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Parks #23 in London

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

4.5 · 32,574 reviews
Active and expansive.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The park's wildflower meadows were specifically designed to support pollinators, including rare species of bees and butterflies.

2

During construction, over 2,000 mature trees were moved and replanted within the park boundaries to preserve local canopy density.

3

The ArcelorMittal Orbit is constructed from approximately 60% recycled steel, including materials sourced from washing machines and cars.

4

The park contains the Lee Valley VeloPark, which uniquely features a track cycling velodrome, a BMX track, and road/mountain bike trails in one location.

5

The site was formerly an industrial brownfield known as the Lea Valley before its massive environmental remediation for the 2012 Games.

6

The London Aquatics Centre roof is a 3,000-tonne steel structure that rests on only three supports to create a column-free interior.

7

The park's waterways were heavily decontaminated and restored to provide habitats for species like kingfishers and water voles.

8

The Copper Box Arena's facade is clad in approximately 3,000 square meters of recycled copper.

9

The park features a dedicated 'London Blossom Garden' installed to commemorate the city's collective loss during the pandemic.

10

The site includes over 6 kilometers of waterways that were opened up for public use during the Olympic legacy transition.

Overview

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a 560-acre green space in East London that served as the primary venue for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The landscape features restored wetlands, meadows, and waterways integrated with repurposed permanent athletic facilities. It houses the London Aquatics Centre, the Lee Valley VeloPark, and the Copper Box Arena, all of which remain active for public and professional sports. The ArcelorMittal Orbit, a 114.5-meter-tall sculpture and observation tower, provides panoramic views of the skyline and incorporates the world's longest tunnel slide. The park hosts the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre alongside expansive festival lawns. Biodiversity initiatives have introduced over 4,000 trees and millions of plants across the site. The park is connected by a network of pedestrian bridges and cycle paths bridging the River Lea. It serves as a central hub for the East Bank cultural and education district development.

Photo spot

The viewing platform at the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit for a 360-degree perspective of the park and city.

Insider tips

Visit the visitor centers for free maps and guided walking routes to navigate the large, sprawling site efficiently.

Rent a Santander Cycle if you intend to explore the full extent of the park, as the distance between the North and South venues is significant.

Check the official event calendar before arriving, as large concerts or sporting events can restrict access to certain lawns or pathways.

What to avoid

Attempting to see the entire park on foot in one session without a planned route, as the geography is vast.

Good to know

The park remains open year-round, though individual sporting venues may close for private events or maintenance.

Etiquette

No barbecues or open fires; keep dogs on leads in designated wildlife areas.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-5 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early summer for the wildflower blooms and optimal weather for outdoor recreation.
Address
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, United Kingdom
51.544, -0.015
Get directions
Details
Shade & rest areasExtensive grass lawns, woodland paths, and seating near the Waterworks River.
Key venuesLondon Aquatics Centre, Copper Box Arena, Lee Valley VeloPark, London Stadium.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early summer for the wildflower blooms and optimal weather for outdoor recreation..

The viewing platform at the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit for a 360-degree perspective of the park and city.

Close by you'll find London Stadium, Victoria Park, Tower Bridge.