The Secrets of the Northern Queen Elizabeth Olympics Park
Stratford station (Westfield / QEOP exit: by the Pret a Manger sign)
Guided by Canal Guides
Adult: £20 · Students & Seniors: £15 · Children: £5
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 February 2026 | Special | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter | |
| 3 October 2026 | Special | 10.45 am | 12.45 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
The pioneering walk. The walk that explored this area decades before the 2012 ballyhoo was even dreamt of. All that hoop-la is now history as well but it has made its mark.
An out-of-the-way, hardscrabble, forgotten corner of London is now a jaw-dropping contrast of old and new. And, yes, the new of course comes into this walk – the Olympic Park, the Stadium, the Aquatics Centre, the Velodrome, Here East, etc. – how could it be otherwise? That said, it’s still that old, came first, pioneering walk – it’s just that it’s got the “Bolt”-on of that 2012 supercharge! That “old, came first, pioneering walk” with its “historic parts” that are centuries, not months, old. Historic parts centred on the River Lea, for centuries the cradle of much of London’s history going right back to Roman times. And from those earliest beginnings the long, long march forward. King Alfred, for example, made use of the River Lea in his “dealings” with the Danes.
Then there’s Carpenters Road Lock. This lock is in the shadow of the Olympic Stadium and is technically unique in Britain. A double radial gate lock, it was designed to cope with floods and tides. Restored after many years disuse, it is again passing boats through to the Bow Back Rivers.
N.B. this walk is conducted in partnership with the Inland Waterways Association. It’ll be guided by a member of the Canal Guides team.
THE SECRETS OF THE NORTHERN QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPICS PARK – THE PRACTICALS
The meeting point for The Secrets of the Northern Queen Elizabeth Olympics Park is just outside the exit of Stratford station (Westfield / QEOP exit: by the Pret a Manger sign)
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Mark –
We had a lovely time on the walk. It is a fascinating area and our guide, Charlie was very engaging.
John Keating –
Charlie Forman is my favorite guide.
He is knowledgeable and tells us when he doesn’t know.
He engages with each person on the walk
Zoe Rose –
Thank you, Charlie, for another well paced, highly informative walk.
Charlie’s direct involvement in the legacy planning of this special area gave us a unique perspective on its past, present and future.
I fully intend to visit the area again later in the spring and summer to explore the many pathways, planting, canal walks, take a swim in the Olympic pool, have a coffee in the velodrome cafe whilst watching the cyclists train, as well as a visit to the V&A and Sadlers Wells. The success of the legacy planning is evidenced by how much the area still has to offer long after the Games have ended.
This walk is a great introduction to London’s ‘second city’ and may inspire you to visit again and again. A true legacy. Well done Charlie.
Jane R –
A fascinating insight into the development of the Olympic Park – still continuing – on this walk guided by Charlie who by virtue of his involvement in the area years ago, was almost uniquely well-informed. Architecture, social history, environmental issues – it’s all here. Highly recommended.
Mary Alden –
This is a great walk. Charlie is super knowledgeable about Olympic Park since he was working with a local council on the project. Charlie explained how the hope of the original plans was to create a lasting, vibrant community which is what this area is now. Charlie pointed out the things created for the Olympics that have made this area such a community – we saw the cultural centers, the athletic centers, the outdoor landscaping and many other things. I am not a fan of big malls but Charlie made a convert of me by explaining how the Westfield center created many local jobs and a place for many local businesses. Again a great walk that I would recommend for everyone