East Ham is a major district in east London within the London Borough of Newham. The area developed from a rural parish into a densely populated suburb during the nineteenth century as railways and industrial expansion transformed the surrounding landscape. Victorian and Edwardian development created the characteristic terraces and civic buildings seen today. East Ham has since become one of London's most culturally diverse districts, with communities from many parts of the world shaping its food, commerce and everyday life.
East Ham: Historical sights and information
Facts about East Ham
- Latitude:
- 51.533749
- Longitude:
- 0.054367
- GPS Coordinates:
- 51°32' N, 00°03' E
The historical and tourist importance of the district
East Ham's historic centre contains a number of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, while Central Park provides a substantial area of green space within the urban district. Nearby East Ham Nature Reserve offers a smaller but valuable wildlife area. The district is also close to the Royal Docks and the modern waterfront attractions of east London, including ExCeL London and the Thames Barrier. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford provides major sporting, cultural and recreational attractions a short journey away.
Food, shopping and when to visit
East Ham has one of London's most varied high-street food scenes, with South Asian, African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Turkish and European restaurants, cafés, bakeries and specialist food shops. Green Street and the surrounding shopping areas are particularly well known for independent retail and international cuisine. Late spring through early autumn is pleasant for exploring parks and nearby waterfront areas, while the district's shops and restaurants remain lively throughout the year. East Ham is especially suitable for visitors interested in multicultural London and everyday urban culture.