Tahira Khan explores The Latest Adventure and Culture Hub For The Family
This summer, we had to make a last-minute change of plans and forgo our usual summer holiday abroad due to pre-scheduled family and friends’ weddings overseas. Instead, we decided to have a mini family staycation right here in London. With a household full of teenagers, we wanted to keep our staycation local and budget-friendly. Upon hearing about the opening of Gravity Max, a new indoor adventure park in East London, we knew we had to check it out. The thought of combining outdoor and indoor adventure activities, all conveniently located right in our neighbourhood, was too good to pass up. With a group of energetic teenagers eager for some fun, it seemed like the perfect way to spend our staycation.
Hyatt House and Hyatt Regency Hotel Stratford
Located within the Westfield Shopping Centre, this hotel boasts a prime position in the midst of a vibrant terrace of Al Fresco dining restaurants on Chestnut Plaza. Adjacent to the Hyatt House, the modern rise building offers a central base for all activities, with stunning views of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the City of London from every room.
Convenience is key at this hotel, especially with easy access to essential shops like Primark just a short walk away. For longer stays, Hyatt House provides 92 studios and 35 one-bedroom suites that feel more like upscale apartments than a traditional hotel. Guests can enjoy fully equipped kitchens, free wi-fi, and stylish living and working spaces, while also having 24-hour access to laundry facilities.
The elegant Reception and E-Londi Restaurant on the third floor offer a cosy atmosphere with Art Deco design elements, plush chairs, and a rich colour scheme of deep ultramarine blue. For those looking to stay active, the hotel boasts a state-of-the-art gym on the twelfth floor, ensuring guests can maintain their fitness routines during their stay.
Day One at Gravity Max
Holographic VR Arena
Following our arrival and check-in during the early afternoon, we relaxed and unpacked before gearing up for an exciting adventure at Gravity Max, conveniently located right next to our hotel. Picture a multi-story arcade with cutting-edge technology. Our first stop was the VR Holographic Arena, where we were equipped with 3D virtual reality headsets and laser guns. Working together as a team, we were transported to a world where alien creatures attacked us, and we had to eliminate them using our weapons. The game had different levels and culminated in a thrilling showdown to determine the ultimate winner. The experience was exhilarating and left us all eager for more. It set the perfect tone for the rest of our afternoon, filled with adrenaline and excitement.
Motor Racing on E Karts
Alright, so the racing experience I had wasn’t like bumper cars at the fairground. It was real-time motor racing on well-lit tracks with steep inclines. Before getting our helmets and balaclavas, we had to fill out safety forms and go through a tutorial on road rules and proper etiquette.
As I strapped myself in, I noticed I was at the front of the line with a bunch of adrenaline junkies and competitive teenagers behind me, eager to start racing. My daughter convinced me to give it a try, even though I was a bit apprehensive. It turned out to be a thrilling and fun experience. I tried to channel my inner Lewis Hamilton as I hit the gas and sped off.
The bumps and jostles from other drivers made the race even more intense. I finished in eighth place, not too bad considering my lack of experience. On the other hand, my daughter crossed the finish line in first place. It was a special bonding moment between a mother and her teenager.
After the race, I felt a bit sore from all the jolts, but it was definitely worth it. I jokingly told my daughter that she should brace herself for when I challenge her to a race on the Swan Pedalos, tomorrow morming.
Digital Darts
After the intense racing and crashes, we decided to take a break by purchasing popcorn and slush puppies before making our way upstairs to the darting booths. Entering our names into the system, we began playing darts on a digital gaming board mounted on the wall. This team activity was not only fully immersive but also more relaxed and enjoyable. Splitting into three sets, we followed the instructions on the digital screen. To our delight, our team emerged victorious, claiming the first place. I was eager to check out the Immersive Voice Karaoke arena and the Coco Cola Studio as well.
