Best Things to Do in Walthamstow | East London Guide

Walthamstow offers a mix of cultural, historical, and outdoor attractions, making it a diverse and interesting part of London to explore.

Whether you’re interested in art, history, nature, or local markets, Walthamstow has something to offer for a day out or a longer stay. 

One of the main differences between somewhere like Walthamstow compared to central London is its local atmosphere. Nothing about it is touristy. It’s a little rough around the edges in places, but that’s all part of its charm.

Due to its more affordable housing, great transport links, and leafy parks, more and more people are choosing to live in Walthamstow. As a result more businesses are cropping up, including an array of fabulous eateries, breweries, independent shops. and cultural events happening around the year.

I encourage you to visit this part of London, and to help you do so, I’ve put together this guide of the best things to do in Walthamstow. 

How to get to Walthamstow

Last summer my twin, Ki, moved to Walthamstow in North East London. I’d never been before so when he said he was having a house-warming BBQ I thought it would also be the perfect time to scope out the area. Adding to that was the prospect of playing my favourite game besides chess – Articulate.

Since the BBQ I’ve been back plenty of times and could happily see myself living there too, especially since transport links to get there are so good:

• By Tube: Walthamstow is served by the Victoria Line. Walthamstow Central station is the main tube station in the area. From Green Park Station for example, it only takes 20 minutes on the tube to get to Walthamstow Central.
• By Overground: Walthamstow Queen’s Road and Walthamstow Central are on the London Overground network.
• By Bus: Multiple bus routes connect Walthamstow to other parts of London.

1. Soak up the quaint atmosphere at Walthamstow Village

Walthamstow village is about as charming as things get with its quintessentially English buildings, leafy lanes, and stone buildings. Exploring around this part of town is like stepping back in time.

Head to Orford Road for a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a popular spot for local shopping and dining.

For breakfast or brunch make your way to Froth & Rind. Behind its eye-catching blue facade, it’s buttermilk fried chicken which comes on a waffle along with egg, bacon, avocado and hot sauce is a favourite among locals.

Don’t miss: Walthamstow’s Ancient House (pictured), located in the village, is reputedly London’s oldest home, dating back over 600 years.

Originally built in the reign of Henry VI, they certainly picked the right name for it. Unfortunately you can’t go inside since it’s a private-rented property, but no stroll around Walthamstow is complete without admiring the facade of this beautiful building. 

2. Drown in neon at God’s Own Junkyard

Easily the most popular thing about Walthamstow is this neon paradise located on an industrial estate. God’s Own Junkyard is a shimmering Aladdin’s cave jam-packed with new and salvaged retro neon signage for the most unmanageable purposes. As well as all the religious iconography, disco balls and shimmering film props hang from the ceiling and smother every available surface. If I had money, I’d enjoy squandering it on something gaudy and highly unnecessary.

And because this place has a become a well-loved stop for tourists, there’s a cafe inside called The Rolling Scones – whoever came up with that pun is a genius.

3. Industrial units turned into local breweries

Literally across the yard from God’s Own Junkyard are several microbreweries that have recently cropped up in the last few years. Make sure to pull up a seat at the Wild Card Brewery Barrel Store, and if you have a taste for more, check out what Pillars Brewery has to offer.

This place truly comes alive during the summer with when the taps are non-stop flowing, along with music and live events. With the addition of a few food trucks, it’s easy to spend hours here just soaking up the atmosphere while catching up with friends.

Tip: If you’re big on breweries you’ll also love Blackhorse Beer Mile (also known as the Walthamstow Beer Mile). Located nearby, just a few minutes’ from Blackhorse station, you will find severn breweries located next to each other. 

4. Visit the William Morris Gallery

The William Morris Gallery was a sleepy little museum that was in danger of being run into the ground before the Council invested heavily in 2012 into bringing it back to its former glory. It won Museum of the Year 2013, seeing off competition from across the country. It is certainly a charming little museum with a remarkable collection and an orangery-inspired café.

