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Newham University Hospital, Glen Road, E13 8SL  |
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Stratford is one of the most important transport hubs in the whole of London and the primary gateway to East London. The station is a major interchange point serving no fewer than six modes of public transport: the Central line, the Jubilee line, the DLR, the Elizabeth line (Crossrail), the London Overground Mildmay line, and National Rail services towards East Anglia. Nearby Stratford International adds high-speed domestic rail into the mix. Few stations outside the central Zone 1 core match Stratford’s connectivity.
The station was transformed as part of the massive infrastructure investment for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, which were hosted in and around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park directly adjacent to the station. What was once a declining post-industrial area of East London has been completely regenerated: today Stratford is home to Westfield Stratford City (one of the largest urban shopping centres in Europe), the London Stadium (home of West Ham United FC), the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit tower and slide, the London Aquatics Centre, the Lee Valley VeloPark, and hundreds of acres of award-winning parkland and waterways.
Stratford is in Zone 2/3 in the London Borough of Newham and represents the outstanding example of what targeted Olympic investment and infrastructure can do to regenerate an area. It is now one of the most visited and rapidly developing parts of London, with ongoing residential and commercial development planned to continue well into the 2030s.
The DLR at Stratford provides vital links into the Docklands and beyond. Multiple DLR services operate from Stratford, dividing at Poplar into different branches.
A short walk or one DLR stop north of Stratford main station is Stratford International — a remarkable station with an unusual history and a unique function.
What is Stratford International?
Stratford International station sits on High Speed 1 (HS1) — the only high-speed railway line in the United Kingdom, running from London St Pancras International to the Channel Tunnel via Kent. The station was built as part of the HS1 project and opened in 2009, designed as a potential Eurostar stopping point for Stratford to allow passengers to board international services without travelling all the way to St Pancras.
However, Eurostar has never served Stratford International and the international platforms are no longer used at all. The domestic platforms are busy and served by:
The station building itself is architecturally impressive — a sweeping glass-and-steel structure on an elevated deck. From the outside it is larger than its passenger numbers might suggest, owing to the originally planned international capacity. It is a short walk from Stratford main station through the Westfield shopping centre or directly via Great Eastern Road.
Practical note: The Southeastern High Speed Javelin service from Stratford International to St Pancras (7 minutes) is by far the fastest way to reach St Pancras from Stratford — faster even than the Jubilee and Northern line combination. It requires a National Rail ticket (not covered by Travelcard Zones 1–2/3 unless specifically noted); check before travelling.
Westfield Stratford City is one of the largest urban shopping centres in Europe, opened in September 2011 in anticipation of the 2012 Olympics. It is directly connected to Stratford station — you walk straight in from the station concourse without going outside. The centre covers 1.9 million square feet of retail, dining, and leisure across two floors, with over 250 stores, 70 restaurants and cafes, a Vue Cinema (17 screens), a casino, a bowling alley, and a hotel.
Major stores include John Lewis (flagship anchor; full department store with concessions, electronics, and a rooftop terrace), Marks & Spencer (large food hall and clothing), H&M, Zara, Next, Boots, Apple Store, Primark, Nike, Adidas, JD Sports, Uniqlo, and many more. The Food Court on the upper level and the dedicated restaurant terrace offer an enormous range of cuisines. Westfield operates long opening hours seven days a week.
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the centrepiece of the 2012 legacy and one of the most significant new public spaces created in London in decades. Built on 560 acres of formerly derelict industrial land in the Lea Valley, the park opened fully to the public in 2013 after the Games and has been continuously improving since. It is home to:
Entry to the park itself is free at all times. Allow half a day to explore the park on foot; a full day if visiting multiple attractions within it.
The London Stadium — originally built as the centrepiece of the 2012 Summer Olympics, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies and all athletics events — is now the home of West Ham United FC, which moved here from Upton Park (the Boleyn Ground) in 2016. The stadium has a current capacity of approximately 60,000 (reduced from 80,000 during the Olympics to allow closer proximity to the pitch).
The most distinctive landmark in east London and the first thing visible on the Stratford skyline, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is a 114.5-metre-tall observation tower and sculpture standing in the heart of the Olympic Park. Commissioned for the 2012 Olympics and designed by the celebrated sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor in collaboration with structural engineer Cecil Balmond, the Orbit’s dramatic red lattice structure twists and spirals around a central support column in a form that draws on Kapoor’s characteristic interest in the uncanny and the unresolved. It remains the tallest sculpture in the United Kingdom.
Designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid — one of the greatest architects of the 20th and 21st centuries — the London Aquatics Centre is architecturally one of the most beautiful sports buildings in the world. Its extraordinary wave-shaped roof, inspired by the geometry of water in motion, sweeps dramatically over two 50-metre Olympic swimming pools and a diving pool. Built for the 2012 Games (where it hosted all the swimming and diving events), the centre is now operated by the London Legacy Development Corporation as a public swimming facility and elite training venue.
