Stratford to Hackney Wick

A PERFECT DAY

An interior view of a modern building with blue tiled walls and two escalators leading upwards, separated by a large mirror reflecting the corridor.

  • FIRST: A RE-WILDED WONDERLAND. From Stratford station head to Olympic Park for wildflowers, wetlands, and play for all ages. You’ll pass lots of cafes en route.

    OR

    INDOOR EPIC: If the weather is rotten, the ArcelorMittal Orbit has incredible views and a 178m slide! Or, steam your cares away at the Stratford Community Sauna.

  • STROLL over to Hackney Wick, admiring the barges and graffiti art along the way.

    ENJOY A LAID BACK LUNCH at Hackney Bridge. The street food vibe means lots of options to suit your mood.

    ART BY LAND AND WATER: After lunch we recommend a visit to the V&A Storehouse museum, a graffiti walk, or a paddle around the canal if weather permits.

  • FAMILIES ARE WELCOME at the buzzy canalside Crate brewery‍ and adjacent Howling Hops. Or…Four Quarters East serves pizza, cocktails and a bonanza of retro arcade games.

    FRIENDS AND LOVERS will love Barge East’s elevated and unique dining experience. Book ahead!

    ‍OF AN EVENING ‍the hip community vibe endures. Head to Grow for vinyl sets and live music, Colour Factory for electronica, and All My Friends‍ for hang outs and parties.

THE ROUTE

Start at Stratford (DLR, Tube, Overground) station. Spend the day wandering your way over to Hackney Wick (Mildmay Overground running West to East).

Below is a Perfect Day itinerary (the blue route).

We’ve also noted Area Highlights and our faves. Within each is a link to open an interactive map with only those pins visible.

CLICK HERE to open the full map in a new screen and navigate live. Zoom in and click on each pin for info and links to Google listings.

AREA HIGHLIGHTS

A woman in a pink and white checkered dress riding a bicycle on a bridge over a river on a sunny day with scattered clouds.

Great Outdoors

  • Click here for a local area map with just the Great Outdoors attractions visible.

  • The green spaces in this area are properly exciting and diverse. Nestled against Stratford’s urban backdrop - the effect is iconic.

    Rent bikes or scooters and enjoy cruising around the wide, smooth pavements around the park.

  • From Easter to late October, a paddle down the river in Hackney Wick in a Moo Canoe is great fun.

    Community Saunas have popped up in both Stratford and Hackney Wick. These guys want to make sauna and cold plunge accessible and affordable.




Colorful graffiti mural featuring various cartoonish monsters and faces with exaggerated features and bright colors.

Graffiti Art

  • Click here and follow the orange line to visit the best loved murals and spots where new art appears regularly.

  • These guys will add a new dimension of storytelling and meaning to the art on the walls of Hackney Wick. Often Sundays at 11am. Book ahead.

Close-up of a pinball machine with vibrant, colorful artwork and illuminated display screens in a dark room.

Kids + Play

  • Click here for the area map with just the Kids + Play attractions visible

  • Younger children (>11) will enjoy the Children’s Story Centre in Stratford: two floors of immersive, exploratory play spaces and fun events.

    Older kids (8+) and adults will love the views and the thrilling 178m slide in the ArcelorMittel Tower.

    Tumbling Bay playground‍ ‍is EPIC.

    In summer, The Water Labyrinth’s 195 choreographed water jets are hours of fun.

  • The Breakfast Club has crazy fluffy pancakes and a show-stopping selection of breakfast specialities.

    Bakehouse by Signorelli: very friendly team and perfect classics cakes, sandwiches and vienoisserie. Located on the Stratford side, visit after Tumbling Bay playground.

    Don’t forget to check out Four Quarters, for dinner and evening entertainment all in one.

Crowd of people sitting outside at picnic tables with orange umbrellas near a modern building with yellow-framed windows, under a blue sky with clouds.

Food & Drink

  • Click here to view the interactive map with just the Food & Drink recommendations highlighted.

  • Thingy cafe: a secret garden and incredible cakes (white chocolate raspberry matcha anyone?) art workshops & live music too.

    Bad Coffee actually makes excellent coffee, they roast their own. Beautiful rebel Hackney Wick energy. Visit on your graffitti walk.

  • Innis: Irish-inspired delicious all day dining. Open Weds - Sun, a reason to venture over to Fish Island.

    Bamboo Mat: Asian fusion in a friendly neighbourhood on the Stratford side. A short walk from the V&A Storehouse.

    Luk Bros is an Asian convenience store with a small restaurant. Cheap, affordable, delicious dumplings + a ‘pimp your ramen’ menu.

    Barge East is really quite something, and the extensive surrounding gardens are a perfect place to dine and drink in warmer weather.

  • Crate Brewery: Lively warehouse setting, micro-brewery with excellent pizza and DJ sets. Kids and dogs most welcome.

    The Milk Float: a cozy floating bar serving burgers and rooftop views all year round. Fun fact: You can even order at the porthole from your canoe.

A person in a swimming pool is performing a headstand with their legs extended upward, partially submerged in water.

Culture + Legacy

  • Click here to open an interactive map with just the Culture + Sports attractions visible.

  • Swimming and diving at the (Zaha Hadid designed) London Aquatics Centre is open to all, book ahead via Everyone Active.‍ ‍

    The Velodrome has a BMX track, road cycling circuit, and taster sessions on the actual Olympic indoor track. Book ahead.

  • The V+A Storehouse has gotten rave reviews since opening in 2025. Entry is free, just queue on the door.

    Sadlers Wells East’s brand new theatre for dance has a world-class programme, classes, and some free open sessions. Look or book ahead.

    Stratford East theatre is passionate about keeping theatre diverse and open to all. Small & perfect, music and comedy too.

An indoor party or event space with purple and red lighting, people socializing, and tables.

Nightlife

  • Click here to view the interactive map with just the Nightife recommendations.

  • You’re spoiled for choice and quality around here. Get it while it lasts.

    All My Friends is a ‘hangout’ run by party collective The Cause. House party atmosphere with a TOP sound system, record store and food from 3 local pop-ups.

    Grow is art-driven indie venue that puts on music, events and food in a big, airy space with plenty of canalside outdoor seating.

    Colour Factory: A buzzy dance club with a range of DJs and events. A your club experience with personality. Don’t go for the sound system.

    Number 90: Canalside pub with terrace with food, art gallery, and late night dancing. Sunday roast are fun!