Pamela McHutchon

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Walks & Tours

Want some exercise but want to be entertained too? There is no better way to explore Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and discover its history than a walking tour with a London Blue Badge Tourist Guide. Hear about the history of the area, the regeneration and legacy work being carried out on the Park. Relive the memories of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and discover little-known stories and fascinating facts and figures.

Our team of guides have unparalleled and intimate knowledge of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, having worked through the construction of the Park, the Games and the ongoing legacy developments. You can book a private guide by contacting the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Guided Tours website.

Inside London Stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Photo Credit: © Ursula Petula Barzey. Inside London Stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Photo Credit: © Ursula Petula Barzey.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us all just how important our parklands and green spaces are for physical and mental wellbeing. All walking tours are subject to rigorous safety standards and will be Covid-safe.

Tours can be customised for professional, educational and special interests groups. Regeneration, sustainability and legacy. Landscape and architecture. London’s Olympic and Paralympic Story, Sports and Events Management are some of the themes frequently requested.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has some 560 acres of award-winning parklands, waterways, playgrounds, intricate fountains and pleasure gardens created by some of the world’s leading garden designers.

It’s also at the heart of a new business district that has rapidly become home to a vibrant mix of start-ups and visionaries, housed in a dedicated innovation hub, working alongside schools, colleges and cultural institutions. The Park has become one of the most desirable residential locations in London with 10,000 homes already complete.

Pixel Wall at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Photo Credit: © Ursula Petula Barzey. Pixel Wall at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Photo Credit: © Ursula Petula Barzey.

There is plenty to do and see in the Park: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Ascend to the top of the UK’s tallest sculpture, the ArcelorMittal Orbit. From on high, take in stunning views of the London skyline and the Park. Dare to ride on the world’s longest and tallest slide.

View the London Stadium, the former Olympic and Paralympic Stadium, now transformed into a multi-use venue, home to West Ham United Football Club and UK Athletics. This versatile venue has also hosted rock concerts, The Rugby World Cup, International and domestic Rugby Union and Race of Champions. The stadium was home to the first Major League Baseball games to be played in Europe. Restrictions permitting, concerts are scheduled and the Rugby League World Cup will host matches here in 2021, along with the usual athletics and football fixtures.

The London Aquatics Centre, the wonderful creation of architect Zaha Hadid, and the Copper Box Arena are other legacy venues of the Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2012.

Wander through the wetlands to The Lee Valley Velopark and Hockey and Tennis Centre which provide sessions for all levels as well as hosting major international fixtures.

Feeling sporty? All are welcome to book a ticket for a swim or activity session at the London Aquatics Centre. The Lee Valley Velopark has four types of cycling taster sessions to try out.

Restrictions are still in place due to COVID-19 at the time of writing. We will post updates as venues begin to open and tours become possible once again at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Guided Tours website.

London Aquatics Centre inside the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Photo Credit: © Ursula Petula Barzey. London Aquatics Centre inside the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Photo Credit: © Ursula Petula Barzey.

London 2012 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - View of the Stadium from Orbit Tower. Photo Credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.  View of inside the London Stadium inside the Elizabeth Olympic Park from ArcelorMittal Orbit. Photo Credit: ©Ursula Petula Barzey.

Closeup view of ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Photo Credit: © Ursula Petula Barzey. Closeup view of ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Photo Credit: © Ursula Petula Barzey.

Note: Originally published in April 2015, this post was updated in March 2021.

Pamela McHutchon

B.A. Hons in Italian Studies and Geography. I have worked in the Tourist Industry for over 30 years, firstly as a European Tour Manager, and now as a London Blue Badge Tour Guide. I really enjoy working in London, a dynamic and continually changing city. That’s why urban regeneration…

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