About Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London (E20 2ST), is the spectacular legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Stretching across 560 acres of parklands, waterways and world-class venues, it is one of London’s most popular destinations for sport, culture and family days out. The park is home to the London Stadium, London Aquatics Centre, the ArcelorMittal Orbit and the Copper Box Arena, surrounded by open green space, play areas and wildlife habitats.
Its wide, accessible paths and flat routes also make it one of the best places in London for charity runs and corporate sporting events, including the annual Haven House Olympic Park Run.
What to Expect
Visitors can explore the parklands, picnic by the water, climb the ArcelorMittal Orbit or enjoy the playgrounds and seasonal events held throughout the year. The park is designed to be open and accessible to everyone, with step-free routes linking the main venues. On event evenings such as the Haven House 5K & 10K Charity Run, the park buzzes with teams of runners warming up beneath the stadium lights, supported by event staff, marshals and cheering spectators.
The park also offers quiet corners away from the crowds, with wildflower meadows, waterways and wildlife to discover, making it as suited to a relaxed weekend stroll as it is to a competitive race. Families will find plenty to occupy children of all ages, from the climbing structures and water play in the playgrounds to the giant slide on the Orbit and the many pop-up food and drink stalls during event weekends.
Getting There
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is superbly connected. Stratford station is the main gateway, served by the Central and Jubilee lines, the Elizabeth line, London Overground, DLR and National Rail services. Stratford International (high-speed and Southeastern) is also close by, and numerous bus routes serve the area. For drivers, parking is available at the Westfield Stratford City car parks, with the park a short walk away. Cyclists can use the extensive cycle routes that link the park to the surrounding neighbourhoods, and there are cycle parking hubs at the main entrances.
Good to Know
The parklands themselves are free to enter and open to the public, while entry to some venues and attractions is ticketed. Toilets, cafés and baby-changing facilities are available around the park, and the flat, paved paths make it easy for pushchairs and wheelchair users. Check the official Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park website for opening times and visitor information before your visit.
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