Published: 01/12/2023 By Amanda Hunt
1. Wanstead ParkWe start our list with Wanstead Park, one of the favourite parks in the whole of London. This is a gorgeous green gem comprising 140 acres of parkland to peruse and potter around, with several ponds and ornamental waterways to explore.
Wanstead Park is grade II listed also has waterways and lakes including the Heronry Pond, the Shoulder of Mutton and the Perch Pond.
2. Wanstead Temple
The Wanstead Park Temple is open most weekends, manned by volunteers with information and interpretation panels inside detailing the park’s history.
Inside, there is a history of the Park’s Roman Villa detailed via intricate mosaics, historic statues that have been brought in from the park to protect them plus a gift shop.
In April, the ‘secret’ Chalet Wood next to Wanstead Temple (and also in Wanstead Park) becomes awash with a field of beautiful bluebells.
Address: Wanstead Temple, Warren Road, London, E11 2LS
3. Wanstead Village
You could be forgiven for thinking you’d left London when you step off the Tube station at Wanstead Village – a charming, neighbourhood strip of shops, bars and restaurants, many of which are independent and artisan.
On a warm summer’s day, the village high street is thronging with people eating or drinking outside the various cafes and bars.
4. The Bull
Formerly the Manor House, Wanstead’s newest pub, The Bull, also appears to be its most popular.
Regular events at the Bull Wanstead include live sports, comedy evenings and Sunday night quizzes.
Address: The Bull, 129 High Street, London E11 2RL
5. The Cuckfield Wanstead
With a large beer garden out the back and seating overlooking the high street on the pub, The Cuckfield has been doing it right for years – it was once a 19th century coaching inn!
Address: The Cuckfield 31 High Street, London E11 2AA
6. The George
Located across from the George Green (hence the pub name), the outdoor area here is a shaded spot with a view of the Wanstead Village sign and lots of beer and food menu offers available during the week. This pub is a Wetherspoons, meaning there are various cheap ales on tap too or inexpensive English breakfasts.
Address: The George Wetherspoon pub, 155-159 High Street, London E11 2RL
7. Harveys Deli
A proper greengrocer, with all the staples and finest organic produce you’ll ever need.
Address: 6 Clock House Parade, London E11 2AG
8. Ginger Pig
This butchers is top of the range, with only the best and morally sourced meat in the UK - the employees know their stuff and the fillet steak in particular, is something very special indeed.
Address: 3 Clock House Parade, London E11 2AG
9. Robins Pie & Mash
A traditional, family run pie and mash shop established in the 1920s (one of five), serving pie, mash and liquor. Veggie and vegan pies are now also available.
Address: 14 High Street, London E11 2AJ
10. Provender Cafe Bistro
French fare with a flair, Wanstead Provender ‘bourgeoise’ bistrot has proven hugely popular since opening five years ago, with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Memorial Park.
Address: 17 High Street, London E11 2AA
11. Gail’s Bakery
Sweet treats and savoury pies, Gail’s has something for everyone!
Address: 55-57 High Street, London E11 2AD
12. Bare Brew Coffee Shop
Serving Square Mile Coffee and Wanstead’s ‘best brunch’, this is an award winning coffee shop.
Address: 7 High Street, London E11 2AA
Address: Memorial Green, High Street, E11 2SS
Wanstead’s Christchurch Green is the most popular of the three, a much loved and cherished community space with ample shade and park benches for all.
Address: Woodbine Place, London E11 2RH
On George Green, you can see Wanstead’s drinking fountain, which was installed to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, which has been moved around Wanstead several times to accommodate road layout changes.
If you’re walking to Wanstead Park from Wanstead town, you’ll likely make the 10 minute walk via St Mary the Virgin Church, described by many as one of the finest Georgian churches in England.
There has been a place of worship on this site since the 1200s and the current church was consecrated in 1790 – it said that the interior has hardly changed at all over the last 230 years.
Address: 1 Langley Drive, London E11 2LN
Wanstead tube station is easy to access from central London, located in zone 4 on the Hainault loop of the Central line.
The station is rather unremarkable other than the fact it took almost ten years to complete due to work stopping due to the war (it finally opened in 1947).
Address: Wanstead Tube Station, London E11 2RJ
Our final ‘things to do in Wanstead’ are a few minutes walk from Wanstead Village.
We actually arrived to explore Wanstead via Snaresbrook station. It is only a few minutes walk between the two and it is a nice welcome to the area, as Snaresbrook High Street and Wanstead High Street blend into one; a pleasant tree lined avenue of shops and cafes.
If you have time, make the five minute walk to Snaresbrook Pond, a little, peaceful pond with gorgeous waterside reflections on calm days and plenty of wildlife.
We’d also recommend visiting nearby Hollow Pond if you have time, which feels like ‘London On Sea’ with its sandy embankments and rowing boats for hire.
