Stratford is a major district in the London Borough of Newham, east London. Its origins lie in a medieval settlement and important crossing of the River Lea, while industrialisation and railway development turned it into a major transport and manufacturing centre. The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games brought a dramatic transformation, creating Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and establishing Stratford as one of London's leading destinations for sport, culture, business and leisure.
Stratford: Historical sights and information
Facts about Stratford
- Latitude:
- 51.540963
- Longitude:
- 0.000614
- GPS Coordinates:
- 51°32' N, 00°00' E
The historical and tourist importance of the district
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is Stratford's defining modern attraction, containing the London Stadium, London Aquatics Centre, Copper Box Arena and ArcelorMittal Orbit. The park combines major sporting architecture with gardens, waterways, playgrounds and walking routes. Westfield Stratford City provides one of Europe's largest urban shopping and entertainment complexes, while the historic Theatre Royal Stratford East has played an important role in London's performing arts. The nearby River Lea and Hackney Wick add canalside landscapes, studios and independent cultural spaces.
Food, shopping and when to visit
Stratford has an exceptionally broad food scene, ranging from international street food and casual restaurants to established dining venues in and around Westfield. Caribbean, South Asian, African, Turkish, Middle Eastern, East Asian, British and European cuisines are widely represented. Westfield Stratford City offers extensive shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Late spring through early autumn is particularly enjoyable for exploring the Olympic Park and waterways, while the district's theatres, shopping and cultural venues make it a major destination throughout the year.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Stratford.