Bethnal Green

Bethnal Green is an eclectic neighbourhood, with a lively mix of cultural diversity, markets, eating places, museums and parks.

The hamlet borders the magnificent Victoria Park. This huge and beautifully planted open space hosts many festivals, fetes, rallies and meetings. It is famous for its open-air concert beside the Chinese summerhouse, the Pagoda and open air film shows.

Neighbouring Shoreditch was once famous for its boot and furniture makers. Today many of the imposing buildings have been transformed into New York loft-style living and working spaces occupied by artists, musicians, designers and media workers.

Bethnal Green is also well known for its Museum of Childhood. It houses one of the largest and most fascinating collections of children's toys in the country. The ground floor is full of delightful playthings, ranging from dolls' houses, dolls and games to teddy bears, toy soldiers and trains, dating from the 17th century to the present day.

The upper childhood gallery explores the process of growing up from birth to the teenage years, through baby equipment, nursery furniture as well as children's clothes. The museum also arranges activities and workshops during school holidays.

Another major attraction is the colourful Columbia Road Market, in the heart of Bethnal Green. It is known for its huge selection of house and garden plants, and trees. On Sunday the street is a blaze of colour, with amateur horticulturists searching for their favourite blooms or enjoying English breakfasts, Spanish tapas and sea food at one of the many eateries.

Bethnal Green is both famous and infamous - for being the birthplace and early home of Carry On film star Barbara Windsor, but also for being the stamping ground of East End gangland bosses Ronnie and Reggie Kray - dubbed the Kray Twins.