What’s the score?
A small playground by the canal that hasn’t been over-landscaped and avoids the crowds of the Olympic Park right next to it.
Tell me more …
This small, rugged, but thoroughly lovely playground is on the banks of the River Lea Navigation nestled between the Olympic Park and Hackney Wick. Considering it borders the Olympic Park it is pretty peaceful and we’ve never had to share it with more than a couple of other families.
It’s a bit of a walk to get to from public transport, but good to combine with an explore of Hackney Wick or the Olympic Park. It is right next to Here East so there is parking and a series of restaurants and cafes here that you can make use of. The restaurants have a landscaped front onto the canal and often host events and screenings.
Here East describes itself as: “A dedicated campus, for innovators, disruptors, visionaries and locals to push their professional and personal boundaries” (!) so expect hipster vibes but a friendly welcome.
Great for …
- playground
- big slide
- canal-side play
- escaping the crowds
Facilities …
- No toilets but you are right next to the cafes & restaurants of Here East
- Refreshments at Here East
Access …
Get the DLR to Hackney Wick, walk towards the canal, cross over at the bridge by Crate Brewery and take the path down onto the canal. Walk north towards Hackney Marshes and the playground is on your right about 5 minutes along. It’s not marked on maps but you’ll find it between Mossbourne Academy and Here East.
If you’re coming across from Stratford, head for the Copper Box Arena, get down onto the towpath and head along it towards Hackney Marshes.
Not super wheelchair/buggy-friendly. The towpath is fine for wheels but actual access to the playground from the towpath is a little rough and the playground has bark chips which can be hard to roll on.
East London Outside 