Where is Leytonstone?

Leytonstone is an area in East London, within the London Borough of Waltham Forest, approximately 7 miles (11 km) north-east of Charing Cross. You’ll find it sitting besides Wanstead, Forest Gate, Stratford, Leyton, and Walthamstow to the north-west. The area falls within the E11 postcode district. Historically, it was part of the ancient parish of Leyton in Essex, and its name derives from “Leyton-atte-Stone” — a reference to a Roman milestone within the area. Today, Leytonstone is well known as the birthplace of filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, whose legacy is celebrated through mosaics at the local Underground station.

Leytonstone is considered a broadly safe and family-friendly area, though crime levels vary by street and postcode, as they do across all of East London. The overall crime rate for Leytonstone ward is rated as medium — 6 out of 10 — compared to other wards in England and Wales, based on data covering September 2024 to August 2025. The Metropolitan Police’s Leytonstone Safer Neighbourhoods Team works closely with local authorities, community leaders and residents to address local priorities. As with any London area, sensible precautions are advised, but the residential streets, parks and community atmosphere make Leytonstone a popular and well-regarded place to live.

Is Leytonstone a nice place to live?

Yes — Leytonstone is widely regarded as one of East London’s most appealing and characterful neighbourhoods. Families are drawn to the area for its schools and parks, while creatives and young professionals appreciate the mix of affordable housing and cultural buzz. The area also benefits from access to Epping Forest, Wanstead Flats, and multiple Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ schools.

Is Leytonstone in the ULEZ zone?

Yes. From 25 October 2021, Leytonstone has been within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which expanded from central London to cover the area up to the North Circular and South Circular roads. This means that vehicles driving in Leytonstone that do not meet the ULEZ emission standards are subject to a daily charge. Most modern petrol cars (generally Euro 4 and newer, registered after 2006) and diesel cars (generally Euro 6 and newer, registered after 2015) meet the standards and are not charged. Drivers should check their vehicle’s compliance on the Transport for London (TfL) website before travelling in the area.

Is Leytonstone Zone 3 or Zone 4?

Leytonstone Underground station sits on the boundary of TfL travel Zone 3 and Zone 4. In addition to the tube, around a 10-minute walk from the station is Leytonstone High Road station, running on the London Overground, and this Overground station is also in TfL travel Zone 3.

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Leytonstone Area Guide

Want to know more about Leytonstone? If so, keep reading below to find out about the properties, local attractions, transport links and more.

Property In Leytonstone

Shops & Amenities

Transport Links

Schools

Location & History

Places Of Interest

Employment

Gain a clearer picture of the employment prospects in Leytonstone, as well as the industries it is famous for, and the future prospects for this local economy within London…

The employment landscape in Leytonstone: The local economy is shaped heavily by small and micro-sized businesses. Around 94% of enterprises in the borough employ fewer than ten people, and the area’s High Road is lined with independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and service-based businesses that form the backbone of local employment. Retail and wholesale trade is the borough’s largest employment sector, followed by construction and professional services. Healthcare also plays a significant role, with Whipps Cross Hospital — one of the area’s biggest single employers — located just a short distance to the north-east. Education, social care, and the public sector provide further steady sources of work across the borough, with Waltham Forest Council itself employing thousands of staff.
Key industries in Leytonstone: What sets Leytonstone apart from many outer London locations is its proximity to Stratford and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The International Quarter at Stratford has brought major employers including Transport for London and the Financial Conduct Authority to the doorstep of east London, with around 25,000 jobs being created across the development. The East Bank cultural and education quarter — home to the V&A, Sadler’s Wells, UAL’s London College of Fashion, and BBC Music — is also generating new roles in the creative, cultural, and education sectors. Westfield Stratford City, one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, provides thousands of retail and hospitality positions within easy commuting distance. Here East, the former Olympic broadcast centre, now operates as a major workspace for technology, media, and creative businesses, employing around 5,000 people.
Future prospects for the Leytonstone economy: For those willing to commute, the Central line places the City of London and the West End within 20 to 30 minutes, opening up employment in financial services, law, media, and technology. Waltham Forest’s adopted Local Plan also identifies the potential for around 52,000 square metres of new employment space across the borough over the next 15 years, which should further strengthen the local jobs market.

