Waltham Forest: The country and the city all rolled into one

Welcome to the birth place of David Beckham

If you’re looking for suburban living but still want to be close to nature and wide-open spaces, then look no further than Waltham Forest for your 2012 Olympic holiday accommodation.

Located in the northeast of the city, the beautiful London Borough of Waltham Forest has the perfect blend of forestland, parks, open spaces and built-up residential areas, with excellent transport links to central London. 
 
Waltham Forest has a rich history and culture, with remains and ruins dating back to the Stone Age and the Ancient Roman Empire. If history is not your thing, then you may be interested in the arts and crafts that can be found at the many studios and exhibitions throughout the borough. If the Olympic athletes are inspiring you to take part in more adventurous activities during your holiday, then you can always go quad biking or horse riding in the countryside that surrounds Waltham Forest.

The London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the host boroughs for the 2012 Olympics, which means you might just bump into some world-class athletes when you’re out sightseeing in the area.

Get close to the sporting action in Waltham Forest

Although Waltham Forest is not home to any Olympic venues it is a host borough. Eaton Manor in Leyton is home to three Olympic swimming pools, one synchronised swimming pool and one water polo pool, in which athletes can train. Eaton Manor will also host wheelchair tennis events during the Paralympic Games.

The town of Leyton borders the newly built Olympic Park in the neighbouring borough of Newham. The Olympic Park is the main hub of the 2012 London Olympics. Here you’ll find the grand Olympic Stadium, the Velodrome, an Aquatic Centre, Basketball Courts, a Hockey Centre and so much more.

With so much to see in one place you may not want to leave, but if you’d like to see some beach volleyball the Horse Guards Parade in Westminster is easily accessible by bus or train. If sailing is your passion you can head to Dorset for the Weymouth & Portland sailing events, or why not check out triathlon events at Hyde Park. Whatever your sport of choice may be, you’re never far from the Olympic action in Waltham Forest, and if you’d prefer to spend the day exploring the borough you can always keep up-to-date with the summer 2012 action by checking out The Big Screen in Walthamstow Town Square.

Best London Summer Accommodation

What else can Waltham Forest offer visitors?

When you’re not visiting the sports venues and cheering on the athletes, there is plenty to do and see in Waltham Forest. A unique way to see the attractions in the area is with the London Greeters. Local residents who want to share their knowledge with you will take you to the best attractions in the area. Best of all, it’s free of charge!

Football fans will definitely not want to miss The Beckham Trail. The Beckham Trail was an initiative by the London Borough of Waltham Forest that is designed to give visitors a glimpse into the early life of David Beckham. It starts at Whipps Cross Hospital, where David was born on 2nd May 1972. The trail takes you past childhood football clubs as well as Chase Lane Junior School and Chingford School where David was educated.

If you’re more interested in learning about the history of Waltham Forest you can always visit Vestry House Museum in the delightful historic Walthamstow Village before making your way to The William Morris Gallery.

If you work up an appetite with all this sightseeing you should pay a visit to Wilson’s Fish & Chips in Chingford. The fish and chips shop has recently been awarded the SeaFish Fish Fryers 5-star Quality Award, joining the fish frying elite of only 118 shops from across the entire UK.

Getting around Waltham Forest

There are a huge number of options for visitors wanting to travel around Waltham Forest and the rest of London.

Transport options include the Central and Victoria Lines of the London Underground, as well as railway routes and numerous bus routes, including 24-hour routes. Traveling by car, the A12 runs right through Waltham Forest.

For international travelers Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted are all within easy reach of public transport that link the airports to various stations in the city. With so many transport options available you’ll find it easy to make your way to Waltham Forest.