Situated Northeast of the city, the London Borough of Waltham Forest comprises the areas of Walthamstow, Chingford, Leytonstone and Highams Park. Offering a mix of traditional charm and exciting regeneration, the region has lots on offer for residents, making it a sought-after place to buy a home. Find out why in this guide to the Borough.
Arts and Culture
Previously crowned the London Borough of Culture, Waltham Forest is known for its artistic community. William Morris, the pioneer of the British Arts and Crafts movement, was born here, and you can marvel at his designs at the gallery in his former childhood home. It’s also home to God’s Own Junkyard, the renowned neon art gallery and shop. Elsewhere, the E17 Art Trail celebrates local artists and makers, giving them a platform to showcase their work twice a year.
Green Spaces
Waltham Forest benefits from various green spaces and nature reserves. Walthamstow Wetlands is an oasis of wildlife in the capital, sheltering rare waterfowl and majestic birds of prey. Forming part of the ancient Epping Forest, Leyton Flats features 75 hectares of woodland, ponds and grassy areas, making it a popular spot for walking throughout the year and picnicking and boating in the summer.
Transport Links
Underground and Overground
Waltham Forest is well connected to the wider Transport for London network, with four tube stations: Blackhorse Road, Leyton, Leytonstone and Walthamstow Central. Leyton and Leytonstone both run on the Central line. Meanwhile, Blackhorse Road and Walthamstow Central are served by the Victoria Line. Both the Central and Victoria tube lines provide night tube services on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The London Borough also has eight overground stations, including Chingford, Highams Park and St James Street Station.
Cycling
Waltham Forest Council is dedicated to making it easier to choose sustainable and active travel in the Borough by increasing the availability of bicycles. Schemes are available where you can rent bikes for up to one month. The council also provides free cycle training to anyone living or working in the Borough.
Local Amenities
Food and Drink
Walthamstow is the centre of Waltham Forest’s culinary scene, with various independent restaurants, cafes and bars. Expect speciality cuisines from around the world, from Mediterranean to Caribbean to Asian. When it comes to drinks, the options are just as diverse, with traditional pubs and buzzy cocktail bars. There’s also a selection of trendy taprooms from local microbreweries, such as Neckstamper, Pillars Brewery and Big Penny Social.
Health and Fitness
Waltham Forest boasts numerous council-run and private gyms, ensuring everyone living in the region can prioritise their health and wellbeing. The biggest of its kind in London, Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre is a fitness and leisure hub in the Borough, with a gym, athletics facilities and swimming pools. It also has an on-site spa for relaxation and rejuvenation. Walthamstow, Leyton and Chingford each have a community-focused leisure centre with dedicated courts and facilities for various sports.
Retail and Entertainment
17&Central is the leading shopping centre in the Waltham Forest, housing supermarkets, high-street stores and places to eat under one roof. It also has leisure facilities including a gym and kids play centre. Elsewhere, you can find historic markets showcasing local traders and small businesses, such as Wood Street Indoor Market and Walthamstow Market, the longest open-air market in Europe.
Apartments in Waltham Forest
Do you picture yourself living in the London Borough of Waltham Forest? Find new homes for sale in the region at our developments featuring Shared Ownership properties. Learn more about the scheme by reading our buying guide, and explore apartments for sale in Waltham Forest below.
