THE REALLY QUIET EAST LONDON NEIGHBOURHOOD THAT WOULD LOOK MORE AT HOME IN COUNTRYSIDE
London, with its hidden treasures and charming neighbourhoods, can sometimes make the steep rents feel a tad more bearable. But finding that elusive peace and quiet amidst the ceaseless hum of people, traffic and city life can be a tough task.
Yet, whether you're exploring Nunhead or Little Venice, tranquillity is not impossible to find even in the heart of the capital. This rings particularly true for Bushwood in Leytonstone.
Just a stone's throw from Leytonstone High Road and less than 10 minutes from the station, Bushwood feels more like a rural idyll than a typical London borough.
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Though small, Bushwood packs a punch with its lush green spaces, quaint cobbled houses and charming narrow streets.
The Browning Road conservation area, lined with cosy cottages, feels like stepping into Narnia through the wardrobe. Spot the North Star pub and before you know it, you're in a picture-perfect village.
Built in 1854, the North Star boasts one of the best pub atmospheres in the area, if not the whole of London. A world away from Leytonstone's hustle and bustle, Bushwood offers the serenity and quietness you'd expect from a small town outside the capital.
Yet, it's firmly within London, and that's what makes it so delightful.
The sense of community in Bushwood is palpable, and the tranquillity is a surprising contrast to the usual bustle of the East End. Property prices reflect the desirability of the neighbourhood, with Rightmove listing the average house price at a hefty £1,093,000.
The expansive Bushwood Park, with its miles of greenery, encircles stunning Victorian homes and is a popular spot for dog walkers. Meanwhile, Henry Reynold Gardens offers a charming, albeit smaller, space complete with a children's play area – contributing factors to the area's steep property costs.
Chatting with MyLondon while meandering down Browning Road were Roger, 69, and Susan, 81. The couple has deep roots in the area, with Roger calling it home for three decades and Susan for 20 years since tying the knot.
Roger shared his fondness for the locality: "The best part about Bushwood is the 'wood' part of it. You don't have to walk far to get close to the forest, it's easy."
He also highlighted the low traffic, saying, "Bushwood is right on the edge of the forest and you don't need to pass through here to get a shortcut to Leyton. You don't get a lot of through traffic. It's a quieter place for sure. The houses get more expensive the closer you get to the park."
Susan chimed in with her thoughts on the neighbourhood's vibe: "It's very neighbourly around here and has a great community feel. There's a really strong residents association here who do a lot of things throughout the year to get people together such as a winter feat, it's really friendly here. The demographic of the area is nice as well, you have people from all different backgrounds, and it's a nice mixture and vibe."
Waltham Forest has seen quite the transformation, according to one local who's been around to witness the changes. She praised the borough for its efforts in revamping homes and boosting cycling infrastructure with new lanes that make her feel safer on two wheels.
"Since I've been here it has changed a lot and a lot of revamping of the houses. Cycling as well, Waltham Forest has done really well with the infrastructure they have brought in and there are several cycle lanes that make it safer for an older woman like me."
But the area's charms don't just cater to cyclists and homeowners. In the leafy enclave of Bushwood, we encountered a man who's made the park his temporary abode.
Opting for anonymity, he shared his story: "I'm living in a tent at the park and it's so expensive to find a place and I've always felt like someone who doesn't like to be in a box. I don't have much of an income currently so camping is easier."
Long-time residents Deborah Goody and Salvo Fadiloglu, who bought their house over 20 years ago, can't sing Bushwood's praises enough.
Deborah enthused: "We are lucky to live around here, it really looks like the countryside. If you've got a dog, it's absolutely great. You have Wanstead Flats, Bushwood then if you cross the road you get into Wanstead Park."
For them, it's the perfect blend of city living and rural charm.
If you’re craving a quaint winter stroll without venturing far from London’s hustle, Bushwood is your go-to gem. It’s a serene escape offering a slice of tranquillity while being a mere 20-minute jaunt from Stratford — indeed a balanced mix of urban convenience and pastoral bliss.
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2025-03-01T06:32:23Z