Once dismissed as merely the end of the Victoria line, Walthamstow has quietly become one of London's coolest neighbourhoods. It really has a lot going for it; from brilliant local markets and quirky places to visit (looking at you, God's Own Junkyard), to beautiful nature spaces, award-winning pubs and an exceptional street food scene, a visit to E17 should certainly be on your radar.
Whether you’re new to the area, a local at a loose end, or just fancy doing something a little different, Walthamstow has plenty to keep you entertained. Discover our recommendations for the top things to do in Walthamstow below.
Fun Walthamstow Activities & Things To Do
1. God’s Own Junkyard
- Location: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, E17 9HQ
- Opening times: Friday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm; Sunday, 11am – 6pm
- Best for: art, coffee, cocktails, burgers, date night, kids
- Why we recommend: a bar, café and neon museum rolled into one, God’s Own Junkyard is perfect if you want something a little different to do with little ones or over a drink or two
Quirky, offbeat and beautifully in your face, God’s Own Junkyard is a treat for the eyes. Expect giant neon signs, bold art and plenty of bright lights. With a whole lot to grab the attention, it’s perfect if you’re on the lookout for things to do in Walthamstow with kids and toddlers.
The former studio of local legend Chris Bracey, it’s packed with vintage memorabilia and collectables with links to music royalty like The Rolling Stones and David Bowie.
Settle into the Rolling Scones café while you’re here for great coffee, creative cocktails and all kinds of snacks, from sandwiches and burgers to indulgent desserts.
We think God's Own Junkyard is one of the most unique places to visit in London.
2. William Morris Gallery
- Location: Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London, E17 4PP
- Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
- Best for: art, design, culture, dates
- Why we recommend: completely free to enter, the William Morris Gallery is a great day out – come for the amazing design, stay for the showstopping sarnies
Looking for things to do in Walthamstow today? The only public gallery dedicated to the legendary designer, craftsman and socialist, the William Morris Gallery is a must-visit whether you’re a mega-fan or simply love a pretty pattern.
In the Grade II-listed former Morris family home, it packs in the world’s largest collection of his work, along with modern exhibitions and all kinds of events.
Be sure to swing by Deeney’s while you’re here. The resident café is famous for its delicious toasties, with their signature creation, ‘The Macbeth’, often described as London’s best sandwich.
3. Walthamstow Trades Hall & Institute
- Location: Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17 4PP
- Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am - 5pm
- Best for: pool, darts, live music, pub quizzes
- Why we recommend: at the heart of the local community, Walthamstow Trades Hall serves up all kinds of entertainment – whether you’re looking for live performances or a quiet pint and a spot of pool
With roots dating back over 100 years, Walthamstow Trades Hall & Institute started life as a place for the working men of then rural Walthamstow to meet after a hard day’s graft. Now a member’s club, it hosts all kinds of regular events which are open to the public.
Member or not, get down here for drag shows, tribute acts, choirs, tea dances, quizzes, karaoke or a combo of the two, quizzioke – and plenty more besides. If you’d prefer to drop in for a reasonably priced pint and game of pool or darts, membership is just £50 a year.
You'll find all kinds of shows and experiences happening here.
4. Visit Walthamstow’s Best Bars & Restaurants
- Location: various
- Opening times: various
- Best for: craft beer, fine wines, cocktails, burgers, pizza, street food
- Why we recommend: I love the variety of spots in Walthamstow. There’s a pub, bar or restaurant for any occasion, from a quiet after-work pint to a big birthday bash
From traditional boozers and cafes to trendy wine bars and award-winning pizzerias, Walthamstow's food and drink scene has long been on the up. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a long and leisurely night out, there’s sure to be a spot to suit.
One of the best, The Chequers, serves up delicious slices from its house kitchen Pizza S'treat along with a solid selection of craft pints. Another, Renegade Urban Winery, is the place to go for some of the best wines this side of the city.
There’s more great beer and delicious dishes over at Malt Haus. Expect independent brews and a choice of sensational street food.
Check out our full Walthamstow Restaurant & Bar Guide.
Renegade Urbany Winery is the definition of industrial-chic.
5. Olfa Club
- Location: 46 St James St, Walthamstow, E17 7PE
- Opening times: Thursday – Saturday, 4pm – 11pm; Sunday, 3pm – 10pm
- Best for: wine, music, cheap drinks
- Why we recommend: I love the vibes at Olfa Club. It’s perfect for long and lazy afternoons with a bottle of wine or a cosy date night
If you’re on the lookout for things to do in Walthamstow this weekend, check out Olfa Club. From the husband-and-wife duo behind Long & Short Coffee, it serves up 27 wines by the glass, with prices starting from just £5.
