QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK LONDON
Take a 10 minutes’ walk from hotel to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Park now offers a wide range of facilities for people to enjoy it’s now home to The Stadium, London Aquatics Centre, ArcelorMittal Orbit, The Copper Box, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre and Lee Valley VeloPark.
LONDON STADIUM
Everyone remembers the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics 2012, and they took place here at the Olympic Stadium. The athletics and Paralympic athletics were also hosted here. Now the park has been transformed into the Queen Elizabeth Park, and West Ham United FC has moved to the stadium.
ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT
This is one of the iconic attractions in London – a celebrated landmark and, at 114.5 metres, Britain’s tallest. Opened in April 2014 and is said to be a testament to the legacy of the 2012 Games. From the two viewing platforms, you can witness some of the most spectacular views of the capital from the east of the city.
AQUATICS CENTRE
In 2012 during the Olympics Aquatics Centre was used for swimming, synchronised swimming, Paralympic swimming, water polo, diving and the swim leg of the modern pentathlon. The centre was reopened to the public in March 2014. Visitors can make use of the two 50-metre pools and practise their diving in the 25-metre diving pool.
THE COPPER BOX
In 2012, the Copper Box hosted Modern Pentathlon Fencing, Handball and Paralympic Goal ball and became to be known as the “box that rocks”. It was the first part of the Park to reopen to the public, and is now a major venue that people from far and wide travel to visit. From premiership basketball games (it’s home to the London Lions basketball team) to pop concerts, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can have a workout at the gym and take part in activities in the state of art sports hall.
LEE VALLEY HOCKEY AND TENNIS CENTRE
Previously known as Eton Manor during the London 2012 Games, it is now the home of England Hockey. As well as including two hockey pitches, there are four indoor tennis courts and six outdoor courts. The stylish clubhouse alone cost £30 million. There are four indoor and six outdoor tennis courts, so you can enjoy tennis at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park whatever the weather.
LEE VALLEY VELOPARK
If you’re a cycling fan, you’ll love Lee Valley VeloPark – a hub of cycling activity whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Imagine cycling on the same iconic track that Team GB did in 2012 (and won the gold medal seven times!). Taster sessions are available and anyone can experience this ride, with the stunning backdrop of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
It’s clear that the Olympic Park goes way beyond the 2012 Games, and is an iconic landmark that everyone has to visit at some point in their lives. If you’re looking for the ideal base to explore the Park, and everything else East London has to offer, book a room at The Westbridge Hotel Stratford stylish boutique hotel.