Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Photo Walk

 

The architecture is of Olympic standard.

The silver facades are even more striking against a blue sky backdrop. The ingrained waves in the roof of the Olympic Aquatic Centre seems to mimic the wind and move even though stationary.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit looked ugly when it was first unveiled as the UK’s tallest structure – and it hasn’t got any prettier with time either. It looks like an evil giant helter skelter or a rollercoaster gone horribly wrong in Rollercoaster Tycoon (loved that game as a kid).

The structure is an observational tower so you can venture to the top of the tower and enjoy the views. An adult ticket costs £12 which seemed overpriced to me. As its in the east end of London, the view can’t be that interesting?

Sure you can get a better picture of the Olympic park and it’s venues, but what else? But for an extra fiver you can buy a ticket which allows you unlimited trips up the ArcelorMittal Orbit for a whole year which seems like a much better deal.

Leaving the confusing eyesore that is the ArcelorMittal Orbit and walking towards the Olympic velodrome, you’ll pass over bridges, sculptured gardens and the canal, with odd giant pencils sticking out… Giant pencils aside, it’s a really nice walk and with you back towards the ArcelorMittal Orbit, Olympic Stadium and Aquatic Centre, it does feel like a regular park.

But eventually, you reach something which symbolises the Olympics. The Olympic rings! It’s a bit of a steep climb but worth it I think you’ll agree.

There are reminders here and there that the Olympics took place, but on the whole those looking to recapture and get swept up in thrilling memories with a great Olympic legacy will be disappointed.

Nuggets of info are written on the ground while wind up speakers describe in further detail what milestones took place. Sure, it jogs the memory, but it hardly inspires does it?

I can’t help but feel there should be more photo opportunities around the park. Instagram was made for documenting a walk like this surely!

A winners podium so you can pose like Usain Bolt? A short running track with starting blocks?

It’s a lovely walk, don’t get me wrong. Beautifully landscaped and maintained, it was perfect for relaxing on a hot summers day.

But we should be more proud of our Olympic achievement for more than just the summer it took place. Not only in terms of the most successful Team GB performance since the 1908 Olympics, but putting on a thrilling event and turning naysayers and shoulder-shruggers like myself to join the rest of the nation in ‘taking part’.

The park is perfect for a family day out with the Timber Lodge Cafe serving food and drink, including ice cream, which is also next to the adventure playground, Tumbling Bay for kids.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is just a stones throw away from Stratford’s excellent transport options (Overground, Underground, DLR and bus) plus the Westfield Shopping Centre, so if the crowds get a little too much (is it ever quiet in there?) it’s well worth having a little wander around the paths and green space.

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History of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a 560-acre legacy site in East London, created for the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Built on a mix of industrial and greenfield land, the park transformed a neglected area into one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration projects. It was originally known as the Olympic Park and renamed in 2013 to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

The site has a rich and varied past — from Roman bridges and Iron Age settlements to sweet factories, greyhound tracks, and nuclear training grounds. During the Games, it hosted iconic venues like the London Stadium, Aquatics Centre, and Velodrome. Post-Olympics, it was redesigned as a public space with wetlands, gardens, and cultural institutions. Today, the park is a thriving hub for sport, education, and the arts, home to West Ham United, UCL East, Sadler’s Wells East, and the V&A East Storehouse.

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10 Interesting Facts About Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

1. The park spans 560 acres, making it the largest new urban park in Western Europe in over 150 years.
2. It was built on land once used for slaughterhouses, sweet factories, and nuclear training grounds.
3. The ArcelorMittal Orbit is the UK’s tallest sculpture and features the world’s longest tunnel slide.
4. The London Stadium can host up to 80,000 people for concerts and 60,000 for football matches.
5. The park’s postcode E20 was previously fictional — used only in EastEnders.
6. Over 80,000 workers were involved in the park’s construction.
7. The Aquatics Centre was designed by Zaha Hadid and features two Olympic-sized pools.
8. The park includes over 6 miles of rivers and canals, ideal for boating and paddleboarding.
9. It’s home to East Bank, a cultural district featuring UCL, BBC Music, Sadler’s Wells, and V&A East.
10. The park hosts UK Black Pride, ABBA Voyage, and major athletics meets throughout the year.

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Things to See and Do at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

• Explore the London Stadium
  Take a behind-the-scenes tour of West Ham’s home ground, including dressing rooms, pitchside views, and the players’ tunnel.
• Ride the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide
  Zoom down the world’s longest tunnel slide or abseil from the UK’s tallest sculpture for a thrilling experience.
• Swim at the Aquatics Centre
  Dive into Olympic-sized pools or watch elite competitions in one of the world’s most advanced swimming venues.
• Cycle at Lee Valley VeloPark
  Try track cycling, BMX, mountain biking, or road racing — all in one place.
• Visit the V&A East Storehouse
  Explore over 250,000 objects in curated displays and book a viewing through the ‘Order an Object’ service.
• Enjoy ABBA Voyage
  Dance with digital avatars of ABBA in a groundbreaking concert experience at the purpose-built arena.
• Relax in the London Blossom Garden
  Stroll among 33 blossom trees representing London’s boroughs — a peaceful haven for wildlife and reflection.
• Take a Boat Tour or Swan Pedalo Ride
  Cruise the park’s waterways or paddle in swan-shaped boats during warmer months.
• Follow the Art in the Park Trail
  Discover 29 public artworks inspired by local history and community stories.
• Dine at Barge East or Hackney Bridge
  Enjoy canal-side cocktails, street food, and rooftop views in the park’s vibrant food hubs.

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Practical Information for Visiting Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

• Location: Olympic Stadium, 1 Stratford Place, London E20 2ST
• Opening times: Park open daily; venue hours vary — check Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for details
• Entry: Park free; venue tickets vary (e.g. Orbit Slide ~£16, Stadium Tour ~£20)
• Tickets: Book online for attractions like ABBA Voyage, Orbit Slide, and V&A Storehouse
• Parking: Paid parking available; public transport recommended (Stratford Station nearby)
• Accessibility: Step-free paths, accessible toilets, lifts in venues; Orbit not wheelchair accessible
• Dogs: Assistance dogs only in venues; welcome on leads in park
• Food: Restaurants, cafés, and kiosks throughout the park
• Toilets: Available, including accessible and baby-changing facilities
• Nearby: Westfield Stratford City, Hackney Wick, Victoria Park, Museum of London Docklands
• Official website: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park