Walthamstow Local Area Guide

Named best place to live in London by the Sunday Times, Walthamstow is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood that blends East London energy with a strong community feel and plenty of green spaces. Known for its creative spirit and independent character, the area is home to a thriving arts scene, bustling street markets, and a growing number of cafés, shops, and family-friendly hangouts. Walthamstow also benefits from excellent transport links via the Victoria Line and London Overground, making central London easily accessible. With the natural beauty of Walthamstow Wetlands and Lloyd Park nearby, alongside a range of good schools, it’s a popular choice for young professionals and growing families alike.

Property in Walthamstow

Walthamstow presents a wide array of property options, appealing to a broad spectrum of buyers and renters. The area is particularly known for its rows of Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, which are popular with families and first-time buyers thanks to their generous proportions and characterful design. Many of these homes have been sensitively updated to suit modern living, while retaining their period charm. Alongside these, Walthamstow also offers sleek new-build apartments and warehouse conversions, especially around the buzzing Walthamstow Village and Blackhorse Road areas. With its blend of old and new, and properties ranging from compact flats to larger family homes, Walthamstow caters well to those looking for both style and practicality.

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Walthamstow Transport Links

Walthamstow enjoys outstanding transport connections, making it a popular choice for professionals, families, and creatives seeking easy access to central London. Walthamstow Central station offers both Underground and Overground services, with the Victoria Line providing a swift journey into the West End and Oxford Circus in under 20 minutes. The Overground links also connect to Liverpool Street, Hackney, and beyond. Nearby stations like Blackhorse Road and St James Street further enhance connectivity across London. A network of local bus routes serves the area well, and for drivers, the A406 North Circular and A12 are within easy reach. These comprehensive transport links make Walthamstow a highly practical and well-connected place to live.

Walthamstow Local Facilities

Schools in Walthamstow

Walthamstow offers a wide selection of schools, making it a great area for families prioritising education. From high-performing state primaries to popular secondary schools and well-regarded academies, the area supports children at every stage of their educational journey. Many schools in Walthamstow are praised for their inclusive ethos, strong community engagement, and commitment to academic progress. Parents benefit from a diverse choice of local institutions, ensuring that high-quality education is easily accessible within the neighbourhood.

Walthamstow School for Girls

A well-respected secondary school consistently rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, offering a nurturing and empowering environment for girls.

Address: Church Hill, Walthamstow, London E17 9RZ
Phone: 020 8509 9446

Henry Maynard Primary School

A popular and inclusive primary school with strong academic results and a focus on creative learning.

Address: 101 Maynard Road, Walthamstow, London E17 9JE
Phone: 020 8520 3042

Eden Girls' School Waltham Forest

A high-achieving Muslim faith-based secondary school for girls, known for academic rigour and strong leadership.

Address: Silver Birch and Landmark Houses, Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, London E17 6JJ
Phone: 020 8523 1810

Greenleaf Primary School

An Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ school with a diverse student body and a reputation for creativity, inclusion and high standards.

Address: 80 Greenleaf Road, Walthamstow, London E17 6QW
Phone: 020 8520 7963

Kelmscott Secondary School

A co-educational secondary school offering a broad curriculum, supportive environment and good academic outcomes.

Address: 245 Markhouse Road, Walthamstow, London E17 8DN
Phone: 020 8521 2115

Post Offices in Walthamstow

Walthamstow residents benefit from several well-placed Post Office branches, offering a range of postal, financial, and identity services.

Walthamstow Post Office

Address: 240 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London E17 3AX
Opening hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–18:30, Saturday 10:30–16:30, Sunday 10:30–15:30

This is the main Post Office in Walthamstow, offering services from mail and parcel handling to banking, passport applications, and travel money.

Forest Road Post Office

Address: 532–536 Forest Road, Walthamstow, London E17 4NB
Opening hours: Monday–Friday 08:00–18:00, Saturday 09:00–15:00, Closed on Sundays
Tel: 020 8509 0101

A conveniently located branch serving the residential community along Forest Road, providing standard postal and parcel services.

Wood Street Post Office

168–170 Wood Street, Walthamstow, London E17 3HX
Opening hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–17:30, Saturday 09:00–15:00, Closed on Sundays
Tel: 0845 722 3344

Another central location offering the full suite of Post Office services, with easy access to Walthamstow Central and the surrounding area.

GP Surgeries in Walthamstow

Walthamstow is served by a range of NHS GP practices, ensuring residents have access to professional healthcare conveniently within their neighbourhood. Many of these surgeries offer extended services including online booking and out-of-hours support, making them well-suited to busy family and working lives.