William Morris was an artist, designer, craftsman, writer, textile designer, poet, novelist, translator, and a socialist activist. Explore the museum and learn about Morris’ life and taste for beauty. He’s a fascinating guy. At a time when industrialisation was in full swing, he was already thinking about social reforms and workers rights. You can read all about him here.

In addition is the surrounding grounds of the museum that offers the perfect place to relax, particularly with the whole family or just with a book in tow.

For open hours and current exhibitions visit the William Morris Museum website.

5. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Bühler and Co

Head back up towards the high street and stop off at Bühler and Co, my favourite vegetarian café in the whole of London. Run by Meg and Rosie Bühler, sisters from New Zealand, the café serves devilishly delicious food.

Sit in the covered garden area and have the quinoa cakes, poached eggs, and halloumi for lunch or the French toast and figs if you’d prefer a sweet brunch. If you’re a sucker for something more traditional then the veggie fry up is the one for you. The photos say it all.

Also worth trying: A couple of doors up from Bühler and Co is Wynwood. I’d say the quality at Bühler is better overall for a sit down meal, but Wynwood has a tasty selection of sweet treats and coffees for on-the-go.

6. Indulge in tasty tapas at Don Francisco Y La Luna

I honestly wasn’t expecting too much from this place, particularly since it’s on the main high street, but I’m so glad I pulled up a seat. It’s an absolute gem.

They say the best cooking is transportive, and the food here could easily be mistaken for what you’d find in a little Spanish village where traditional homely restaurants serve up nana’s favourite dishes.

It’s normal when you order a lot at a restaurant that some dishes can be hit or miss, but everything that flowed out of the kitchen was as tasty and as fresh as can be. If seafood is your thing, you’re in for a treat. Excellent value too.

7. Mooch around the market

The outdoor market on Walthamstow’s high street is the longest market in Europe. I’m hasten to add it’s not the largest, so you won’t find it sprawling off onto side-streets.

It’s no Portobello Road either – I must make that clear. However, it’s the ideal place to go for everyday items that won’t cost an arm or a leg.

You’d be hard pressed to find anywhere more affordable in London to find fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s also great for practical household items like pots and pans and you’ll find some stalls selling second-hand objects too.

Lining the market on the main High Street is a great diversity of shops. You can find Polish, Caribbean, Indian and Turkish shops all on the same street, and yes, there’s a regular Tescos if you really need it! If cooking is your thing, you won’t be disappointed with all the produce on your doorstep. I live in Greenwich, which isn’t very diverse so this is something I really miss.

Walthamstow feels like one of the few places left in London that hasn’t been entirely gentrified. Housing prices are still comparatively a bit more affordable and you can find lots of tasty ‘cheap eats’ from cuisine all around the world. Peckham is also a great shout. While it has undergone gentrification somewhat it has managed to maintain its roots so to speak.

Just off the bottom of main High Street, on the corner of Pretoria Avenue, you can find a mural by Banksy that was recently added in August 2024. It was one of 5 that appeared overnight across London. There’s another in on Brick Lane that I’ve documented in this street art guide of Shoreditch.

8. Explore Walthamstow Wetlands

Walthamstow Wetlands is a significant nature reserve and urban wetland located in next to Blackhorse Station. It is one of the largest urban wetland reserves in Europe and provides a valuable habitat for wildlife, including a variety of bird species.

The area offers several walking trails and paths, ideal if you want to escape the city. Explore the diverse landscapes, including woodlands, meadows, and open water areas.

You might also like: Walking From Tower Hill to Canary Wharf

Parting thoughts

My favourite thing about Walthamstow is how diverse it is in terms of, well, everything. It has artisan sourdough bakeries, craft ale stores and organic shops, while at the same time lots of markets and a few Poundland shops to keep the town grounded in its working-class roots.

If you want to add to your growing list of things to do in London, make sure to visit Walthamstow. Or if you’re currently living in London but looking for somewhere more affordable to call home, Walthamstow is a no-brainer.

Right, well I’m going to play Articulate now. Happy exploring!

Further reading: Discover the best parks in East London

What are your favourite things to do in Walthamstow?