Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Docklands and Stratford
Still exultant from the success of the 2012 Olympics, these Eastern boroughs represent the
London's proud redevelopment program. Gone are the tatty council houses, replaced by huge
skyscrapers, glass-fronted shopping malls, and the free to visit remains of the Olympic Vil-
lage. The futuristic slant doesn't quite keep with the salt-of-the-earth locals, although nobod-
ies complaining about the fringe benefits to the Olympics; this area is now rapidly connected
to Central London. There's not much charm, but there's a couple of worthy attractions.
Travel Essentials
Thanks to a massive overhaul of transport connections for the Olympics, it couldn't be easier
to get here. Head to Stratford station via the Jubilee or Central Underground lines, or take
the Docklands Light Railway to Stratford International station.
Essential Experiences
•
£FREE
-
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
is the free to the public re-
mains of the 2012 Olympics, with many of the stadia open to explore and the
acres of green space a refreshing break from the fumes and traffic of Lon-
don. You can check out the Velodrome and Aqautics Center and relax in glor-
iously green fields. Many live sporting events take place here so check
ht-
tp://queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/
for more information.
•
Rock your head back and check out the domineering skyscrapers of
Canary
Wharf,
the conglomeration of glass enough to make anyone dizzy. Tucked
into this area you'll find a few scattered remains of the historic docklands. Get
here soon before they also get demolished.
•
A strange curly-wurly tower dominates the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,
the snaking red tower known as
ArcelorMittal Orbit
, stretching over 350ft
skyward. It's a bizarre piece of geometric architecture and a trip to the top
will cost £15.
•
The
Westfield Stratford City Shopping Centre
contains all the popular
brands you'll see on Oxford Street at pretty much the same overinflated
