After my latest long-term stay in London—a two-month workation last summer—I discovered a new favorite neighborhood: Walthamstow. Tucked away from the usual tourist trails, this area offers the perfect mix of creativity, greenery, and local charm. It’s home to some of the most impressive London murals, independent shops, cozy pubs, and not one but two craft breweries. And, of course, its thriving street art scene makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring street art in London.
Let me take you on a tour of Walthamstow’s best murals, hidden gems, and local spots that make this neighborhood so special to me.
- London Street Art Map: Walthamstow
- Banksy Street Art in London: Walthamstow Pelicans
- Street Art in London: Wood Street Walls
- Street Art in Walthamstow: Murals along Wood Street
- London Street Art Map
- Street Art in Walthamstow: Murals along Forest Road
- Street Art in Walthamstow: Murals along St. James Street
- London Street Art Map: Walthamstow
- Street Art in Walthamstow: St. Peter-in-the-Forest graveyard
- More Things to Do in Walthamstow, My Favorite London Neighborhood
- London Street Art Map
London Street Art Map: Walthamstow
Banksy Street Art in London: Walthamstow Pelicans
If the fact that Walthamstow is my favorite London neighborhood isn’t reason enough to visit, here’s another: Banksy chose this very area for one of his interventions last summer as part of the “London Zoo” series.
The elusive street artist from Bristol painted two pelicans perched above the sign of a beloved local fish and chip shop, blending his signature social commentary with the charm of the neighborhood.
- Read also: “Where to Find Banksy Street Art in London“
- Read also: “Rewilding the City Through Banksy London Zoo“
- Read also: “Been Enjoying Banksy’s London Safari, But Who Benefits From Those Pieces?“
- Watch also: “Vlog: Finding Banksy’s London Zoo Series Throughout London – Part 1“
Street Art in London: Wood Street Walls
But long before Banksy’s arrival, Walthamstow had already established itself as a street art hotspot, thanks to the efforts of Wood Street Walls, a community-driven project that has brought stunning murals to the area, making art accessible to everyone while revitalizing public spaces. Their mission goes beyond aesthetics—by working with local businesses, councils, and residents, they use street art as a tool for urban regeneration and social impact.
Over the years, Wood Street Walls has commissioned murals from a diverse range of local and international artists. Among the most notable contributors are Conor Harrington, Helen Bur, Beau Stanton, Axel Void, Invader, and Remi Rough.
Through their efforts, Wood Street Walls has not only enriched the neighborhood visually but also fostered a strong sense of community, making Walthamstow murals a must-see for anyone exploring street art in London.
Street Art in Walthamstow: Murals along Wood Street
Let’s start our exploration on Wood Street, the very road that gives its name to the Wood Street Walls project. Walking up and down this street and its surroundings, you’ll come across some of the best murals in London, each adding its own layer to the area’s growing reputation as a street art hotspot.
Let’s start with this mural at the entrance of the street—a photorealistic bookshelf by Dutch artist Jan Is De Man. This piece is part of an ongoing series that began in his hometown of Utrecht, where he first painted the favorite books of local residents as a tribute to community and shared knowledge. Since then, he has brought this concept to other cities, adapting it to new surroundings.
Just next to a fantastic Lebanese & Palestinian eatery, you’ll find a melancholic mural created by Australian artists Cam Scale and Loretta Lizzio. Their delicate, painterly style brings an evocative depth to the piece, making it one of the most compelling stops along the way.
A few steps further, Helen Bur’s 2019 mural, Need for Speed, pays homage to Beryl Swain, the fearless rider who made history in 1962 as the first woman to compete solo in a Tourist Trophy race on the Isle of Man. A former Walthamstow resident, Helen Bur captures the pilot’s determination in a piece that celebrates a groundbreaking figure in motorsport history.
- Read also: “Catching Up with Helen Bur at Nuart Aberdeen“
At the opposite side of the road, you’ll find The Toasters, a collective that has been leaving its playful toaster-shaped stencil on city walls since 1999.
A standout piece along Wood Street is Life by Axel Void, painted in 2016 as part of Wood Street Walls. Known for his ability to merge classical painting techniques with contemporary urban art, Axel Void’s work here is rich in shadows, contrast, and emotional depth. His murals often tackle social themes with raw intensity, making Life one of the most thought-provoking works in the area.
