Leytonstone: A thriving suburb with plenty to see and do

People wishing to live in a thriving community with something to offer everyone could be well-advised to seek out flats to rent in Leytonstone.

Situated within the London borough of Waltham Forest, this North-East London suburb offers a location that is within easy reach of Epping Forest, Stratford and the Olympic Park, while presenting a full range of amenities to cover all needs.

The earliest cartographic reference to Leytonstone can be traced to 1545, but the history of the area is thought to date further back to Roman times, specifically to a large stone marker sited at the junction of Hollybush Hill and New Wanstead Road.

This "Leyton Stone" is believed to be a distance marker placed by legionaries on a key pathway that passed through the area, which is believed to have been in place since the prehistoric era.

Over the years, various sites of cultural interest have sprung up in Leytonstone, including the picturesque St John's Church - which was built in the mid-1700s and recently refurbished for public access - as well as Leytonstone House, the former residence of the influential Victorian-era politician and conservationist Edward Buxton.

Modern Leytonstone has become a busy, well-connected suburban district that offers a wide array of outlets for leading retailers, a variety of independent stores, annual French and Christmas markets, and all sorts of places to eat and drink.

In addition to the traditional pubs and clubs, the area boasts a growing range of Indian, Thai, Chinese and Mediterranean eateries, as well as a thriving cafe and patisserie scene.

It is also exceptionally easy to get to and from the area thanks to the accessibility of Leytonstone High Road overground railway station and Leytonstone Tube station, the latter of which is decorated with stylish mosaics of scenes from the classic movies of Sir Alfred Hitchcock, one of Leytonstone's most famous sons.

The presence of this tribute to a cinema icon is indicative of the district's commitment to promoting culture, with arts centres, film clubs and live music all available to residents, while local amateur drama group the Woodhouse Players also stage regular performances of various plays.

Moreover, the area also is also home to the yearly Leytonstone Festival, which encompasses comedy, dance, drama, film, literature, music and poetry performances, while showcasing some of Leytonstone's most talented artists.

It also includes community-focused activities that give attendees a chance to see some of the sights of Leytonstone, with different events taking place at venues across the entire district.

Elsewhere, families will find that Leytonstone offers many desirable advantages, including easy access to the scenic Epping Forest and the well-stocked Leytonstone Library, as well as a wide variety of schools.

Primary education sites such as George Tomlinson Primary School and Davies Lane Primary School and secondary facilities including Connaught School for Girls and Buxton School are all located nearby, while several sixth-form colleges are also available.

Such factors help to make Leytonstone a desirable place of residence for London property-hunters, no matter what they may be looking for in a new home.

Posted by Charles Mackay

Published 27th February, 2012

© 2012 Estates IT Limited