Holiday rentals in East London

East London is the heartland of hipsterdom, but Shoreditch, Dalston, Haggerston, and other districts in this part of the capital also have much to offer in the way of history. See a show at an original Victorian music hall and browse a couple of the cool art galleries the area is famed for. Old Spitalfields and Petticoat Lane markets have been shopping destinations for centuries, and nowadays also offer an enticing smorgasbord of street food outlets to choose from. Urban art and graffiti by famous artists are to be found all over Shoreditch, and there are classic curries and iconic beigel shops on Brick Lane.

Take the air in at one of the many green spaces or visit the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a huge venue used for sporting games. Then head to sample the latest cocktail in one of the many rooftop bars here. For a complete change of scene, Canary Wharf offers big name stores, together with numerous waterside watering holes.

There are plentiful museums and indoor attractions, along with countless old-fashioned pubs, trendy bars, and cafes to discover whatever the weather holds in East London. Many destinations have outdoor heaters for the colder months as well. December is a particularly magical time, with Christmas shows and fairs offering seasonal gifts and delicacies. Truth be told, though, at any time of the year it’s worth checking to find out what live music, special exhibitions, or favourite shows are on — there’s sure to be something to appeal when you visit.

Columbia Road Flower Market

The flower power of this East London institution’s street stalls draws visitors from all over the capital every Sunday. For bargains, be sure to arrive early — or wait until right at the end of the day. There’s also a good mix of permanent shops, selling exotic clothes and curios as well as blooms, making this an attractive place to be any day of the week.

Victoria Park

Covering nearly 90 hectares, Victoria Park hosts music festivals and community events throughout the summer, while the autumn boasts spectacular firework displays. You can stay in shape here as well, thanks to tennis courts, a running track, and sports pitches. Alternatively, stroll among the statues and fountains that litter the park grounds.

Dennis Severs’ House

Step back in time as you enter what looks from the outside to be an ordinary, if still attractive, period property. Once across the threshold, however, you’ll be transported to a series of time capsules covering the early Georgian period through to the Great War. There are hidden corridors, flickering candles, and all manner of fascinating objects to be found across its four floors, all carefully blended together to tell the story of an imaginary family of Huguenot weavers.