East London - the area to the East of the City of London including the boroughs of Hackney, Islington, Tower Hamlets and Newham.

Rich in cultural diversity, East London is well known for its bustling street markets, specialist shops and restaurants. A desirable place to live - with a wide range of accommodation available - there are good transport links to the City, West End, Docklands and Canary Wharf.

From the time of the early Viking settlements this has been a thriving centre for trade and manufacture. Today, the East End is one of London's hot spots for progressive contemporary design, fine art and new media. The narrow streets and historic squares are packed with bars, restaurants, clubs and music venues.

East London enjoyed vast economic growth and prosperity during the reign of Queen Victoria and many of the residential and commercial buildings (as well as the stunning Victoria Park) date from that era. The decline of the shipping industry in the second half of the 20th century rendered the East End docks and canal ways virtually obsolete but major restoration works have been underway for some years are nearing completion. Warehouses have been renovated and converted - making attractive apartments and live / work spaces. The transformed waterways provide stunning leisure and sporting facilities for residents and visitors.

The lower part of the Lea Valley stretches north from the river Thames, via the 2012 Olympic sports village, across the Hackney and Walthamstow Marshes to the Springfield Marina.

The site at Three Mills Island (Bow), in the Lower Lea Valley, dates back to the Domesday Book when there were eight or nine tide mills. Today there are two fine examples of mills - the House Mill (built 1776) and the Clock Mill (built 1817) - which provide an enchanting setting for events and performances staged throughout the year.

Initiatives in architectural preservation, design innovation and wildlife conservation make East London an extremely sought-after place to live. Residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle and are set to see numerous exciting developments taking place over the next decade.

East London areas include - Islington, Hackney, Highbury, The Angel, Stoke Newington, Broadway Market, Bethnal Green, Cambridge Heath, Dalston, Homerton, Victoria Park, London Fields, Wapping, Docklands, Clerkenwell, Exmouth Market, Farringdon and The City.

The local British Rail Stations are: Hackney Central, Hackney Downs, Dalston Kingsland, London Fields, Stamford Hill, Homerton, Hackney Wick, Stoke Newington, Clapton. Local Bus Routes 149, 67, 243, 341, 236, 56, 30, 277, D6, 253, 254, 38, 73, 276, S2, 376, 106, 141, 76, 48, 26