Addison Road Medical Practice

Address: 46 Ravenswood Road, Walthamstow, London E17 9LY
Tel: 020 8176 9110

Claremont Medical Centre

Address: 27 Claremont Road, Walthamstow, London E17 5RJ
Tel: 020 8527 1888

Penrhyn Surgery

Address: 2A Penrhyn Avenue, Walthamstow, London E17 5DB
Tel: 020 8527 2563

Higham Hill Medical Centre

Address: 258-260 Higham Hill Road, Walthamstow, London E17 5RQ
Tel: 020 8527 2677

Hospital

Whipps Cross Hospital, approximately one to two miles away from Walthamstow and based in Leytonstone, offers an NHS hospital with an A&E department

Whipps Cross University Hospital, Whipps Cross Rd, London E11 1NR
Tel: 020 8539 5522
Open 24 hours

Walthamstow Community Centres

Waltham Forest Community Hub

Address: 18A Orford Road, Walthamstow, London E17 9LN
Tel: 020 8223 0707

The Hub offers a wide range of activities, classes, and events for all ages, including arts festivals, youth events, and volunteering opportunities. The venue is available for hire and is fully accessible.

Harmony Hall Community Centre

Address: 10 Truro Road, Walthamstow, London E17 7BY
Tel: 020 8520 7909

Located a short walk from Walthamstow Central, Harmony Hall hosts a variety of community groups and services, including leisure, education, arts, and advice. The centre offers venue hire for parties, meetings, and community events.

St Mary’s Welcome Centre

Address: 8 Church End, Walthamstow, London E17 9RJ
Tel: 020 8520 1430

Situated in the heart of Walthamstow Village, St Mary’s Welcome Centre provides flexible spaces for hire, suitable for parties, classes, rehearsals, and community meals. Facilities include a large hall, lounge, kitchen, and private garden.

Forest Community Centre

Address: 56 Guildford Road, Walthamstow, London E17 4EA

The Forest Community Centre offers a variety of activities for all ages, including drama, karate, Tai Chi, table tennis, and art classes. The centre is fully accessible and equipped for performances and community events.

Peterhouse Community Centre

Address: 122 Forest Rise, Walthamstow, London E17 3PW

The Peterhouse Centre provides spaces for large events, meetings, and therapy sessions. Facilities include a main hall with kitchen and garden, smaller meeting rooms, and full accessibility features.

Priory Court Community Centre

Address: 11 Priory Court, Walthamstow, London E17 5NB

The Community Living Room at Priory Court offers a relaxed space for social and creative activities. Activities include board games, crafts, and quiet reading.

Gyms in Walthamstow

The Gym Group London Walthamstow

Unit 56, 40 Selborne Rd, London E17 7JR
Tel: 0300 303 4800
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

Conveniently located in The Mall near Walthamstow Central station, The Gym Group offers a spacious, modern environment with a wide range of cardio and resistance equipment, free weights, and functional training zones. The gym is known for its friendly staff, flexible no-contract memberships, and excellent value for money. Personal training and group classes are also available.

Dench Fitness Gym

2 Markhouse Road, London E17 8FF
Tel: 07474 531205
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

Dench Fitness Gym is popular for its welcoming community atmosphere, extensive selection of equipment, and 24-hour access. Members appreciate the supportive environment, availability of personal trainers, and the gym’s focus on both strength and cardio training. It’s a local favourite for those seeking flexibility and a strong sense of community.

YMCA Walthamstow Gym

642 Forest Road, London E17 3EF
Tel: 020 8542 9055
Open Monday-Friday 6am-10pm and Saturday-Sunday 8am-4pm

Recently refurbished, YMCA Walthamstow Gym features over 60 cardio and resistance machines, a dedicated free weights area, and a wide variety of group classes including Zumba, yoga, and Boxercise. Members benefit from three complimentary one-to-one sessions with qualified instructors and access to a sauna and multipurpose sports hall. The centre is family-friendly and offers activities for all ages.

Pick of the Best Things to Do in Walthamstow

Walthamstow is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood that offers something for everyone, whether you're a food lover, pub enthusiast, or nature seeker. The area is renowned for its thriving café and restaurant scene, with independent eateries serving everything from artisan coffee to globally inspired brunches. Walthamstow’s pubs and bars are full of character, offering welcoming atmospheres, craft beers, and live entertainment. For those who appreciate the outdoors, Walthamstow is home to some of London’s most impressive parks and green spaces, from historic landscaped gardens to expansive wetlands teeming with wildlife. Here are just a few of the best places to eat, drink, and unwind in Walthamstow.

3 of the Best Cafes and Restaurants in Walthamstow

Here are three of the top-rated cafes and restaurants in Walthamstow:

The Curious Goat

Address: Unit 1, Malt Court, 4 Old Brewery Way, London E17 7FJ
Tel: 020 8521 2424
Rated 4.8 stars out of 5 on Google from over 500 reviews.

Cosy independent café known for its vegan Shakshuka, avocado toast, and excellent coffee. The welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and book swap corner make it a favourite for locals.

