My Stratford To Hackney Wick Walk Via Fish Island is perfect for anyone who wants an exciting East London walk. You’ll start in Stratford where you will explore the town centre and its historic buildings. Afterwards, you’ll take the Greenway Walk to the atmospheric Fish Island. Next are the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park attractions, including the London Stadium and ArcelorMittal Orbit. You may want to stop for lunch at Barge East, the 120-year-old Dutch Barge. Cross over the river into Hackney Wick, a vibrant part of East London that’s awash with street art and microbreweries. Afterwards, you can head home or return to Stratford and shop at the Westfield Mall.
Stratford To Hackney Wick Walk Via Fish Island Highlights
Begin your journey at Stratford Station, exit where you see Robert the Tank Engine. The Ironside Engine Company built the red locomotive in Bristol in 1933. Its original name was Lamport Number 3 because it was one of three engines transporting coal for the Lamport Ironside Mines. After the mines closed and a stint at several museums, the engine is now called Robert and resides outside Stratford station.
Explore the historical gems of the original Stratford Town Centre to get an idea of what the area was like before the regeneration. The Theatre Royal Stratford East is a beautiful Victorian building dating to 1884, with a statue of Director Joan Littlewood in front.
Continue to the Broadway, where you’ll see the stunning St John’s Church, built on a site previously a Forest Prison incarcerating those committing offences against the Royal Forest of Waltham. Nearby is the Grade II Listed Old Town Hall by architect John Giles, built-in 1869. The opposite is the Samuel Gurney Monument; he was a philanthropist who lived in the area. You’ll also notice the King Edward VII pub, a Grade II listed building on the Broadway.
Continue down Broadway, which changes into the High Street to where the Greenway Walk crosses. This elevated walk begins at Victoria Park and ends at the Royal Docks in Beckton. Get onto the Greenway Walk to Fish Island. You’ll get great views over the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. There’s a café called The View Tube with outdoor seating, a stop-off for a drink and the use of the toilets. Eventually, you will cross over the River Lea and into Fish Island.
Fish Island isn’t an island, although it does feel like one. The 50-acre triangle patch of land has water on two sides; the third is the A12 road. It has an atmospheric feel with industrial warehouses, street art along with film and photography studios. You’ll also find a few places to eat and hang out alongside the river.
After exploring Fish Island, cross over the bridge near the Old Ford Locks and along the riverbank. Head towards the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to see the London Stadium and ArcelorMittal Orbit.
If you return to the river, you will encounter Old Barge East, a floating restaurant. If you want to plan, I’d recommend booking lunch at the 120-year-old Dutch Bar, an experience you’ll never forget.
Just past Barge East is White Post Lane, with a bridge taking you to Hackney Wick. The white building with street art is Crate Brewery, serving craft beer and pizza. Have a roam around where you will see colourful street art, warehouse buildings, vintage clothing markets and more. Those preferring craft beer can find one of the microbreweries. If you want to stop off for brunch or lunch, I can recommend the Pearl Hackney Wick.
After exploring Hackney Wick, you can either travel home from there or cross over one of the bridges back to the Stratford side of the river and find your way back to Stratford Station. If you do this, you may want to pop into Hackney Bridge Kitchen, which has street food vendors or drink and dine at Here East. Stratford station is connected to the Westfield Stratford City Mall should you wish to shop, drink or eat.
Stratford To Hackney Wick Walk Via Fish Island Information
The walk will take you all day because there are so many exciting things to see and explore. I’ve written a few posts about the area which are worth reading before your visits:
Ten Things To Do In Stratford
Ten Things To Do On Fish Island
Barge East Restaurant Review
https://homegirllondon.com/ten-things-to-do-in-hackney-wick-london/
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
