Your Guide To A Sensational Spring At Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

By Sponsor Last edited 23 months ago
Your Guide To A Sensational Spring At Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

This is a sponsored article on behalf of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Looking for a unique way to make the most of the longer days and (hopefully) balmier weather? Find it at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which has plenty to please nature lovers, sports fans, adrenaline seekers, art enthusiasts and foodies this spring.

The sheer volume of activities on offer right now at London's home of Olympic glory makes it a great shout for family days out this spring (pro tip: if you're struggling to pry the kids away from the iPad, just casually mention that the park is home to the world's tallest and longest tunnel slide and watch how quickly they get their shoes on!)

Here are some of our highlights...

Outdoorsy antics

A proper urban oasis, this. Image: Frank Da Silva

With 560 acres to explore, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the perfect place to get closer to nature without straying too far from the fun bits of the city. It's got floral gardens, serene waterways, and plenty of green spaces to settle down for a picnic.

Guided walking tours are available for anyone who fancies learning more about the park's history, or you can embark upon a voyage of discovery at your own pace by following one of several free trails. Choose between a wildlife-themed trail, an arty adventure, or one inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games.

All sorts of anniversary fun

ABBA Voyage arrives at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this May

Speaking of the 2012 Olympics, this year marks a whole decade since this sprawling complex first opened, taking centre stage to host the greatest athletes in the world. To celebrate its 10th birthday, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has put together a sizzling spring/summer events programme.

The fun begins this month with a free exhibition at Lee Valley VeloPark, feat. Olympic and Paralympic memorabilia, including 2012 medals and torches on loan from the National Paralympic Heritage Centre.

Then, in May, there's live music in the form of the hotly-anticipated ABBA Voyage, which sees Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid perform digitally alongside a live 10-piece band. And that's just the start of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park's anniversary programme — sign up to the park's newsletter for all the latest news.

The UK's tallest sculpture

If that's not enough excitement for you, why not take a trip down the twisty metal marvel that is the ArcelorMittal Orbit? With a dozen twists and turns and speeds of up to 15mph, it offers a thrilling 40-second descent for anyone aged eight and over (minimum height: 1.3m).

Prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground? Visit the ArcelorMittal Orbit for its stunning views instead! Towering 80m into the clouds, Sir Anish Kapoor's record-breaking sculpture offers glorious 360º degree panoramas, extending as far as Alexandra Palace to the north and the Crystal Palace transmitter to the south.

A spot of live sport

Good Friday racing returns to the Park following a two-year hiatus

Also on the agenda at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park? Good Friday Racing, which returns to Lee Valley VeloPark following a two-year break, brings together elite national and international competitors with local amateur club riders for a day of racing, alongside free balance bike and pump track sessions for children.

Then, the following weekend, it's time for the 2022 Arena Games Triathalon, which sees the world's best triathletes go head-to-head.

Foodie fun

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to nearby dining options. Image: Harry Winteringham

All of the above is sure to work up your appetite. Luckily, you won't have to go far to refuel. The Park's extensive food and drink offering includes kiosks for snacking on the go, offering everything from soft-serve ice cream to Souvlaki wraps.

If you'd prefer a sit-down meal, you can choose between light bites north of the Park at Timber Lodge, or head west of Park to discover a range of bars and restaurants at Hackney Bridge and Canalside. What better way to round off your day at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park than with a beer and beautiful views over the River Lea?


See what else is on at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park here.

Last Updated 19 April 2022