Waltham Forest is located between part of Epping Forest in the east and the River Lee in the west which form two green corridors passing into London from the surrounding countryside. A fifth of the borough is made up of forestland, reservoirs, open space, parks and playing fields. Waltham Forest is the birthplace of William Morris, best known as one of the principal founders of the British Arts and Crafts Movement. Other notable people such as Footballer and former England Captain David Beckham and film director Alfred Hitchcock were also born in the borough.

The borough is home to many musicians who have made it in the UK charts over the years such as East 17 and Blazin’ Squad. In more recent years grime music has played a big part in Waltham Forest’s music scene with acts such as More Fire Crew and Lethal Bizzle originating from this borough. Waltham Forest is one of the 5 host boroughs and Eton Manor in Leyton forms the northern part of the Olympic Park. During the Olympic Games the area will house three Olympic-size swimming pools, one synchronised swimming pool and one water polo pool. These pools will be used for athlete training.