Bushwood is more akin to the countryside than what you expect from a London neighbourhood
15:40, 06 Dec 2022Updated 17:25, 06 Dec 2022
London has its hidden gems and beautiful neighbourhoods that make the sky-high rent prices not feel as bad (in some cases). However, finding that peace and quiet that you may long for is harder than expected due to the constant stream of people, vehicles and general noise.
Whether that be a visit to Nunhead or Little Venice, you can find that tranquillity that you long for even in the heart of London. That is never more true than when it comes to Bushwood in Leytonstone. Located a few minutes away from Leytonstone High Road and less than 10 minutes from the station, Bushwood is more akin to the countryside than what you expect from a London borough.
Bushwood isn't huge but it offers a lot; green spaces in abundance, cobbled houses and adorable narrow streets. The Browning Road conservation area is lined with small cottages and turning into it feels like you are transported through the wardrobe in The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe.
READ MORE: Pretty East London neighbourhood becoming a 'ghost town' as shopkeepers are being priced out
You lay your eyes on the North Star pub and the next thing you know you are greeted by a picturesque village. The North Star was built in 1854 and boasts one of the best pub atmospheres in the area, if not the entire capital.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the business in Leytonstone, the serenity and quietness you would associate with a small town outside of London welcome you. The thing is, it's firmly within London and that is what makes it delightful.
The community feel is instantly apparent and the quietness is something you wouldn't associate with the East End. House prices in the area are certainly expensive - the average house price according to Rightmove is £1,093,000.
Bushwood Park stretches for miles as it surrounds the beautiful Victorian houses and you'll spot people walking their dogs in their droves. Henry Reynold Gardens is small but quaint and also provides a play area for children. It's easy to see why it's so expensive.
Roger, 69 and Susan, 81, were strolling down Browning Road when they spoke to MyLondon. Roger has lived in the area for 30 years while Susan has spent 20 years ever since they got married. Roger said: "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.
"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 added: "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.
"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."
The beauties of Bushwood also extend to a home for some. We stumbled upon a gentleman who said he has been camping at Bushwood for 2 weeks due to the fact he doesn't have much of an 'income' now.
He wanted to remain anonymous but said: "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."
A walk through the park on a Tuesday afternoon brings out the elderly, the young and the families as they go for their afternoon stroll while walking their dogs. There are even foxes roaming as well as squirrels - we even spotted someone setting their dog off to chase a fox away (who knew fox hunting in London was a thing?)
Deborah Goody and Salvo Fadiloglu brought their house over 20 years ago and they think Bushwood is a great place to live. Deborah said: "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.
"The area has changed over the years and it is more community now with lots of young families moving in which is good. We have a farmers market on our road and it's a lot better. House prices have definitely gone up - we bought ours for £106,000 and now it's close to half a million."
Salvo added: "Of course, it's nice that prices are going up but it's all relative. Ever since the Olympics, Leyton has also started getting better so it's good to see the area improving."
If you are looking for a nice winter walk and don't want to leave London, Bushwood is certainly worth your time. It truly feels like a different part of London while still only 20 minutes from Stratford - truly the best of both worlds.
Do you think your neighbourhood is as pretty? Let us know by emailing ayokunle.oluwalana@reachplc.com
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