I lived in East London for a couple of years in the early 2000s. I went from flat share to flat share- boy, do I have stories. Then, the area was up and coming, nothing like its glitzy presence now. I especially enjoyed living on the Isle of Dogs because I could walk to Greenwich via the underground path. Getting to Bluewater Shopping Centre involved hopping on a ferry, then a bus. However, Walthamstow was not an area I frequented. Nowadays, my explorations are generally in Central and South London, as well as Hampshire, Surrey, and Sussex. In 2025, it was about time I extended my sojourns. I joined my friend Ondolady for a morning exploring parts of Walthamstow. We were blessed with good weather, which was a treat. Walthamstow is a lovely part of East London to visit on a bright day.
Walthamstow A Brief History
Walthamstow has the largest town centre in the borough of Waltham Forest. The town existed during the Roman occupation of Britain. However, during the Anglo-Saxon era, it began to develop.
The name Walthamstow is derived from the Old English’ Wilcumestowe’, which translates to ‘welcome place’. Today, the town is a vibrant, diverse part of East London, known for its art scene,
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Orford Road Walthamstow Village
Ondolady and I started our exploration of Walthamstow from Orford Road. We walked from Walthamstow Central station. En route, we passed beautiful Victorian houses. Orford Roads is a stretch of clothing and lifestyle boutiques, all curated with care. There are also a variety of eateries, some with outdoor seating, which is a the perfect way to take in the scenery and sunshine. Of course, there’s more to the village than this. If we weren’t going to the William Morris Gallery, I would have walked to the Ravenswood Industrial Estate. Then again, I have a good excuse to visit again.
Ravenswood Industrial Estatte is home Mother’s Ruin Gin, Wildcard Brewery Barrel Store more indepent business.
Lloyd Park Walthamstow
Not to be confused with its namesake in Croydon, this Lloyd Park has a water feature which is said to have been part of a moat in the mid-18th century. In spring, which is when I visited, you’ll see tulips and cherry blossoms in bloom.
The park is at the back of the William Morris Gallery. It has a range of attractions including: a natural play area with climbing logs, a play area and sandpit, a skate park and scooter park, an outdoor gym, basketball practice areas, and outdoor table tennis.
The sports spaces at the park are free but you need to bring your equipment.
Visitor Tip: To avoid disappointment, always check the council website to see if the terms of use have been updated.
Lloyd Park Market
Every Saturday, Lloyd Park Market is in full swing. We were fortunate that we visited on a Saturday to enjoy the experience. We bought snacks at the market and ate them on site, seating was available. I bought Atrangi Tomato Curry to eat the mini poppadoms in my packed lunch, and drank ‘that green life’ gut-friendly mojito mocktail. My sweet tooth was treated to an Arapina Bakery pistachio and cream croll for dessert.
Before leaving the market, we had wine from By The Glass.
William Morris
Before we sat down for the packed lunch I mentioned above, Oondolady and I popped into the William Morris Gallery. The gallery was on my list since the start of the year. I wanted to see his original works close up and learn more about the man. Interior styling aficionados will find the William Morris Gallery fascinating.
William Morris was a designer, poet, artist, writer, and socialist activist who rose to fame in the 19th century. He championed the Arts & Crafts Movement and handmade production. Born in Walthamstow in 1834, it’s fitting that the William Morris Gallery is the world’s largest collection of Morris’ work, should be based there. His body of work included furniture, stained glass window and textile and his designs demonstrated a love of the natural world.
Today, you will see his work on the Morris & Co website
William Morris Gallery
The William Morris Gallery was once home to Morris’. Then, the house was known as The Water House. From 1848 to 1856 it was his family home. Morris lived there for eight years with his widowed mother and his eight brothers and sisters. As a married man he would later move into his home, the Red House, in Kent.
From Spring 2025 to late Summer the Morris Mania exhibition will run. You can expect to see his intricate designs, the commissions he worked on and the stories behind them. You’ll gain some insight into how he went ‘viral’ in an age when that term didn’t exist.
I am a fan of his floral prints and was amazed to learn that he designed tiles, as well. I found it intriguing that Morris was a socialist. My favourite quote to date is “I do not want art for a few any more than education for a few, or freedom for a few.”
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