Back

8 of the best things to see and do in Upton Park

Nov 05, 2018
The Best Things to See and Do in Upton Park

Key Takeaways

Queen’s Market:
A diverse and vibrant market near Upton Park underground station.
Offers African, South East Asian, and Indian foodstuffs, as well as jewellery and household goods.
 
East Ham Central Park:
Wide green space ideal for family relaxation.
Large playground for kids.
 
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and London Stadium:
Just over two miles away in nearby Stratford.
London Stadium hosts West Ham United matches.
 
Newham City Farm:
One of London’s oldest city farms.
Shire horses, beehives, and exotic birds.

Theatre Royal Stratford East:
Family-friendly theatre addressing London residents’ issues.
Relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Thames Barrier Park:
Stunning park along the river.
Breathtaking views of the Thames Barrier and architecture.
 
Discover Children’s Story Centre:
Perfect for kids under 11 and parents.
Play, learn, craft, and create stories together.
 
Upton Park was once synonymous with West Ham United. The area was home to the Upton Park stadium, or the Boleyn Ground as it was formerly known. With the stadium now gone, Upton Park is fast becoming a vibrant and up and coming place to call home. There are plenty of restaurants in the area along Green Street and much in the way of family-friendly activities in the vicinity. Here are eight of the best things to see and do in Upton Park.

 

1. Queen’s Market

The Queen’s Market, also called Green Street Market or Upton Park Market, is right next to Upton Park underground station and is one of the most vibrant and diverse markets in London. You’ll likely find African, South East Asian and Indian foodstuffs on sale as well as jewellery and household goods. The market hosts plenty of events throughout the year and is also popular with TV chefs who sometimes film there.
 

2. East Ham Central Park

East Ham Central Park is a wide open green space, ideal for a day relaxing with the family under one of the mature trees. There is a large playground which is fantastic for kids, and throughout the year the park hosts plenty of events, including August’s Under the Stars event. And if you fancy a bite, the park café is one of the best places to eat around Upton Park.
 

3. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and London Stadium

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and London Stadium, originally built for the 2012 London Olympic Games, is just over two miles away from Upton Park, in nearby Stratford. West Ham United has moved to play in the London Stadium, while the park itself promises much in the way of fun including abseiling or sliding down the UK’s tallest sculpture and exploring the unique parklands and waterways. It’s also home to the London Aquatics Centre.
 

4. Newham City Farm

This is one of London’s oldest and most established city farms and is a great day out for the kids. There are shire horses, beehives, and plenty of rare and exotic birds, as well as a superb farm shop for some fresh produce.
 

5. Theatre Royal Stratford East

This is a family-friendly and fun theatre, hosting regular plays dealing with many of the issues faced by residents of London today. It’s relaxed and informal, excellent for kids and has an outside bar area to enjoy before and after the play.
 

6. Thames Barrier Park

This stunning park is the perfect place to while away hours, taking photographs of the superb architecture and the Thames Barrier itself. The park runs along the river and while it can get quite cold and windy in winter, the views are breath-taking making it well worth a visit. The park also has a kids play area and café.
 

7. Discover Children’s Story Centre

This is a fantastic one for the kids. Located less than two miles from Upton Park, it’s a place for children under 11 and parents to play, learn, craft and make up stories together. The interior is decked out to help the little one’s imaginations run wild in the Story Worlds and Story Garden. There’s even a Story Studio that often hosts interactive exhibitions with famous illustrators.
 

8. The O2

You can eat in one of the many restaurants within the O2, attend a music concert, and even get up on the roof for 360° views across the capital. You can also enjoy one of London’s newest modes of public transport, by taking the Emirates Air Line Cable Car from the Docklands (five minutes from the O2) over to Greenwich.

 
  

Related Articles