- Read also: “Interview with Axel Void“
Lastly, don’t miss Remi Rough’s abstract mural, where his signature geometric forms and dynamic compositions bring a vibrant, expressive energy to the street. His use of bold colors and sharp angles makes this piece a perfect example of his minimalist style.
London Street Art Map
Find Walthamstow murals, along many other stunning murals, cozy pubs, independent shops and more cool spots in my London Street Art Travel Map:
Street Art in Walthamstow: Murals along Forest Road
Continuing our journey through Walthamstow’s murals, Forest Road and its surroundings offer even more striking works, each with a story to tell.
One of the most discreet yet iconic pieces here is a mosaic by French street artist Invader, celebrating the legacy of a beloved local pub. As with his other pixelated works scattered across the world, this piece embeds Walthamstow into Invader’s ever-expanding galactic conquest.
Not far, just off Forest Road, you’ll find a mural by London-based Italian artist Hunto, known for his bold colors and abstract compositions that explore themes of love, intimacy, and human connection. His signature cubist-inspired figures create a sense of fluidity and raw emotion, encouraging viewers to reflect on the complexities of relationships.
Another standout piece—though notoriously difficult to photograph—is a mural by yet another London-based Italian artist, RUN. His expressive, large-scale figure always interacts with his surroundings, playing with movement and perspective to challenge the way we perceive urban space.
- Read also: “From Italy to London: RUN on Cultivating Walls and Weaving Human Connections Through Street Art“
Adding a more dynamic and layered touch to the street, Canadian street artist Aaron Li-Hill has painted a powerful mural that embodies his signature exploration of motion, transformation, and the fragile relationship between humans and nature. The fragmented, overlapping figure conveys a sense of urgency, blurring the lines between past and present, nature and urban life. Through this technique, Li-Hill invites us to reflect on the loss of identity in the modern world.
Finally, one of the most emotionally charged murals along this route is Erin Holly’s portrait of Joseph Torres, a moving tribute to a young life tragically lost to gun violence. The mural immortalizes Joseph, turning an urban wall into a space for remembrance and reflection.
Street Art in Walthamstow: Murals along St. James Street
Another significant urban art initiative in Walthamstow focused on the regeneration of the area around St. James Street, bringing internationally renowned artists like ROA and Phlegm to the neighborhood.
As part of a commission by St James Street Big Local, Belgian street artist ROA painted one of London’s most elusive creatures—a striking badger—on a grand scale. Known for his monochromatic depictions of wildlife, ROA carefully selects animals that are native to the locations where he paints. Badgers, though common in London’s outer boroughs, remain largely unseen due to their nocturnal habits, making this mural both an artistic statement and a nod to the hidden biodiversity of the city.
At the beginning of the street, Phlegm’s distinctive black-and-white composition adds another layer of visual storytelling to St. James Street, bringing surreal characters and dreamlike narratives to the area.
This striking mural pays tribute to a pioneering moment in British aviation: Alliott Verdon Roe’s short but historic flight over Walthamstow Marshes in 1909. His handmade Roe I Triplane—built from wood, paper, and a 35-horsepower British engine—made the first successful powered flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft designed and constructed entirely in Britain. Just a few seconds in the air, but a giant leap for British engineering.
Overlooking Phlegm’s mural, a piece by ATM features a collection of birds closely linked to the area. Given its proximity to Walthamstow Wetlands (Europe’s largest urban wetlands), this artwork is a poignant celebration of the rich birdlife found just minutes away.
Still in this part of Walthamstow neighborhood, you’ll find yet another stunning mural by Phlegm, in which his intricate, surreal characters create a dreamlike narrative that invites interpretation.
Among the other striking pieces in the area is a mural by Louis Masai, one of several environmental artworks he has painted in Walthamstow. This piece highlights three species under threat in the UK—a fox, a badger, and two bees- each facing challenges such as habitat loss, hunting, or government-sanctioned culls. Created as part of the Colour The Capital project by the Forest Recycling Project, Masai’s mural continues his mission to raise awareness of conservation issues through street art.
Nearby, a mural by Hunto stands out for its vivid colors and dynamic forms, injecting a sense of movement and warmth into the urban environment.