Explore the property landscape in Leytonstone, from prices to new developments…

Types of property in Leytonstone: Leytonstone, located in East London, predominantly features Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, typical of many London suburbs developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area also boasts some 1930s semi-detached houses and post-war developments.
Unique property in Leytonstone: A unique characteristic of Leytonstone is the presence of “Warner” houses, purpose-built maisonettes with their own front doors, often recognizable by their distinctive red brick facades and tiled porches. Some of the most desirable properties can be found on streets such as Browning Road, Lister Road, and Harvey Road, which feature larger Victorian houses, some with period features intact.
Sought-after properties in Leytonstone: The Bushwood area is particularly sought after, with its tree-lined streets and well-preserved Edwardian homes.
Leytonstone property developments: In terms of development, Leytonstone has seen recent improvements around its transport hub, with the regeneration of Leytonstone High Road station and surrounding areas. The ongoing Waltham Forest Mini-Holland scheme is also enhancing cycling and pedestrian infrastructure throughout the area, potentially increasing property values in affected neighbourhoods.

See the most recent house prices in Leytonstone here.

There’s a lot to do in and around Leytonstone, here’s a brief overview of the shops, leisure activities and amenities available in the area.

Dining and Cafés – Leytonstone has many places to eat out. You can find food from different countries. Some good restaurants are Singburi, which serves Thai food, and Homies on Donkeys, known for its tacos. For a quick snack or dessert, The Sunflower Café & Crêperie is known for its waffles and crepes. There are also plenty of pubs that serve meals and restaurants with food from across the globe.
Leisure and Recreation – If you want to exercise, you can go to the Leytonstone Leisure Centre. It has a 25-meter swimming pool and a gym with lots of new equipment. You can also join various exercise classes there. The centre has a play area for children with soft surfaces and padding, and after working out, you can grab a drink or snack at the centre’s café.
Parks & Green Spaces – Leytonstone has several outdoor areas where you can spend time. Henry Reynolds Gardens is a good place to sit and relax, while Wanstead Park and Flats are to the immediate east, providing a huge green expanse to explore. Meanwhile, the Hackney Marshes and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park lies close by to the west.
Shopping and Retail – In Leytonstone, you can shop at numerous larger stores as well as plenty of local shops. There are supermarkets like Sainsbury’s for everyday groceries. Leytonstone High Road has plenty of shops to explore from B&M to Tesco and lots of smaller shops and restaurants too.

There are lots of ways to get around Leytonstone, see some of the options available below:

Car & Road – Leytonstone is conveniently located near major roads, including the A12, A104, and M11. These roads provide easy access to other parts of London and beyond. The average driving time to central London is approximately 20-30 minutes.
Bus – Leytonstone is well-connected by bus services, with numerous routes serving the area and connecting to other parts of London. Several bus stops are located within walking distance of most homes in Leytonstone.
Train – Leytonstone High Road station provides direct train services to central London, including Liverpool Street and Stratford. The journey to Liverpool Street typically takes around 15 minutes.
Tube – Leytonstone Central Line station offers direct tube services to central London, including Oxford Circus, Bond Street, and Bank. The journey to Oxford Circus usually takes around 30 minutes.
Cycling & Walking – Leytonstone is a pedestrian-friendly area with safe cycling routes. There are several parks and green spaces where you can enjoy cycling and walking.
Nearest Airport – London City Airport is the nearest airport to Leytonstone, located approximately 15 miles away. The journey to the airport by car or public transport typically takes around 30-40 minutes.

Travel times to key areas:

Central London: 20-30 minutes by car, 15-30 minutes by public transport
Stratford: 10-15 minutes by train or bus
Westfield Stratford City: 10-15 minutes by train or bus
Heathrow Airport: 45-60 minutes by car or public transport
Gatwick Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes by car or public transport

Find out more here.

Leytonstone has numerous, highly rated state schools. Many of these have achieved an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating too – explore some of the options below.

