Stratford named one of best places to visit by Time Out

According to Time Out, the town should be near the top of your visit list for 2025, second only to Folkestone in Kent.

It is the only place in London to have made the cut.

We have had a look at what it has to offer.

1. Westfield Stratford

With more than 200 stores on offer, Westfield Stratford is a great option for a day out. 

Stores in the shopping centre range from homeware, clothing and shoes to designer labels. 

Those looking for a sit down meal have a wide range of dining possibilities. 


A recent addition to the restaurants on offer is Indian street food restaurant Mowgli. 

Visitors can also spend time bowling at All Star Lanes, catch a film at the Vue cinema, or release some energy in Gravity Max. 

All of this is on offer just a short walk from Stratford underground station and bus station. 

 

2. Theatre Royal Stratford East
Theatre, comedy and music lovers have a potential spot for them at Theatre Royal Stratford East. 



The theatre dates back more than 140 years.

Past shows include Black Ballet: Heroes, a British sign language for theatre open day, Pinocchio, Bollywood Time Machine and more. 

 The theatre has more than 100 years of history behind it
The theatre has more than 100 years of history behind it (Image: Google Maps)

3. Market Village
Market Village is located in the Stratford Shopping Centre, which lies near the train station at the centre of Stratford. 

Make your way through the centre, pausing to check out the fresh fruit stalls, and you will stumble across a maze of independent businesses. 


The Market Village is formed of a tight-knit community of more than 60 businesses that have become an integral part of the fabric that makes up Stratford.

The hall of market traders dates back to 1974 from when it has gone on to overcome the challenges created by Covid and more. 

Businesses here offer a wide range of products and services, ranging from hair and beauty supplies, clothes, and worldwide cuisines.

The trading hall is filled with unique businesses
The trading hall is filled with unique businesses (Image: Newsquest)

4. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
This 560-acre purpose-built park played host to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

It connects Stratford with Hackney Wick, Leyton, and Bow across its sprawling greenery. 

It is home to sporting arenas such as the London Stadium, Copper Box and London Aquatics Centre.

The park also features a lake, playgrounds, gardens as well as the Orbit.



5. Sadler's Wells East
Located within the Olympic Village, all things dance can be discovered at Sadler's Wells East. 

The dance theatre pictured under construction in December 2023
The dance theatre pictured under construction in December 2023 (Image: Newsquest)
It offers performances as well as a creative space to express your creativity. 

The theatre location is now open in Stratford as part of an effort to create a new cultural hub in the area. 

The first performances begin this month.