The VeloPark was the velodrome built for the 2012 Olympics, where the British cycling team won an extraordinary haul of gold medals. Designed by Hopkins Architects and known as “the Pringle” for the shape of its distinctive curved roof, the velodrome is consistently rated one of the best-designed sports buildings in the UK. The 250-metre indoor banked track is available for public cycling sessions alongside the world-class BMX track and the mountain bike and road cycling circuit outside.
The Copper Box was one of the most-used venues of the 2012 Olympics, hosting handball, fencing, and modern pentathlon. Now a public multi-sport facility open to all, the arena offers badminton, basketball, netball, volleyball, boxing, and fitness facilities. Public sessions are bookable online; the corten-steel “copper” cladding gives the building its distinctive warm amber tone. A less-visited Olympic legacy venue that rewards a look both inside and outside.
The former International Broadcast Centre and Main Press Centre from the 2012 Olympics has been transformed into Here East — a major creative technology campus hosting BT Sport (now TNT Sports) studios, Loughborough University London, UCL Institute of Education, Plexal innovation hub, and numerous start-ups and creative businesses. The waterside setting, with the canal running alongside, has several cafés and pop-up food stalls. A fascinating example of Olympic legacy repurposing; the BT Sport studios occasionally host public events and tours.
One of London’s most historically important and beloved community theatres, the Theatre Royal Stratford East on Gerry Raffles Square has been presenting groundbreaking productions since the 1950s. Under the direction of Joan Littlewood, it produced “Oh What a Lovely War!”, “A Taste of Honey”, and a series of productions that transformed British theatre. Today it continues to produce new and innovative work with a strong East London community focus. The venue is a Grade II-listed building and a cultural landmark of immense importance. Check their website for current programme.
The accommodation that housed 16,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes during the 2012 Games has been converted into the East Village — a new residential neighbourhood of approximately 2,800 homes surrounding a network of streets, squares, and gardens. The neighbourhood includes a supermarket, cafes, restaurants, and public art installations. Walking through East Village gives a fascinating insight into how the Olympic village has been integrated into everyday London life; the high-quality urban design and public realm continue to be cited as exemplary models of Olympic legacy housing conversion.
Directly within the Westfield Stratford City development, the Novotel is the most conveniently located hotel for both the Olympic Park and Stratford station. Modern, four-star rooms; a restaurant, bar, and pool. An excellent base for those attending events at the London Stadium or visiting the Olympic Park venues; also well-suited for those using Stratford as a base to explore central London via the excellent Elizabeth line and Jubilee line connections.
An IHG-branded aparthotel aimed at longer-stay guests, with kitchen facilities in each unit. Well-equipped, comfortable, and good value for extended stays. Close to both Stratford station and Stratford International; popular with business travellers and families visiting the Olympic Park attractions for multiple days.
A colourful budget-friendly hotel on Stratford High Street with good on-site dining and easy station access. Cheerful, well-maintained rooms. A practical choice for those on a tighter budget wanting to be close to the Olympic Park and Westfield.
Adjacent to Stratford station, the Premier Inn provides reliable, clean rooms at consistently good-value prices. A sensible choice for families visiting the Olympic Park, for West Ham match days, or for those using Stratford as a transport hub to reach central London. The on-site Thyme restaurant follows the standard Premier Inn formula and provides a straightforward breakfast and evening meal option.
If looking for something more luxurious within easy reach of Stratford, the Canary Riverside Plaza (Marriott) in Canary Wharf offers five-star accommodation with Thames views, an indoor pool, and excellent restaurants. Just 14 minutes from Stratford on the Jubilee line; a fine choice for those wanting a premium stay while keeping Stratford’s transport connections close at hand.
Stratford is within the Greater London ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone). Non-compliant petrol vehicles older than 2006 and diesel vehicles older than 2015 face a daily charge of £12.50 to enter the zone. The Congestion Charge does not apply at Stratford (it covers only the Zone 1 central area). Parking in the Stratford area is relatively limited and in high demand on event days.
A handsome J.D. Wetherspoon conversion in a former bank building on Stratford Broadway. Typical Wetherspoon offer of real ales, budget food, and long opening hours. The building itself is impressive with high ceilings and original banking hall features. Popular with a diverse local crowd; extremely busy on West Ham match days and during Olympic Park events.
A traditional East End pub on the Broadway — a proper local with a long history in Stratford and a loyal regular crowd. Serves a good range of cask ales alongside the standard lager and spirits. A more authentic local experience than the chain pubs at Westfield; worth seeking out for those who prefer a neighbourhood pub atmosphere.
A craft beer and cocktail bar popular with the young professional East London crowd that has arrived in the Stratford area with the Olympic regeneration. Good rotating selection of craft ales and an interesting cocktail menu. Lively at weekends; quieter on weekday evenings. The food offering includes good bar snacks and sharing plates.
