Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a testament to London’s spirit of adventure. As the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games, this sprawling park offers a unique blend of history, recreation, and attractions (read: the ArcelorMittal Orbit), and it’s all on Hackney Bridge’s doorstep.

1.A Triumph of Transformation

Once the stage for world-class athletes during the summer of 2012 (and who can forget that cracking opening ceremony?), the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has undergone an impressive transformation since its days as an Olympic venue. Today, it stands as a testament to London’s commitment to repurposing spaces, allowing them to evolve and serve a broader purpose. The park’s redevelopment has successfully turned it into a thriving urban oasis, offering a wide selection of activities and attractions for locals and visitors alike.

2. Ride the Slide

Standing 114.5m tall in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide and the UK’s highest free-fall abseil. Taking less time to boil a kettle, you’ll be at the bottom in 40 seconds. The tunnel slide wraps around the ArcelorMittal Orbit 12 times taking visitors through gentle curves, thrilling drops and a tight corkscrew named ‘the bettfeder’ (bedspring in German).

3. A Cultural Celebration

Embracing its role as a cultural destination, the park is peppered with all kinds of indoor and outdoor spaces. The Copper Box Arena hosts exhilarating events, from live music performances to sporting spectacles, while the vibrant parklands serve as a canvas for outdoor installations and exhibitions. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary sculptures or watching ABBA via hologram, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park offers a shedload of cultural events.

4. Outdoor Oasis Spanning over 111 acres, the parklands and playgrounds provide a serene backdrop for relaxation and recreation. With beautifully landscaped gardens, wildflower meadows, and tranquil waterways, visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls or picnics in the open air. And if you’re more into exploring than lounging on a tartan blanket, rent a bicycle (hello, Wicked Bike Repairs) and head out onto the park’s cycling routes.

5. Sports Galore

It’s been 11 years since the Olympics and the spirit of athleticism is still evident at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities, from playing tennis on world-class courts to diving into the pristine waters of the London Aquatics Centre. Or scrap all of the above and just make your way to the cafe. Cheese toastie, anyone?