Another eye-catching mural in this area is “London Fleur” by US artist Beau Stanton. Inspired by Adrian Irwin’s Hi-Fi Electronics and Lighting repair shop, the mural pays homage to the shop owner’s passion for Tiffany-style lamps, incorporating intricate patterns and rich hues reminiscent of stained glass. This fusion of art and craftsmanship not only brightens the streetscape but also celebrates the independent businesses that shape Walthamstow’s identity.
London Street Art Map: Walthamstow
Street Art in Walthamstow: St. Peter-in-the-Forest graveyard
One of the most captivating murals in Walthamstow, and arguably one of my favorite street art pieces in all of London, is Phlegm’s 2021 mural in the graveyard of St. Peter-in-the-Forest. Nestled within the grounds of this charming 19th-century church, surrounded by towering trees and overgrown foliage, the piece feels almost otherworldly—perfectly in sync with its surroundings.
The mural was created as part of WOOD, a project curated by Axel Void that invited artists to produce site-specific works in this deeply atmospheric location. Phlegm’s intricate black-and-white imagery, often filled with surreal characters and dreamlike narratives, takes on an even more poetic quality here, interacting with the gravestones and the natural decay of the site. His signature storytelling style, rich with symbolism, transforms this forgotten corner of Walthamstow into a contemplative space, where art, spirituality, and nature merge seamlessly.
More Things to Do in Walthamstow, My Favorite London Neighborhood
While Walthamstow’s murals are reason enough to visit, there’s plenty more to discover in this creative and ever-evolving neighborhood.
Start with a visit to the William Morris Gallery, a must-see for anyone interested in design, craftsmanship, and social history. Housed in the childhood home of the legendary Arts and Crafts Movement pioneer, the museum showcases his revolutionary designs and ideas, many of which continue to influence contemporary artists—including some of the street artists featured in Walthamstow.
For a breath of fresh air, head to Walthamstow Wetlands, a vast nature reserve just a short walk from the urban bustle. As Europe’s largest urban wetlands, this serene escape offers scenic walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views of the London skyline. It’s a perfect spot to slow down and appreciate the contrast between Walthamstow’s industrial past and its thriving green spaces.
For families, the Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum is a hidden gem. This quirky museum celebrates London’s industrial heritage, featuring vintage steam engines, transport memorabilia, and even a miniature railway—perfect for kids and curious adults alike.
One of Walthamstow’s most famous spots is God’s Own Junkyard, an electrifying explosion of neon art created by the late Chris Bracey, who has been nurturing London’s own neon museum for over 40 years. A mesmerizing maze of glowing signs, retro movie props, and custom neon designs, this place feels like stepping into another world.
And if you’re in the mood for a drink, Walthamstow boasts two excellent taprooms. Pillars Brewery specializes in craft lagers, perfect for those who appreciate a crisp, refreshing pint. Meanwhile, Exale Brewing offers an ever-changing lineup of innovative beers in a relaxed, industrial setting. Both are great places to wind down after exploring the neighborhood.
The warehouse area around God’s Own Junkyard and Pillars Brewery is home to more murals, including my favorite—Box Life by Italian artist Zed1. Painted in 2021, this mural reflects the paradoxes of pandemic life through four colorful panels, each depicting a different household scene.
A melancholy child in the yellow box longs for his playground slide, now wrapped in tape. Below, in the red box, the father clutches a rosary and a mask-turned-muzzle, trapped by media-fueled fear. In the gray box, the son hides behind a lion mask, his only outlet being the digital world. The turquoise box reveals the mother, confined at home, as the family pug—ironically the only one allowed outside—hammers at the walls.
Overseeing this domestic isolation, a squirrel in a neon sign rejoices, symbolizing how nature briefly reclaimed the city. Cleverly using the shape of the warehouse wall, Zed1 captures the surreal rhythm of lockdown—sometimes slow, sometimes restless.
From street art to history, neon wonderlands to craft beer, and even a nature escape, Walthamstow has a little bit of everything—making it not just my favorite London neighborhood, but a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a different side of the city.
London Street Art Map
Find Walthamstow murals, along many other stunning murals, cozy pubs, independent shops and more cool spots in my London Street Art Travel Map:
