Best Parks in East London
City life can be exhilarating, but between commuting, socialising and working in the office, green spaces offer a refreshing escape. It’s reported that spending at least 120 minutes per week in nature significantly boosts health and wellbeing, and East London provides plenty of lush green spots to enjoy, whether you prefer a post-work run, a sunny weekend picnic or some lunchtime headspace.
At Southern Housing New Homes, we know that green space isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential. We’ve rounded up our favourites:
H2: Victoria Park
Known fondly as Vicky Park or the People’s Park, Victoria Park is one of London’s most visited green spaces, and for good reason. Spanning 86 hectares, it boasts leafy landscapes, monuments and a seasonal events calendar. Visit the Sunday markets, cool down in the summer splash pool, or, for those interested in local history, the Memoryscape Trail provides a self-guided route through the park, highlighting its past and evolution over time. You can also partake in boating activities on the lake, enjoy or engage in various sports at the well-maintained facilities. The park is also bordered by the up market Victoria Park Village, offering high-quality pubs, restaurants and boutique shopping.
H2: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
This impressive space was purpose-built for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Since then, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has developed into one of the most distinctive green spaces in East London. Rather than a traditional park layout, it blends landscaped gardens with waterways, walking routes and world-class sporting venues, like the Aquatics Centre, Velopark, and the London Stadium.
It’s a space designed for activity. You can cycle through the park, follow scenic walking trails or make use of the extensive sports facilities nearby. The scale of the park also means it rarely feels too overcrowded, even on busier days.
H2: Hackney Marshes
The rich meadows, grasslands and tranquillity make Hackney Marshes home to a host of plants and wildlife species. Known for its concentration of football pitches, Rugby pitches and cricket grounds, it has a long association with grassroots sport, but outside of match days, the scale of the landscape is what stands out most.
It’s a popular spot for long walks (try the Hackney Marshes circular, or the River Lee navigation towpath) jogging routes and cycling, particularly for those looking to escape busier, more built-up areas.
H2: Millfields Park
Looking for something a little smaller? Millfields Park offers a quieter alternative to larger parks nearby. Its riverside paths are the main draw, providing a leafy, scenic route for walking and cycling away from busier roads.
The park itself includes open green space and sports areas, so you can easily drop in for a quick walk or some fresh air during your day.
H2: Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks. Home to the Royal Observatory, it’s famous for its panoramic views across the capital. From the top of the hill, you get a clear outlook across the River Thames towards Canary Wharf and the wider London skyline.
The park itself is easy to explore, offering flower gardens, a deer paddock and a café. It’s also filled with historical landmarks, including Queen’s House, Roman Ruins and the Lovers’ Walk Rustic Foundation.
H2: Springfield Park
Overlooking the River Lea and Walthamstow, Springfield Park has a quieter, more local feel. Most of the park is a Local Nature Reserve, home to a variety of aquatic plants, trees and animals. The Georgian Springfield house, a Grade II listed building, features a café with a scenic outdoor space and a mix of open grass and wooded areas perfect for walks or summer picnics.
H2: Discover green escapes on your doorstep with Southern Housing New Homes
East London offers a wide range of parks to suit different routines, making it easier to build that time outdoors into your week.
At Southern Housing New Homes, many of our developments are located within easy reach of these green spaces, helping you balance city living with access to nature. If you’re considering a move to East London, explore our available homes, or find out more about Shared Ownership in East London.