Primary Schools: Newport School, Davies Lane Primary School, Colegrave Primary School (All ‘Outstanding’)
Secondary Schools: Harris Academy Chobham, Forest Gate Community School (All ‘Outstanding’)
Special Schools: John F Kennedy Special School (All ‘Outstanding’)

For a comprehensive list, look at this local government guide.

Leytonstone is a town in East London, located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Its origins date back to the 13th century, with the name derived from “Ley tun,” meaning a farm on a clearing or pasture.

Situated about 7 miles northeast of central London, Leytonstone is well-connected to the city via the Central Line on the London Underground. This accessibility makes it popular with commuters who work in central London but prefer a more suburban setting. Living in Leytonstone offers a balance between urban convenience and suburban calm. Compared to neighbouring areas like Stratford or Leyton, Leytonstone tends to be quieter and more residential. It has more green spaces and a slightly slower pace of life, while still providing easy access to London’s amenities.

The town is known for its mix of Victorian and Edwardian houses, along with newer developments. This architectural variety gives Leytonstone a distinct character, different from the more uniform housing found in some nearby areas. Leytonstone attracts a diverse population, including young professionals, families, and long-term residents. Many are drawn by the relatively affordable housing prices compared to central London, as well as the area’s improving schools and local facilities.

The town is characterised by its strong sense of community, evident in local events and initiatives. Leytonstone High Road serves as the main shopping area, featuring a mix of independent shops and chain stores. The town also boasts several parks and green spaces, contributing to its appeal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Leytonstone’s cultural significance is highlighted by its connection to notable figures, particularly filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, who was born there. This heritage is celebrated with mosaics in the local tube station, adding to the town’s unique identity.

There are plenty of places to explore in and around Leytonstone, see a few places to watch out for below:

Leytonstone Market – A vibrant hub of local produce, crafts, and street food.
Leyton Orient Football Club – Support the local team and catch a match at their historic ground.
Wanstead Park – Enjoy a leisurely stroll, picnic, or cycle ride in this beautiful green space.
Leytonstone Library – Discover a wealth of books, resources, and events for all ages.
Corbett Park – Relax in the tranquil surroundings of this park, featuring a playground and tennis courts.
Leytonstone High Road – Explore the bustling main street with its shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Church of St Mary Magdalene – Admire the stunning architecture of this historic church.
Leytonstone House – Learn about the history of the area at this Grade II listed building.
Waltham Forest Town Hall – Attend a concert, exhibition, or other event at this impressive venue.
Leytonstone Tube Station – Conveniently access central London and other parts of the city.

Gain a clearer picture of the employment prospects in Leytonstone, as well as the industries it is famous for, and the future prospects for this local economy within London…

The employment landscape in Leytonstone: The local economy is shaped heavily by small and micro-sized businesses. Around 94% of enterprises in the borough employ fewer than ten people, and the area’s High Road is lined with independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and service-based businesses that form the backbone of local employment. Retail and wholesale trade is the borough’s largest employment sector, followed by construction and professional services. Healthcare also plays a significant role, with Whipps Cross Hospital — one of the area’s biggest single employers — located just a short distance to the north-east. Education, social care, and the public sector provide further steady sources of work across the borough, with Waltham Forest Council itself employing thousands of staff.
Key industries in Leytonstone: What sets Leytonstone apart from many outer London locations is its proximity to Stratford and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The International Quarter at Stratford has brought major employers including Transport for London and the Financial Conduct Authority to the doorstep of east London, with around 25,000 jobs being created across the development. The East Bank cultural and education quarter — home to the V&A, Sadler’s Wells, UAL’s London College of Fashion, and BBC Music — is also generating new roles in the creative, cultural, and education sectors. Westfield Stratford City, one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, provides thousands of retail and hospitality positions within easy commuting distance. Here East, the former Olympic broadcast centre, now operates as a major workspace for technology, media, and creative businesses, employing around 5,000 people.
Future prospects for the Leytonstone economy: For those willing to commute, the Central line places the City of London and the West End within 20 to 30 minutes, opening up employment in financial services, law, media, and technology. Waltham Forest’s adopted Local Plan also identifies the potential for around 52,000 square metres of new employment space across the borough over the next 15 years, which should further strengthen the local jobs market.