Where to Unwind Outdoors: 8 Parks in East London
East London has no shortage of green spaces, perfect for slowing down the pace.
Whether you’re after wide-open woodlands, a dip in a lido, or just a quiet patch of grass to stretch out on, there’s a park here for it.
Here are a few of our favourite spots to press pause.
8 Of The Best East London Parks
One of London’s newer parks (opened in 2000) Thames Barrier Park has an outdoor gym, playground and multi-use games area.
The park is home to wildlife and picnic and children’s play areas, a basketball court, a visitor pavilion and a coffee shop.
- North Woolwich Rd, London E16 2HP
- Nearest station – Pontoon Dock DLR
Bethnal Green Gardens
A sure family favourite, this park is perfect for kids.
They’ll enjoy:
- Playgrounds
- Netball court
- Football pitch
- Basketball court
- Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2
- Nearest tube – Bethnal Green
Victoria Park
A Green Flag Award winner in 2010 and Best Park in London recipient in 2019, Victoria Park is in London’s Tower Hamlets.
Victoria Park (or Vicky Park as locals call it) is easily one of the best large public parks in East London.
Also known as ‘The People’s Park’ it covers an area of about 86 hectares and is one of London’s most historic and famous parks.
It was named after Queen Victoria when it opened in 1845.
We particularly like the boating lake where you can rent a rowboat in the summer and the state-of-the-art sports facilities like the tennis courts, football pitch, and cricket pitch.
Victoria Park has two designated playgrounds for children and a skatepark for skateboarders and BMX riders.
The park is also home to:
- Boating Lake
- Chinese Pagoda
- Rose Garden
- Victoria and Alexandra Playground
- Burdett Coutts Fountain
- East Fishing Lake
- Sports Pavilion
- Tennis Courts
- Old English Garden
- Model Boating Lake
- Bandstand
If you need to recharge, head to Pavilion Café for an excellent cup of coffee and a pastry.
No cars are allowed inside the part apart from Blue Badge holders.
- Grove Road, London E3 5TB
- Nearest underground – Mile End
- Nearest rail station – Cambridge Heath/Hackney Wick
Walthamstow Marshes used to be farmland but today it’s a lovely park lodged between Hackney and Waltham Forest.
If you enjoy bird watching, strolls and cycling, you’ll certainly find the Marshes to be a fascinating place.
Walthamstow Marshes are often quiet which makes for a calm afternoon of rest and adventure.
- Lea Bridge Road, London E10 7QL
- Nearest tube – Tottenham Hale, Blackhorse Road
Epping Forest is one of the largest areas of woodland in London, occupying over 5,000 acres.
The forest is home to several historic buildings and landmarks including Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and the Loughton Camp Iron Age Fort.
If you’re a lover of wildlife, try and spot deer, foxes, badgers, and bird species.
The forest is filled with ancient trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old.
There’s lots to do in Epping Forest including:
- High Beach Visitor Centre, Paul’s Nursery Road, High Beach, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4AF
- Nearest underground – Loughton
Mile End Park
Mile End Park blends the best of nature and city architectural experience.
The park follows Regent’s Canal from Victoria Park to Limehouse Basin.
Covering over 79 acres, Mile End Park’s wildlife includes birds, butterflies and bees.
The park is also home to:
- Ecology Park
- Play Pavilion and Children’s Park
- Mile End Park Leisure Centre
- Mile End Climbing Wall
Arachnophobes beware, 170 types of spiders have been spotted here!
- Clinton Road, London E3 4QY
- Nearest underground – Mile End
Bow Creek Ecology Park is a nature reserve in east London spanning over four acres.
The hidden gem is well maintained by the London Wildlife Trust and serves as a resource centre for wildlife exploration of birds, insects, and amphibians.
You’ll find a wide range of events on offer throughout the year including bird-watching walks, pond-dipping sessions, and nature-themed workshops.
- London E14 0SX
- Nearest station – East India DLR
We’re huge fans of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and have mentioned in many of our guides on things to do in London.
There’s so much to do here, with family or without them!
There are playgrounds, beautiful gardens, water fountains, shopping centres, swimming, cycling, restaurants, hockey, tennis cycling.
It’s easy to spend a whole day here and not see everything!
- Westfield Avenue, London, E15 2DU
- Nearest station – Stratford, Hackney Wick, Pudding Mill Lane, Stratford International
Have fun in one or more of these East London parks!
In a city as vibrant and vast as London, planning a family trip can be overwhelming.
But with our carefully curated itinerary, written by local mums who know the city inside and out, your visit will be stress-free, enjoyable, and packed with the best experiences London has to offer.
From hidden gems to family-friendly attractions, you’ll discover how to maximize your time, stretch your budget, and ensure your children are entertained throughout the trip.