Walthamstow
WELCOME TO WALTHAMSTOW
Walthamstow sits between the Lea Valley and Epping Forest at the end of the Victoria line. With plenty of Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses, this cultural hotspot is attracting buyers searching for good-value homes. Leyton High Road, Hoe Street, Chingford Road, Chingford Mount (passing south-north through Walthamstow and its neighbouring towns) form part of an ancient route from London to Waltham Abbey.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Walthamstow is famous for its market which, at more than half a mile long, is said to be the longest in Europe. On the High Street, it sells everything from fruit and veg to clothing, to luggage. Wood Street is Walthamstow’s second “high street”. There is a treasure trove of vintage finds at the indoor market in a former cinema, while Second Nature sells organic fruit and vegetables and runs a box scheme. God’s Own Junk Yard in Vallentin Road, a gallery displaying an amazing collection of neon signs, was recently filmed for an episode of the BBC crime drama Luther.
Best place for after work drinks
The Orford Saloon conjures up a little piece of Spain in the middle of Walthamstow. Tiled floors and tables, juicy manzanilla olives, dishes served as soon as they’re ready… Service is knowledgeable and solicitous; the staff cheerily offered us extra bread for mopping up the juices. The Spanish wine list – which includes some fine sherries – merits praise too.
Schools
Schools in Leytonstone fall under the Waltham Forest Local Education Authority. Primary schools standout, as being particularly good, of note is the outstanding Green leaf Primary School.
TRANSPORT & TRAVEL
Walthamstow is well-connected to the West End and the City. Walthamstow Central and Blackhorse Road stations are on the Victoria line with a 20-minute trip to Oxford Street. Wood Street, Walthamstow Central and St James Street all have trains to Liverpool Street with journey times of between 15 and 22 minutes. Queens Road and Blackhorse Road are on the Overground line to Barking.
- Walthamstow Central – Victoria line, National Rail
- Blackhorse Road – Victoria line, Overground
- Walthamstow Queen’s Road – Overground
- Wood Street – National Rail
- St. James Street – National Rail
Parks & Recreation
Lloyd Park behind the William Morris Gallery recently had a £5 million facelift and boasts a new children’s playground and café. Walks along the River Lea and in Epping Forest are on the doorstep.
Restaurants & Shopping
Anywhere in Walthamstow Village is desirable although the area close to the newly restored William Morris Museum on Forest Road is almost as popular. There are independent shops, cafés and restaurants along Orford Road in Walthamstow Village. Penny Fielding Gallery and Interiors sells contemporary art, 20th-century collectibles and interesting gifts. Eat 17, a bar and restaurant, owns the Spar store next door,which has its own bakery, and buys its meat from East London Sausage Company across the street. The Nags Head is a popular Orford Road gastro pub.
