Spring is all around and parks and gardens will soon become favourites for a day out.
From gardens to river walks, here are the best green spaces in Islington.
Elthorne Park
This large park of 6.06 acres at Hazellville Road has a variety of sports, play and horticultural features. Here you can walk along an avenue of silver birch trees, a native hedgerow or along a perennial meadow. On the sports side, it features a couple of small football pitches, a basketball court and outdoor gym equipment.
Where: Hazellville Road, N19, Hillrise.
Opening times: 8am till dusk
Credit: ohi007
Highbury Fields
This is the largest park in Islington, measuring 29 acres. It features an orchard, wildlife area and large grass areas, which are perfect for picnics. It also has a barbecue area. For those who like sport, the park has a football pitch, four netball courts, 11 tarmac tennis courts and one table tennis table. To use the sport facilities it is necessary to book a slot.
Where: Highbury Crescent, N5. Highbury East.
Opening times: 8am till dusk
Credit: Steve Calcott
New River Walk
Start off your day with a walk along this canal. This park is part of the historic new river that brought water into London. Now a peaceful oasis for wildlife, it features historic linear water and notable trees, including swamp cypress and dawn redwood.
Where: Canonbury Grove, N1
Opening times: 8am till dusk
Credit: Islington Council
Caledonian Park
This is Islington’s second-largest park, with 18.27 acres. It features community gardens, semi-mature woodland areas, an orchard and short and long grass meadows. It is also home of the Caledonian Clock Tower, a hidden gem of London’s industrial heritage, which is under refurbishment. The tower opens on specific days. The first confirmed date in 2015 is Sunday 14 June.
Where: Market Road, N7. Holloway.
Opening times: 8am till dusk
Credit: Islington Council
Featured image: photo by Louisa Thompson
