Living in Leytonstone – Area Guide

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of living in Leytonstone having done so for many years, so we thought we’d put together some essential information in this quick, comprehensive Leytonstone area guide…

If you’re new to Leytonstone and the E11 area, there are some pretty compelling reasons to make it your home. An easy commute to and from central London, this picturesque pocket of the East End is ideal for those who want to be close to the action while enjoying the leafy suburbs of this sensitively regenerated area.

Escaping some of the heavier development of nearby locales, Leytonstone has managed to retain a charming, community-based village feel thanks to a more casual reinvention. Property in Leytonstone is pitched at a reasonable price in London-wide terms, with plenty of places for sale and rent, depending on your circumstances.

So if you want to be part of a vibrant, up-and-coming area with loads of green, relaxing spaces, independent businesses and great shopping, arts and schools, Leytonstone could be the ideal area for you. The birthplace of Ashley Banjo from Britain’s Got Talent’s popular street dance act, Diversity, and with past residents including David Beckham, Alfred Hitchcock and indie band Blur’s Damon Albarn, if you move to Leytonstone, you’ll be in good company!

Schools in Leytonstone

If you’re planning to move to the area with kids in tow or with plans to start a family, then one of the most important factors to consider is schools. In Leytonstone, you’ll find a selection of schools within easy reach – and remember, that even if kids aren’t on your personal agenda, close proximity to good schools has an impact on property demand and what prices buyers are willing to pay if you decide to sell in the future.

We’re pleased to say that Leytonstone has a range of highly-regarded and in-demand schools to choose from. The following table contains a list of schools all located within walking distance or a quick drive or bus ride away from the heart of Leytonstone, along with their current Ofsted rating (2020).

Primary schools in Leytonstone

• Davies Lane Primary School - Outstanding
• George Tomlinson Primary School - Good
• Gwyn Jones Primary School - Good
• Mayville Primary School - Good
• Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School – Good
• Barclay Primary School - Outstanding

Secondary schools in Leytonstone

• Connaught School for Girls - Good
• Leytonstone School - Good
• Norlington School for Boys - Good

You can see all the local schools on our map to help you pick the perfect property.

Getting around - transport in Leytonstone

Alongside schools, reliable transport options are among the most important external factors which influence demand for property, and what price people are willing to pay.

You’ll be pleased to know that Leytonstone is perfectly situated for commuters, or people looking to enjoy the very best of what London has to offer. While the Leytonstone area itself is full of great places to visit and socialise, with great transport options and road networks, you’re never far away from the nightlife and highlights of the big city.

Leytonstone is intersected by the A12, offering easy access to both the M11 and M25 for those preferring to travel by car rather than public transport.

Tube, rail and bus

Located in Zone 3 on the London Underground Network, Leytonstone tube station runs on the Central Line and is one of the stations that benefits from the Night Tube service, offering additional assistance for residents getting in, out or around on Friday and Saturday nights.

Some notable travel times from Leytonstone tube station are as follows:

• Epping Station – 20 minutes
• Stratford Station – 5 minutes
• Liverpool Street – 15 minutes
• Oxford Circus – 25 minutes
• Holland Park – 35 minutes
• Ealing Broadway – 50 minutes

As an alternative, around a 10 minute walk from the tube station is Leytonstone High Road station, running on the London overground rail network. Leytonstone locals sometimes refer to this as the GoBlin, due to its route from Gospel Oak to Barking. The station welcomes around four trains per hour, heading in both directions.

Residents in the south of Leytonstone also benefit from the Maryland Railway Station, which is set to become a Crossrail station. When fully operational, this will provide a connection to and from Reading and Heathrow Airport – handy for holidays!

Leytonstone is also served by a local bus station, located right next to the tube station, with services including:

• The 257 to Stratford
• The W15 to Hackney
• N8 night bus to Tottenham Court Road

Parks and green spaces

Green space has always been important in London and remains a key consideration for many people and families when looking for a new home – and with ongoing development across London, it will only ever become an even more essential factor for property buyers.

In this regard, Leytonstone has a lot to offer to individuals, friends and families. Within easy reach of the area, you can enjoy plenty of glorious, green spaces and places to exercise, socialise and relax, such as:

• Victoria Park
• Wanstead Flats
• Epping Forest
• Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• Langthorne Park
• Bush Wood
• Hollow Ponds

…plus you’ve also got around 6,000 acres to explore in nearby Epping Forest – not bad for a location so close to central London!

Festivals and events in Leytonstone

Living in Leytonstone will give you direct access to the fantastic Leytonstone Festival, an annual event that’s been running since the 90s, and is growing in popularity every year. If you have any hidden skills be sure to contact the organisers, as one of the key aims of this fab festival is to showcase local talent! There are a range of events for all the family, including talks, performances and live music, so join in and have some fun.

The town also plays host to the annual Leytonstone Arts Trail which brings together the local creative community to share their work and make connections. Everyone from the young to the old gets involved, whether they’re exhibiting as a professional artist or a keen amateur, and the sense of support and appreciation is wonderful.

The free exhibitions are held throughout the Leytonstone area – indoors and outdoors in homes, galleries, retail and leisure spaces and more.

There are plenty of other events and activities running in Leytonstone throughout the year, so keep an eye out on local sites and forums. For example, if you’re a budding actor, you might want to get in touch with the Woodhouse Players – the local amateur dramatics group.

Shopping, pubs and restaurants

While it’s easy to rely on the fact you’re only ten minutes away from the impressive Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, the local area has plenty to offer right on the doorstep if you want to shop, eat, drink and socialise.

A quick chat in our office resulted in a few favourites that we all agreed on, so here are a few of the best pubs in Leytonstone:

• The Red Lion
• The North Star
• Leytonstone Tavern
• Heathcote & Star
• The Birds
• The Northcote Arms
• The Bell
• O’Neills
• Alfred Hitchcock Hotel

And for a bite to eat by day or night, we highly recommend:

• Asado Steakhouse
• The Olive Restaurant
• Singburi Thai
• Mora Italian
• Wild Goose Bakery
• District Một
• Keraspice

And for local shopping in Leytonstone, you’ll find a 24-hour Tesco, Stone’s Throw Market and a fantastic selection of well-known retail and fast-food outlets, such as Argos, Boots, Matalan, Costa, McDonalds and KFC.

For live music, the Luna Lounge has something for everyone with a gig pretty much every night of the week!

Your personal, local Leytonstone area guide

There’s nothing about living in Leytonstone that we don’t LOVE and we’re incredibly proud to serve the local community.

If you’re looking for property in Leytonstone or want some deeper insight into what this smashing London suburb can offer you, then please contact our local estate agents and we’ll be happy to act as your own personal Leytonstone area guide, answering any questions you have on things to see and do, and why it might be the perfect place for you!