L’Hirondelle Coffee Shop

Address: 160 Hoe St, London E17 4QH
Tel: 020 8306 5392
Rated 4.6 stars out of 5 on Google from over 300 reviews.

Popular for its generous breakfasts, fresh bakery selection, and friendly service. Highlights include chocolate croissants, jerk chicken burritos, and sea bass.

Buhler and Co

8 Chingford Rd, London E17 4PJ
Tel: 020 8527 3652
Rated 4.6 stars out of 5 on Google from over 600 reviews.

Vegetarian brunch and lunch spot with a globally inspired menu. Known for its Vege Fry Up, creative specials, and welcoming, relaxed vibe. Coffee is supplied by local roasters.

3 of the Best Pubs and Bars in Walthamstow

Here are three of the top-rated and most popular pubs and bars in Walthamstow:

The Village Pub

31 Orford Road, London E17 9NL
Tel: 020 8521 4398
Rated 4.3 stars out of 5 on Google from over 1000 reviews.

A much-loved local in the heart of Walthamstow Village, The Village Pub is known for its welcoming atmosphere, delicious wings and burgers, and a large beer garden with a marquee roof for all-weather comfort. With good ratings on Google, it’s a go-to spot for great food, drinks, and friendly service.

Ye Olde Rose & Crown

53 Hoe Street, London E17 4SA
Tel: 020 8509 3880
Rated 4.4 stars out of 5 on Google from over 1000 reviews.

One of Walthamstow’s oldest and most characterful pubs, Ye Olde Rose & Crown features a theatre upstairs hosting live music and performances. The pub is praised for its warm community vibe, excellent Sunday roasts, and affordable pints. It’s dog- and kid-friendly, making it a favourite for families and locals alike.

The Chequers

145 High Street, London E17 7BX
Tel: 020 8503 6401
Rated 4.2 stars out of 5 on Google from over 1200 reviews.

Situated on Walthamstow’s bustling High Street, The Chequers is a lively, unpretentious pub popular for its friendly bar staff, impressive selection of tap beers, and fantastic garden. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great choice for relaxed drinks, sporting events, and classic pub food, including their highly recommended lamb shank and Sunday roast.

Walthamstow Parks and Green Spaces

Walthamstow is a vibrant area celebrated for its wealth of parks and green spaces, offering residents and visitors a refreshing escape from city life. These spaces provide vital opportunities for outdoor recreation, relaxation, and a connection to nature, enhancing the overall quality of life in the area.

Lloyd Park

Lloyd Park is one of Walthamstow’s most popular and historic parks, located just a short walk from Walthamstow Central. The park features beautiful gardens, a moat, sports courts, a children’s play area, an outdoor gym, and the renowned William Morris Gallery. With its dog-friendly café and regular family-friendly events, Lloyd Park is a favourite destination for both leisure and community gatherings.

Walthamstow Wetlands

Walthamstow Wetlands is one of Europe’s largest urban nature reserves, covering over 200 hectares. This unique green space is home to a rich variety of rare birds, bats, and amphibians, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The wetlands offer scenic walking and cycling paths, birdwatching hides, and educational visitor facilities, all just a short distance from the heart of Walthamstow.

Walthamstow Marshes

Walthamstow Marshes is an award-winning site and one of the last remaining examples of London’s historic floodplain grasslands. Managed as part of the Lee Valley Regional Park, the marshes provide tranquil walking and cycling routes, open meadows, and opportunities to spot local wildlife, making it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

Walthamstow Shopping and Supermarkets

Shopping in Walthamstow combines convenience with vibrant local character. The area features a range of supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s (Walthamstow High Street), Asda Walthamstow Supermarket, and the popular AKDENIZ Supermarket for international foods.

Walthamstow is also home to Walthamstow Market, Europe’s longest outdoor street market, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce to street food and clothing. For high street brands and fashion, head to 17&Central (formerly The Mall Walthamstow).

Culturally, Wood Street stands out for its vintage shops, creative boutiques, and lively market, while Walthamstow Village offers charming independent stores and a taste of local heritage in a picturesque setting. These destinations make Walthamstow a unique place to shop, explore, and experience East London’s community spirit.

Walthamstow Council Tax Rates

Walthamstow is part of the London Borough of Waltham Forest, which sets council tax rates according to eight property bands (A–H) based on 1991 property values. The table below shows the council tax charges for 2025/26:

Band	Property Value	2025/26 Charge
A	Up to £40,000	£1,518.43
B	£40,001 to £52,000	£1,771.51
C	£52,001 to £68,000	£2,024.58
D	£68,001 to £88,000	£2,277.65
E	£88,001 to £120,000	£2,783.79
F	£120,001 to £160,000	£3,289.94
G	£160,001 to £320,000	£3,796.08
H	More than £320,000	£4,555.30