink

Stratford boasts an array of restaurants, cafes and bars catering to all tastes. There are several pubs located in the Stratford area that serve traditional British ales as well as more modern craft beers. There are also numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Mexican and more.

For food lovers, there are many popular food markets located in Stratford such as Old Spitalfields Market, Broadway Market, or Brick Lane Market. These markets are open all year round and offer a great selection of international cuisines from vendors from all over the world.

A Theatre Tour

For those interested in theatre, Stratford offers a range of theatrical experiences for visitors to enjoy. One popular theatre tour is the Stratford Theatre Tour which takes visitors on a journey through some of the city’s most iconic theatres such as the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre, The New Vic Theatre, The Barbican Centre, and more. This tour takes visitors through each theatre’s history as well as giving them a behind-the-scenes look at how shows are produced. Visitors will also have the opportunity to watch rehearsals or attend special workshops that give an insight into theatre production. Book a Stratford Theatre Tour here.

A Harry Potter Tour

Another popular tour that is offered in Stratford is the Harry Potter Tour which takes visitors on a journey through some of the city’s Harry Potter-related sites. This tour includes visits to sites such as Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station which was used for filming some of the movie’s scenes. Visitors will also get to visit places like Leadenhall Market which was used for Diagon Alley filming as well as visit locations from some of the other films in the Harry Potter series. Book a Harry Potter Tour here.

The Tower Hamlets Tour

The Tower Hamlets Tour offers visitors an insight into London’s East End history and culture. This tour takes visitors on a journey through some of the area’s most iconic locations such as Brick Lane Market, Whitechapel Gallery, Stepney Green Park, and more. Visitors will also have a chance to sample some traditional East End cuisine such as jellied eels or pie & mash at one of the local pubs or eateries along the way. Book a Tower Hamlets Tour here.

Stratford London is an area steeped in history, culture, and entertainment that offers something for everyone to enjoy. From exploring its iconic landmarks to sampling traditional East End cuisine or attending theatrical performances or Harry Potter tours; there’s no shortage of things to do in Stratford London!