Once you get off at Stratford and surface, the way is marked very clearly with signs towards the park. You end up walking through the main pedestrian street (called "The Street") of Westfield shopping mall.
This mall was pretty empty of customers. The area surrounding the park looks quite new and modern.
Stop by the information desk to get maps for the various trails. I followed the "Trail of Glory" that highlighted sporting events. Straight away you see the Aquatics Centre. The main entrance is down the stairs on the lower level. You can walk in the door. A cafe is on the left. You cannot get much further into the building if you are not a member of the centre. The facility is a public one now. Security guards are there and you need to swipe your card to enter the main part of the facility. Upstairs on the street level you can look in at the pool, but it is an obstructed view. I was hoping I could see more inside. About all I could see was the pool and some bleachers. Here is the outside.
And from farther away.
Next up was the stadium (under renovation).
Next to it is the "Arcelormittal Orbit", a modern tower with great views of London on a nice day. It was not a nice day when I was there, so I did not go up (plus tickets were 15 £). Here it is.
Both together.
The last building I went to see was the Copper Box Arena, site of handball and pentathlon fencing matches. The building was locked. I could peek in and get a glimpse of the arena. Again disappointing I could not see more of the inside. Here is the outside with the big silver word "run".
Since it was raining out that day, I did not walk further. There are the velo park and hockey/tennis centers a ways down the trail. I was afraid they would be closed too, so I gave up. I hope next time I go there will be more open.
On the sidewalks are painted images for photo ops, such as these.
Some Team GB pride!
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