Walthamstow

Getting Here

Public transport is very good in Walthamstow. St James Street Station (overground), Blackhorse Road Station (for The Victoria Line and overground) and Walthamstow Central Station (for the Victoria line) are in Travelcard Zone 3. To the south there is Leyton Station (for the Central Line), also in Travelcard Zone 3, which is just one stop away from Stratford, for Stratford International, the Elizabeth Line, Jubilee line and DLR and overground). Road links are also very good with the A12, M11 and A406 north circular principal roads all within easy driving distance.

Local Knowledge and History

Walthamstow Village is the oldest part of Walthamstow with its own parish church building, St Mary's Church (the first church building dated to the 12th Century). The tower of the present church building dates to the 14th Century. The building was restored in the post war period after suffering heavy bomb damage. There is an attractive timber framed house known as 'Ancient House' opposite the churchyard, which dates back to the 15th century in what is Walthamstow Village Conservation Area. In a 2022 poll carried out by Time Out magazine, Walthamstow E17 was given the accolade of 17th coolest neighbourhood globally, and the only part of London that made it into the top hit list.

Dining Out

There is a mature dining out offering in Walthamstow to suit all tastes. Krantas Restaurant, Koli’s, Kulan, Dhaka Tandoori, Shir Lakshmi Foods, Frey Restaurant and The Bell, are just a few of the eateries in town.

Shopping

The pedestrianised High Street which runs east-west between St James Street to the west and Hoe Street to the east, with branded and independent retail shops and restaurants and hosting Walthamstow Market open Tuesday to Saturday - described as the longest open air market in Europe, spanning a kilometre of the High Street.

Museums and Cultural Activities

The William Morris Gallery (renowned former local resident and contributor to the Arts and Crafts movement) can be visited, as well as Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum, and the Vestry House Museum (temporarily closed for revitalisation and due to open in 2026). The E17 Art Trail is back in 2024 between the dates 1-16 June, and artist-led, community-powered arts festival.

Theatre and Cinema Venues

The old Empire will reopen as Forest Cinemas, and is aiming for a summer 2024 reopening date. Soho Theatre, a performing arts venue is due to open in 2025 in Hoe Street, with a 1000 capacity venue in the former Granada/EMD theatre.

Sports Facilities

Walthamstow Leisure Centre offers a variety of indoor courts and gym facilities, and Walthamstow Feel Good Centre offers further facilities with an indoor swimming pool, athletics track, climbing, and more, and there are other gyms in the borough.