Walthamstow is a major district in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, northeast London. The settlement has medieval origins and developed from a rural village into an industrial and residential suburb as London expanded. Railway connections accelerated growth during the nineteenth century, while the twentieth century brought further diversification and the development of a strong multicultural identity.
Walthamstow: Historical sights and information
Facts about Walthamstow
- Latitude:
- 51.592333
- Longitude:
- -0.004897
- GPS Coordinates:
- 51°36' N, 00°00' W
The historical and tourist importance of the district
Walthamstow Market is one of the district's defining attractions and is one of the longest outdoor markets in Europe, offering a wide variety of food, clothing and household goods. William Morris Gallery celebrates the life and work of the influential Arts and Crafts designer, who was born in Walthamstow. Lloyd Park provides attractive gardens and open space, while Walthamstow Wetlands offers extensive reservoirs, walking routes and wildlife habitats. The nearby Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge and Epping Forest provide further historic and natural attractions.
Food, shopping and when to visit
Walthamstow has an exceptionally diverse food scene, with Turkish, Kurdish, Caribbean, African, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Italian and British cuisines widely represented. The market and surrounding streets contain independent food shops, cafés, restaurants and specialist retailers. Late spring through early autumn is particularly enjoyable for visiting the wetlands, Lloyd Park and Epping Forest, while the market, galleries and restaurants make the district lively throughout the year.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Walthamstow.