Things to Do Near Abba Arena in London

How to use this nearby attractions guide

Abba Arena sits by Pudding Mill Lane in east London, with public art, small parks, and Stratford-area landmarks close enough to fit around a show. This guide focuses on places you can realistically walk to before or after an event, based on their mapped distance from the arena. Use it to decide whether to arrive early for a short stroll, or plan a gentle walk afterwards instead of heading straight home. Always check each attraction’s own site or local signage for any opening restrictions or access changes, as this page does not list live hours or ticket details.

Public art and murals within a short walk

Several pieces of public art sit within a few hundred metres of Abba Arena, making them easy stops if you have a little spare time but do not want to stray far from the venue. These are outdoor works, so you can usually view them as part of a casual walk without needing tickets, though you should still be prepared for occasional access changes due to local works or events.

• Bazalgette drawingsAbout 195 m away on Marshgate Lane, this mural-style artwork is close enough for a quick look on your way to or from the arena.
• DiverRoughly 280 m from the arena at Dane's Yard, this artwork can be folded into a short detour if you are walking through the nearby yards towards Stratford.
• Carpenters CurveAround 550 m away on Montfichet Road, this mural gives you a reason to extend your walk towards the wider Stratford area.
• Pixel WallApproximately 600 m from Abba Arena on Tessa Jowell Boulevard, this artwork works well as a visual stop if you are already heading towards the nearby shopping and leisure streets.
• Lapis MewsAbout 430 m away, this artwork can be combined with nearby streets for a short loop walk without going far from Pudding Mill Lane.

Greenway viewpoints and sculpture near the arena

If you want a pre-show leg stretch with some views, the Greenway and its artworks run within a few hundred metres of Abba Arena. Mapping data shows both viewpoint-style areas and sculptural pieces along this route, so you can choose between a simple there-and-back walk or a slightly longer circuit. Because these are outdoor paths and installations, you can usually visit them without tickets, but it is still worth checking for any temporary closures or diversions before you set out.

• Greenway viewpointRoughly 265 m from the arena, the Greenway offers a marked viewpoint, making it one of the closest places to step away from the immediate event streets.
• The Greenway sculpturesAround 270 m away, sculptural artworks along the Greenway give you a focus point if you prefer an aim for your walk rather than just following the path.

Short cultural stops and memorials around Marshgate Lane and Bow

The streets around Marshgate Lane and towards Bow include several small memorials and art pieces. These are more reflective stops than full-scale attractions, so they suit visitors who have a little extra time and prefer quieter, focused places rather than long activities between travel and showtime.

• History TreesAbout 270 m from Abba Arena on Sewer Bank, this artwork can be added to a short loop if you are exploring the Greenway and nearby paths.
• The West Ham BattalionRoughly 485 m away on Marshgate Lane, this memorial offers a historical point of interest within walking distance of the arena.
• Lee Alexander McQueen memorialAround 540 m from the venue on Biggerstaff Road, this sight is a specific stop for visitors interested in design and fashion-related history.
• Bryant and May War MemorialApproximately 580 m away on Bow Arts Lane, this memorial can be part of a slightly longer walk towards Bow if you arrive in the area well before your event.

Parks and green spaces for a breather

If you prefer open space before heading into the arena, several small parks are within walking distance. These are useful if you have some time to spare but want to stay relatively close to your event, or if you are meeting others nearby and need a clear outdoor rendezvous point. As with any public park, check local notices for any area-specific rules or temporary closures.

• Stratford park areaAbout 425 m from Abba Arena, this mapped parkland gives you a patch of green close to the wider Stratford streets and facilities.
• Bow Estate ParkRoughly 540 m away in Bow, this park works for a gentle stroll if you are walking in from that direction before your show.
• Grove Hall ParkAround 560 m from the arena in Bow, this green space is another option if you are exploring the neighbourhood on foot.
• St. Leonard's Priory ParkApproximately 570 m away, this park sits slightly further into Bow and can be combined with nearby memorials and artworks for a longer pre-event walk.
• Greenway park segmentAbout 565 m from the arena near Stratford, this section of the Greenway is mapped as parkland, giving you an extended walking route if you want more than a quick stretch.

Poetry, sculpture, and themed pieces near Stratford

Some nearby works combine public art with literary or thematic elements, which can appeal if you enjoy reading plaques and spending a few focused minutes at each stop. These are close enough to fold into a walk towards Stratford or the Olympic Park side of the area.

• The Fun Palace by Caroline BirdAround 420 m from Abba Arena on Thornton Street, this artwork brings a literary angle to the local public art trail.
• Bow sculpture at Bow RoundaboutRoughly 440 m away near Bow Roundabout, this sculptural piece can be a waypoint if you are walking between Bow and the arena.

Choosing what fits your pre- or post-show schedule

Because most nearby attractions are within about 600 m of Abba Arena, your main decision is how much walking time you want to build around your event. If you only have a short window, focus on the closest options such as the Greenway viewpoints, Bazalgette drawings, or History Trees, all within roughly 300 m of the venue. With a bit more time, you can link several stops into a loop, for example combining Diver and Lapis Mews with Carpenters Curve and Pixel Wall on your way towards Stratford. For a quieter approach, choose one of the small parks such as Bow Estate Park or Grove Hall Park and allow a little extra time to walk back before doors. For any attraction where interior access or facilities might matter to you, check its own website or local information in advance, as this guide only covers location and type, not live opening hours or ticketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest attractions to Abba Arena for a quick visit?

Based on mapped distances, some of the closest options are Bazalgette drawings on Marshgate Lane at about 195 m away, the Greenway viewpoints and sculptures around 265–270 m from the arena, and History Trees at roughly 270 m. These are suitable if you want a short walk without going far from Pudding Mill Lane.

Can I walk to parks or green spaces from Abba Arena?

Yes. Several small parks are within walking distance, including a park area in Stratford around 425 m away, Bow Estate Park at roughly 540 m, Grove Hall Park at about 560 m, and St. Leonard's Priory Park around 570 m from Abba Arena. There is also a Greenway park segment mapped about 565 m from the venue, giving you additional walking routes.

Are there public art pieces near Abba Arena I can see without tickets?

The area around Abba Arena includes multiple outdoor artworks such as Bazalgette drawings, Diver, Carpenters Curve, Lapis Mews, Pixel Wall, History Trees, and The Fun Palace by Caroline Bird. These are mapped as public art or murals within roughly 200–600 m of the venue, so you can usually view them as part of a casual walk, though you should still watch for any local access restrictions.

Is Stratford itself considered a nearby attraction to Abba Arena?

Stratford is mapped as a nearby park and leisure area about 425 m from Abba Arena. It works as a general destination if you want more space to walk or to connect your visit to the wider Stratford streets and facilities before or after a show.

Do I need to book tickets for the nearby attractions listed here?

Most of the places highlighted near Abba Arena, such as public art pieces, memorials, and small parks, are mapped as outdoor attractions that typically do not require tickets. However, this guide does not track live entry rules, so if you are planning around any specific attraction, check its own website or on-site information for up-to-date details on access, hours, or any required booking.