Top things to do along the Elizabeth Line
Over a decade of construction and more than £19bn later, the Elizabeth Line is finally here! The addition to TfL’s network will improve London travel - cutting down journey times and expanding London’s rail capacity.
Passengers can use the London Elizabeth Line from Reading to Essex, passing through several Central London stops along the way. Not only is this service one of the newest, shiniest modes of London public transport, the Elizabeth Line stops are also home to some pretty impressive sights and activities. If you’re looking for things to do in London, why not explore fun destinations with Elizabeth Line stations. Here, we’ve listed a few of our favourites:
Little Venice
Little Venice is a charming area of West London, accessible via the London Elizabeth Line. Known for its stunning canals, visitors can explore the area from the sidelines or via boat - perfect for sunny weekends and warm summer evenings. The area is also home to some fantastic restaurants and pubs. After all, it wouldn’t be Little Venice without some fine Italian dining. Fancy enjoying an Aperol Spritz and delicious Italian dishes, all while overlooking the canal? If so, Little Venice is the place for you.
Which station? Paddington
More info: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/little-venice
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is huge, and for anyone keen to explore it, the good news is that the Elizabeth Line stops close by. Located in Central London, Hyde Park is rich in history, formerly used as a hunting ground by King Henry VIII. There’s plenty to explore throughout the park, including a stunning rose garden, memorials, fountains, and regular events. In the summer, Hyde Park holds the BST music festival, which has hosted performances from The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and many more.
Which station? Paddington
More info: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do
Mercato Metropolitano - Mayfair
If you're already feeling peckish by the second stop of your tour, hop off at Bond Street and try Mercato Metropolitano. Part of its uniqueness is the location as visitors can get immersed inside a church that offers two floors of worldwide cuisine, a rooftop terrace, wine cellar and community space - you won't be short of food options! Visitors can enjoy fresh and artisanal food that aims to support the environment and the people. It is open 7 days a week including bank holidays.
Which station? Bond Street
More info: https://mercatometropolitano.com/mercato-mayfair/
Dominion Theatre
If you're into musicals, the Dominion Theatre is the place to be. Theatre-goers can find the space just next to Tottenham Court Road station - also home to one of the Central London Elizabeth Line stations. The theatre plays host to a number of the top musicals, with Grease The Musical currently showing, and Dirty Dancing and ELF the Musical coming soon. As its stunning art deco design suggests, the theatre first opened in the 1920s, and some even claim that the building is haunted.
Which station? Tottenham Court Road
More info: https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/dominion-theatre
The Diamond District
Next along our crawl of Elizabeth Line stops is Farringdon station, a few minutes' walk away from Hatton Garden. Known as the diamond district of London, the area is packed with jewellery shops. Shopping in Hatton Garden is a truly unique experience. The surrounding area is also home to various restaurants, cafes, and more when you want a break from shopping.
Which station? Farringdon
More info: https://www.hatton-garden.london/
Monopoly, Life-Sized
A life-sized version of Monopoly exists, and what’s more - you can play it in Central London. Find this wonderfully surreal experience along Tottenham Court Road - accessible via one of the new Elizabeth Line stations. Players are guided around the Monopoly board by life-sized Monopoly pieces. As the game unfolds, you’ll complete fun and stimulating challenges to purchase sections of the board. This experience is perfect for Monopoly lovers and fans of all things board game-esque.
Which station? Tottenham Court Road
More info: https://www.monopolylifesized.com/
Broadgate
Accessible by another one of the new Elizabeth line stations, Broadgate is a unique destination - offering food, drink, and entertainment within some seriously cool and quirky architecture. Explore a spectacular selection of restaurants and bars, with all kinds of cuisines to choose from. As well as its range of fine eateries and watering holes, the area also offers numerous activities throughout the year, including live music, workshops, and more.
Which station? Liverpool Street
More info: https://www.broadgate.co.uk/
London’s Secret Bar
Just next to another one of the new Elizabeth Line stations, you’ll find one of London’s hidden bars - The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town. Located underneath a Breakfast Club restaurant, this bar fits the speakeasy vibe as an intimate underground space with warm, low-lit mood lighting and an array of boozy cocktails. In keeping with its cat theme, if your name is Garfield, and you have some ID to prove it, the first drink is on the house.
Which station? Liverpool Street
More info: https://www.themayorofscaredycattown.com/
Whitechapel Gallery
The London Elizabeth Line route also stops along Whitechapel, home of the Whitechapel Gallery. Famous for its exhibitions, the gallery has displayed works from some of the most renowned artists across the globe, including Lucien Freud, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Frida Kahlo. The gallery also provides educational resources, holds workshops, and has a restaurant and a bookshop.
Which station? Whitechapel
More info: https://www.whitechapelgallery.org/
Crossrail Place Roof Garden
The Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf is another must along the Elizabeth Line. The garden is completely free and available all day. The space is positioned almost precisely along the Meridian line and showcases a beautiful range of exotic plants - with plants arranged throughout the garden according to the hemisphere they’re from. There’s also a performance space, which holds music and theatre performances in the summer.
Which station? Canary Wharf
More info: https://canarywharf.com/open-spaces/crossrail-place-roof-garden/
Shuffleboard - But Make It Electric
Electric Shuffle has revamped the classic game of shuffleboard, bringing it into the 21st century. At Electric Shuffle, customers can eat, drink and play shuffleboard games amidst an exciting and vibrant backdrop. Shuffleboard experiences host up to 32 people, with groups treated to their own area where they can game, eat and drink.
Which station? Canary Wharf
More info: https://electricshuffle.com/london/
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has become a hub for sport, education, entertainment, and more. There’s plenty to explore throughout the space, including live music, theatre, sport, and arts. ABBA Voyage is currently playing at the park, offering a groundbreaking performance as digital versions of the four iconic pop legends perform their greatest hits. Visitors can also try out sports activities throughout the park’s facilities. So, whether you want to dive in the same pool Tom Daley has, or dance along to Mamma Mia with ABBA, this park has got it all.
Which station? Stratford
More info: https://www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/
Using the Elizabeth Line
It’s also handy to know the ins and outs of the new railway. So, what is the Elizabeth Line? And how does it work?
The three branches of the Elizabeth line are now connected and are running 7 days per week.
From Reading and Heathrow: Passengers can now travel east all the way to Abbey Wood, and vice versa!
From Shenfield: Passengers can travel west all the way to Paddington, although may need to change trains on the same platform at the central points of the journey. If you're going to Heathrow or Reading, you will just need to change trains on the same platform in the central station.
If you’re planning a day out along the Elizabeth Line, why not make your journey easier with Zipcar? Once you’ve reached your final stop, pick up a Flex Zipcar to take you home - or use a Flex Zipcar to take you to the furthest stop and work your way back. Provided these locations are within our Zipzone, you’ll save yourself the tiresome trudge back home. Find and book a Zipcar today.
