Travel here and it’s a perfect base for exploring London and all its central attractions.
With a hire car in Walthamstow, you’ll also have a chance to explore other highlights in the surrounding area.
Historic highlights
One of the most popular attractions in Walthamstow is the William Morris Gallery, dedicated to the life and work of the Victorian artist and designer. Housed within his former family home, it features permanent displays of works by Morris and other members of the Arts and Crafts movement.
If you’re keen to learn more about Walthamstow’s heritage, head to the Church End area where you can see some of its most historic buildings and the Vestry House Museum, a former workhouse and police station which now tells the story of Waltham Forest through artefacts dating back to the Victorian era.
Back to nature
Just a short drive away lies Walthamstow Wetlands, the largest urban wetland nature reserve in Europe. Officially opened to the public in 2017, the site is made up of 10 reservoirs that provide water to homes around the capital. But it also serves as a home for wildlife including peregrine falcons, cormorants and kingfishers.
Take a walk along one of the peaceful footpaths before heading to the Engine House, a 19th century building first constructed to house the engine which pumped water through the reservoirs. Today, you will find it houses a café offering hot drinks, snacks and scenic views of the wetlands and London beyond.
When you hire a car in Walthamstow, it’s also easy to reach Epping Forest. Encompassing quiet towns, rural villages and woodlands, this district is packed with attractions to suit all ages.
Highlights include Waltham Abbey, an ancient market town that boasts historic timber-framed buildings and an Art Nouveau town hall. It’s also home to Waltham Abbey Church, where Harold – the last Anglo-Saxon king of England – is said to be buried, having raised the building to a grand new state following a pilgrimage here.
For a more action-packed day out, head to Lee Valley White Water Centre. Here you can experience white water rafting on an Olympic course, or try your hand at one of the canoeing and kayaking courses that are suitable for all abilities.
Capital culture
With its convenient location close to the city centre, Walthamstow also offers the chance to explore some of London’s world-class cultural attractions during your stay. Head for Covent Garden to browse the boutique stores and enjoy a hot drink at one of the coffee bars or patisseries, before taking a walk to the British Museum.
Renowned as one of the greatest museums in the world, it’s packed with artefacts that span an incredible two million years of history, from Egyptian mummies to the Parthenon Sculptures. One of the must-see highlights the Rosetta Stone, which provided the key to understanding hieroglyphics when it was discovered in Egypt during the 18th century.
There’s so much to see and do in London that it’s impossible to fit it all into one trip, but whatever you’ve got planned for your visit, car hire in Walthamstow allows you to explore all this area’s highlights at your own pace.