As you savour every sip in the Japanese-inspired interiors, you’ll groove to a serious soundtrack. The record player here is open to all, so feel free to dive through the in-house crate or bring a few down from your own collection.
6. Blackhorse Beer Mile
- Location: E17
- Opening times: various
- Best for: pub crawls, craft beer, street food, groups
- Why we recommend: with an incredible seven stops, the Blackhorse Beer Mile is a full day’s entertainment, whether you’re on the ales, here for the street food or fancy a stronger tipple or two
Packing in five breweries, a winery and a brandy house, the Blackhorse Beer Mile is built for pub crawls and big days out. Along the route, you’ll find Big Penny Social, an impressive beer garden that’s perfect for alfresco pints.
To taste your way through some of the best local ales, tick off a few more breweries on the way too. 40ft Blackhorse Road and Signature Brew Blackhorse Road serve up beers brewed on site, Pretty Decent packs in 20 different taps, and Exale Brewery gives you sensational street food with your craft booze.
Fancy a different kind of tipple? Burnt Faith Brandy House is the one for top notch spirits and creative cocktails.
Enjoy a range of craft brews and artisan spirits on this epic beer mile.
7. Walthamstow Flea Market
- Location: 1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL
- Opening times: Sunday, 11am – 5pm
- Best for: shopping, bargains
- Why we recommend: bagging a bargain is the best way to start a Sunday – particularly if you follow it up with a pint in Big Penny Social’s giant beer hall.
In the super cool Big Penny Social, Walthamstow Flea Market is the place to go in search of vintage gems. Whether you’re looking for something specific or just love a browse, your retail therapy itch will be well and truly scratched.
You can pick up all sorts, from furniture and salvaged electricals to homewares, textiles, clothes, curiosities and collectibles. Be sure to swing into the beer hall while you’re here too, for a post crate-digging pint or two.
8. The Walthamstow Marshes and Wetlands
- Location: 2 Forest Road, Walthamstow, N17 9NH
- Opening times: October – March, 9:30am - 4pm; April – September, 9:30am - 5pm
- Best for: nature, walks, outdoor activities, free activities
- Why we recommend: you can spend all day here without spending a penny. I love the miles of trails – and the cute café is a beautiful added bonus
Spanning over 160 hectares, Walthamstow Wetlands is home to a whole load of wonderful wildlife, from rare waterfowl to beautiful birds of prey. A wander round here takes you through scrub-lined banks with wonderfully windswept views of the city.
Add this one to your list if you’re looking for free things to do in Walthamstow. Completely gratis to get in, it packs in 13 miles of paths waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking to escape the city, get some exercise or spot a bird or two, this place has got your back.
9. Supperclub.Tube
- Location: The Pump House Museum, adjacent to William Marshall Close, E17 8AN
- Opening times: Friday – Saturday, 7pm – 10pm
- Best for: group dining, food and drink, unique experiences
- Why we recommend: If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind restaurant, this is it. Expect six epic courses and wonderful wine served right to your seat on the tube
One of the most unique places to eat in the city, Supperclub.tube sees you tucking into a six course feast in a 1960s London Underground carriage. As you take your seat among the original interiors and signage, you’ll be served a delicious Colombian-inspired menu courtesy of head chef Beatriz Maldonado Carreño.
Expect chorizo empanadas, marinated pollock ceviche and braised beef short rib served with a chipotle and merlot sauce. There’s plenty of veggie and vegan options to pick from too. Whatever’s on your plate, pair it with wine or fizz from just £19 a bottle.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a quirkier dining experience than this.
10. CRATE Walthamstow
- Location: 45 Selborne Walk, Walthamstow, E17 7JR
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday, 9am – 9pm; Friday – Saturday, 9am – 9:30pm; Sunday, 10am – 7pm
- Best for: street food, cocktails, craft beer, kids, group activities
- Why we recommend: CRATE is a one-stop shop for all kinds of entertainment. Come for the workshops, stay for craft pints and street food delights
Upstairs in the always-buzzing 17&Central shopping centre, CRATE is a much-loved community hub. Bringing together food, drink, traders and local artists, it’s the place to be for everything from fitness classes and kids clubs to supper clubs and tasty tipples.
Whatever brings you down here, there’s plenty to keep you refreshed. Take your pick of loaded fries, tacos, Italian, spicy wings and all kinds of Asian delights. The drinks on offer are just as dreamy, with everything up for grabs, from craft beer to handcrafted cocktails.
From food and drink to locally made products, CRATE is a one-stop shop.
