Car Hire Bow

The first thing we noticed was the smell of warm bread near Roman Road, mixed with the faint hum of traffic from the A12. That’s Bow—part lived-in routine, part unexpected moment. With its population of 27,000, it’s the kind of place where driving in feels ordinary, right up until you spot a tidal mill by the canal or an art gallery behind a pub.

We came in mid-morning, cutting across from Bethnal Green and found parking easier than expected—no endless loops or tight parallel squeezes. Spring suits the area best. Things start growing, the market gets busier and you’ll hear conversations spill out from open café doors onto pavements. There’s no need to dress it up. Bow works because it doesn’t try to.

Attractions In Bow

Bow made more sense once we had the car. Parking was easier than expected and having wheels meant we could hop between stops without trying to stitch it all together on foot. Some places were tucked behind estates or at the edge of old industrial sites—not obvious unless you’re driving past slowly or know where to pull in.

Three Mills Green & Three Mills Island

We parked near Three Mill Lane and followed the canal until the view opened into green. The tide’s rhythm still shapes this spot—you can feel the history in the cobbles and the old House Mill, even when it’s quiet. It’s open 24 hours and especially striking early morning when the water’s still.

Mile End Park

Approaching from Shoreditch, this was an easy first stop. The park runs like a green spine, with distinct zones—ecology, art, play—stitched together by a wide central path. We found food stalls at the southern end and kids in the skate park. Open from 10am to 5pm most days.

The Greenway

The elevated Greenway footpath gives a rare east London perspective—canal, skyline and estate rooftops in one sweep. We joined near Dace Road and walked west toward Bow Church. The sound shifts the higher you go and you’ll often share the space with cyclists, dog walkers and joggers. Open 24 hours.

Grove Hall Park

A popular option with those based in Whitechapel, this compact park off Fairfield Road has a good balance of openness and shelter. We noticed a steady flow of locals walking dogs, chatting on benches and cutting through en route to the Roman Road Market. Gates are open 9am to 5pm.

Young V&A

We planned a morning outing from Spitalfields and ended up staying longer than we expected. Bright, hands-on and thoughtfully curated—it’s not just for children. Every corner seemed to invite interaction. Open daily, 10am–5:45pm.

ABBA Arena

An ideal detour for drivers coming from Rotherhithe, the ABBA Arena near Pudding Mill Lane is a purpose-built immersive venue. We didn’t go inside for a show this time but even from outside the lighting and structure drew people in. It’s open around the clock but the performances start late afternoon.

Chisenhale Gallery

Tucked down Chisenhale Road, this low-key gallery surprises. The space is spare but the exhibitions linger. We dropped in on a Thursday—open noon to 6pm—and left with a zine and a few notes to look up later. Staff were welcoming without being overbearing.

Hackney Museum

During a visit to Greenwich, we looped back toward Reading Lane for this small museum. Its strength is in personal stories—letters, photographs, everyday artefacts from Hackney‘s many waves of migration. Great for grounding yourself in the local context. Open Tuesday to Saturday, hours vary slightly by day.

Zip World London

We nearly missed the turn—it’s not as obvious from Thornton Street. But once you’re in, the ziplines feel worlds away from the city. High, fast and well-run. We booked for late afternoon, when the queue had eased. Open daily from 10am to 6pm.

The Viktor Wynd Museum Of Curiosities

This one leans odd—in the best way. Part museum, part art piece, part Victorian parlour. We wouldn’t take young kids but for adults with a sense of the eccentric, it’s a gem. Hidden behind Mare Street, open from 3pm most weekdays and from noon at weekends.

Where The Wheels Stop

Bow doesn’t push to be noticed. It lets you find your own rhythm—whether that’s parking near the canal and wandering until something catches your eye or sticking close to Roman Road for food, noise and market chatter.

We grabbed coffee and a late brunch at Mae + Harvey (Roman Road), where the menu shifts with the season—think toasted banana bread, poached eggs and properly strong coffee. Later, we booked a table at Palmers, a quietly brilliant modern British spot further down the road, known for its Sunday roasts and smart but unfussy plates.

If you’re staying over, The Corner London City is an eco-minded hotel just a short drive west—comfortable, well-connected and with parking available. It’s a handy base whether you’re exploring Bow or linking up with nearby hubs like Stratford the next morning.