Westfield Stratford contains numerous bars and restaurant-bars as part of its leisure offer. The All Bar One, Pitcher & Piano, and various independent bar-restaurant concepts on the restaurant terrace provide everything from casual drinks to full cocktail bars. Convenient and well-maintained; not especially atmospheric but extremely practical for pre-cinema drinks or a post-shopping glass of wine.
One of East London’s most celebrated craft breweries, Crate occupies a beautiful canalside warehouse in Hackney Wick and brews its own range of ales and craft beers on-site. The pizzeria alongside is outstanding. A canal towpath walk or cycling route leads from the Olympic Park to Crate’s towpath terrace, making it a perfect end to a day in the park. The outdoor canalside seating in summer is one of the finest pub settings in East London. Reach by foot along the River Lea canal path from the Olympic Park.
The upper-floor restaurant terrace at Westfield Stratford City offers one of the widest choices of cuisines in East London under one roof. Options range from Wagamama, Nando’s, Five Guys, Byron Burger, and Zizzi through to more premium dining at Cabana Brazilian Barbecue, Creams Café, and various independent operators. The Food Court on the lower floor adds Asian noodle bars, sushi, and street food-style options. Practical, varied, and efficient — ideal for families with children or for a quick meal before or after an Olympic Park visit.
On non-match days, the area around the London Stadium and ArcelorMittal Orbit has a growing selection of cafés and casual restaurants, particularly on the park’s event days. Check the park’s website for current food traders and pop-ups, which change seasonally.
One of London’s best fried chicken restaurants with a sophisticated East London sensibility. The bird is brined, seasoned, and fried to order with creative sauces and sides. The cocktail-sour pairings are genuinely inspired. A cut above the standard fried chicken chains and a popular choice in Westfield.
A short bus or cycle ride from Stratford (or a pleasant canal-towpath walk via Hackney Wick), Brat is one of London’s most acclaimed restaurants — a Michelin-starred open-fire cooking restaurant in a railway arch at Broadway Market. Exceptional seasonal British and Basque-influenced cooking over wood fire. Booking essential months in advance for evenings; lunch slightly easier to obtain. Worth the short journey from Stratford for a special meal.
For a more sophisticated dinner, the Jubilee line puts Canary Wharf’s excellent restaurant scene within 14 minutes. Hawksmoor, Plateau (rooftop Modern French), the Gun (historic gastropub on the Isle of Dogs), and the Canary Wharf waterfront restaurants are all accessible quickly and easily from Stratford.
A large 17-screen multiplex within Westfield Stratford City, showing the full range of mainstream and premium cinema releases. Includes IMAX and luxury “Gold Class” seating options. Open daily from morning to midnight; one of the most comprehensive cinema offerings in East London and very conveniently located directly off the station concourse.
In addition to West Ham United home matches (20+ Premier League fixtures per season) and the annual London Diamond League athletics meeting, the London Stadium hosts some of the UK’s largest concerts and live events. Major artists performing here typically occupy the venue for multiple nights; the sound and production values have improved significantly since the stadium’s early years. Check the London Stadium website for the current events calendar.
Public track cycling sessions are available for all abilities at the VeloPark — hiring a track bike and taking a taster session on the 250-metre indoor velodrome is a genuinely thrilling experience even for beginners. Elite races, national championships, and international track cycling events are held here regularly and are open to spectators at very reasonable ticket prices. Check the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority website for the racing calendar.
The Copper Box hosts public badminton, basketball, and fitness classes alongside occasional larger sports events and competitions. Well-equipped and professionally run; a highly accessible way to try a sport in an Olympic venue.
As noted in Attractions, the Theatre Royal Stratford East presents a year-round programme of new writing, musicals, and community productions. Tickets are typically well-priced; the venue holds approximately 450 in its main house. An important cultural institution and a distinctive alternative to West End theatres for those based in East London.
As covered in Attractions — the 178-metre Carsten Höller corkscrew slide and the observation deck are a genuinely unique entertainment experience. The slide in particular is one of the most unusual and memorable things you can do in London. The queues are longest in school holidays and on sunny weekends; a midweek visit offers a more relaxed experience.
London’s largest indoor concert and entertainment arena (capacity 20,000), the O2 in Greenwich is just 10 minutes from Stratford on the Jubilee line (change at Canning Town for North Greenwich). Home to major arena concerts, boxing, tennis (the ATP Finals), and other spectator events. The O2 also contains a cinema, restaurants, a bowling alley, and the Up at the O2 roof walk experience — walking across the outside of the O2 dome’s famous white roof. Very well connected to Stratford.
One of the UK’s primary exhibition and conference venues, ExCeL London in Royal Docks is reachable from Stratford via DLR in approximately 15 minutes (Stratford → Canning Town → Custom House). It hosts major trade shows, consumer events (gaming, food, cars), boxing and MMA events, and conferences throughout the year. Check the ExCeL website for the current events calendar.
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