While London Fields is a much-loved park in its own right – featuring London’s only Olympic-sized outdoor heated swimming pool, a wildflower meadow, sports facilities, and its own pub, the Pub On The Park – the area is surrounded by more green spaces, offering a range of recreational activities and plenty of room for busy city dwellers to relax.
Hackney has no fewer than 52 parks and outdoor areas, covering 282 hectares. These green spaces are vital for the densely populated urban area. Among them, the famous Hackney Marshes stand out, home to the largest concentration of football pitches in Europe. Every weekend, the marshes buzz with activity as teams from all over London and beyond come to play.
In the north-west of the borough lies Clissold Park. Established in the 1880s and covering more than 50 acres, Clissold Park is a beloved local haven. At its heart sits the original manor house, which was refurbished in 2011 by Hackney Council. The park features a small animal enclosure, ponds, tennis courts, and beautifully landscaped gardens, making it a perfect spot for families and individuals alike.
Haggerston Park is in south-west Hackney, near the famous Columbia Road Flower Market. Established in the 1950s on the site of an old gasworks, the park has since been expanded. Today, it offers various sports facilities and ecological amenities, enhancing the well-being of its visitors. Haggerston Park is also home to Hackney City Farm, where children and adults can get up close to a range of farmyard animals, providing a unique rural experience in the heart of the city.
Hackney also has a stretch of the Regent’s Canal, built more than 200 years ago to move goods across the capital. Now, the canal is primarily used by pleasure boats, while the towpaths are popular with walkers and cyclists looking for an alternative view of this part of London. The serene canal paths offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Just over the border in neighbouring Tower Hamlets is Victoria Park, one of London’s green gems. Covering more than 80 acres, Victoria Park – or ‘Vicky Park,’ as it is affectionately known – is said to have been the first public park created in London specifically for the local community. Built in the 1840s, the park was eventually extended to accommodate the large numbers of people who wanted to enjoy its offerings. Victoria Park features three lakes, a pagoda, sports facilities, and numerous cafes. It also hosts the famous All Points East music festival every year, attracting music lovers from all over the city.
Hackney’s parks and open spaces are essential to the area’s character and charm. Whether you’re looking for a place to play sports, enjoy a peaceful walk, or attend a vibrant community event, there’s a green space in Hackney to meet your needs. With its beautiful greenery and ample open space, London Fields and its surrounding parks are ideal for those who value a healthy, active lifestyle amidst nature.