Places to visit along London’s newest train network – the Elizabeth Line
London’s newest railway line, the Elizabeth Line, is finally here, reducing journey times around the capital. But how can you make the most of it?
Stretching more than 100km through the heart of London, the Elizabeth Line supports faster journeys across the city, and features 10 new stations to get you where you need to go. (We’re talking to you, Bell London students!). We think this provides the perfect opportunity to get exploring, and visit some of London’s most interesting destinations nearby, so we’ve prepared this list of some of the best places you can visit along the Elizabeth line. The easiest way to access the Elizabeth Line from Bell London is by heading to its nearest stop, Liverpool Street station.
Canary Wharf – Free (Get off at Canary Wharf station)
For two months, Canary Wharf will be home to live entertainment, markets, and colourful, outdoor installations as part of the Summer Lights festival, celebrating natural light across the business district. You won’t want to miss it!
Walpole Park – Free (Get off at Ealing Broadway station)
For something a bit quieter, Walpole Park is the perfect spot for a picnic, or walk, set among beautifully landscaped parkland. While you’re there, you can also visit the Pitzhanger Gallery, featuring work by contemporary artists, designers and architects.
Lesnes Abbey Woods – Free (Get off at Abbey Wood station)
Another quiet and relaxing spot, Lesnes Abbey Woods offers 70 hectares of ancient woodland, and the ruins of a 12th century abbey monastery. If you fancy a break from the industrial city, we recommend you visit this historic, green oasis.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – Free (Get off at Reading station)
10 years on from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, the Olympic Park is now your one stop destination for an exciting day out. Set across hundreds of acres, the park offers leafy trails, artwork, restaurants and cafés, tours of the stadiums, as well as iconic venues to practise cycling, swimming, diving, tennis, hockey, and a host of other exciting sports.
Our favourite bit is the 114.5m high ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest sculpture, which not only features as an observation tower with breath-taking views across London, but is also a slide! Click here to learn more about what you can get up to at the park.
Hanwell Zoo – £4.50 entry (Get off at Hanwell station)
Do you have a passion for animals, conservation and nature, or are you just up for seeing some cute, exotic animals? Then head to West London, and meet the meerkats, flamingos, peacocks (and more!) who live at Hanwell Zoo, based in Brent Lodge Park. Be sure to check out the adjacent Millennium Maze while you’re there too! (Just don’t get lost!).
The Barbican, and Sculpture in the City festival – Free (Get off at Liverpool Street station)
Just an 11 minute walk from Liverpool Street station, you’ll find the Barbican, an iconic example of Brutalist architecture, and an exciting performing arts centre. Until 29 August, 2022, you can catch the Our Time on Earth exhibit, an immersive exploration of the future of Earth, and possible solutions to the climate crisis. Next, you could explore the Sculpture in the City festival, an annual public art event featuring a collection of eye-catching sculptures from 18 world class artists on the streets of London’s Square Mile.
Alexander Fleming Museum – £4 entry (Get off at Paddington station)
For any budding scientists, this museum tells the fascinating story of Alexander Fleming’s Nobel prize-winning discovery of the antibiotic, penicillin, that revolutionised medicine in the days before antibiotics. Witness the reconstructed 1928 laboratory of Fleming, and learn the story of his discovery through film and display. Click here to find out more.