The Immersive Game-box
As a group, we all geared up with headsets and antennas for a team activity. We decided to engage in an interactive game of Angry Birds, progressing through various levels. By tapping on virtual buttons projected on the walls, we aimed to launch the birds towards our targets. This game proved to be both simple and enjoyable for everyone, including children. Including them in the fun would be a great idea. After spending six hours immersed in the game, we realised how time had flown by. By 7.30pm, we were not only tired but also quite hungry. We headed to the E Londi Restaurant within the hotel premises for our evening meal for a grand serving of traditional fish and chips. The restaurant also functions as the main lounge area within the hotel. For those wanting more dining options, there are numerous halal restaurants and eateries located both outside the hotel and in the nearby Westfield Shopping Centre all within walking distance.
Day Two
The next morning greeted us with a delightful continental buffet breakfast served on a sunny outdoor terrace, giving us the feeling of being on a little vacation abroad. The highlight of our stay at the hotel was the flexibility of a late check-out, which was especially convenient with our teenagers who were not morning people. Knowing they wouldn’t be ready to start our cycling activities at 10:30am, we took advantage of the extra time.
After a leisurely breakfast, the girls were still tired from a fun-filled day and late-night chats. They opted to snuggle back into the cosy duvets for a little more rest before check-out. Recognising their lack of energy, I reached out to the Velo Park to inquire about a later time slot. Thankfully, they were accommodating and offered us a more suitable time. It was clear that the group preferred a more relaxed schedule for the second day. We kicked off the day with a gentle stroll and a light cycling session, allowing everyone to ease into the day at their own pace.
Cycling at Velo Park
Inviting them to join me at noon in the lobby, we entrusted our belongings to the concierge and leisurely strolled through the Westfield Shopping Mall, browsing the various shops before making our way to Lee Valley Velo Park for our cycling session. The indoor velodrome at the park is renowned as the fastest track in the world and conveniently located just a ten-minute walk from our hotel.
At the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, cyclists of all levels, from novices to professional riders, can enjoy riding on the track. The venue is also host to prestigious World Championship events, making it a thrilling place for families to experience cycling in a secure environment. Visitors have the option to ride for an hour and simply need to provide their names at the reception desk to receive bicycles and helmets in suitable sizes.
Within the VeloPark, there is a cosy café and ample space for children to relax and absorb the vibrant atmosphere. The park is open from 10 am to 6 pm, allowing ample time for families to partake in various activities. For families with a passion for sports, ‘The London Aquatics Centre’ offers two Olympic-sized swimming pools and a diving pool. While the venue hosts international swimming and diving competitions, the general public can utilise the pool on non-competition days.
The Swan Pedalos
The Lea and Stort Boat Company offers a unique experience of pedal boat rides inside The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The highlight of these rides is the opportunity to cruise on their beautiful Swan boats, selected from a fleet of ten boats. This leisurely boat ride provides the perfect way to relax after a couple of high-energy days. The pedalos can be found at the Stratford Waterfront Pontoon, located next to the London Aquatics Centre, where boat tours are also available. These pedalos can be rented for large groups and are open from 10am to 5pm most days.
Aside from the pedal boat rides, visitors can also enjoy other outdoor activities in the area such as the Arcelor Orbit Mittal ride. Unfortunately, the Mittal ride is currently closed for renovation. Nearby attractions include Greenwich Park and The Cutty Sark if you plan on extending your stay.
Our two-day staycation concluded by 4pm as we ordered an Uber for the twenty-minute journey back home. Whilst unpacking at home, I overheard my teenager exclaiming on the phone to her friends that our “fake holiday” had been absolutely different and amazing. We chuckled at the thought that it felt like a typical holiday abroad without the hassle of extra luggage and long travel times. Surprisingly, it didn’t feel like we were in London at all. With a one-night stay spread over two days, it felt like the perfect amount of time, not too short and not too long.
Stratford’s tube station connects to a huge number of other over and underground lines, including the Elizabeth, Central and Jubilee Lines. You can reach The City and Canary Wharf in under 10 minutes, as well as effortless connections to London Liverpool Street, London City Airport and a direct overland train to St. Pancras in only eight minutes.
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
