If there is one thing this year has taught us Londoners, it is that our parks are important. They have served as an escape from crowded flats, deserted streets, and have become a space for breathing through a difficult year. With spring arriving and lockdown slowly lifting, it is yet again time to head outdoors. From 8 March, sitting on a bench with another person was allowed and from 29 March picnics are permitted under the rule of six. But which walk, which bench, which park should you go for ?
With so many green spaces to pick from, this is far from a conclusive list, but whether you are looking for a place to have a serene Mother’s Day walk or breezy workout spaces, this list has something for everyone.
Take a walk in London Fields
It is easy to pass a full day at London Fields with the range of activities available. If you are in the mood for moving your body, take a run or a cycle around the borders of the park which are paved with convenient pathways. Alternatively, you could head over to the basketball, cricket or tennis courts. The park also hosts an outdoor gym, play area, green fields for relaxing, the Pub on the Park, which is scheduled for reopening on 12 April, and of course the famous London Fields Lido. The park is situated at the top of Broadway Market, making it the perfect lunch spot: pick up some delicious local goodies from one of the many stalls before heading to the park for a picnic.
Take a walk in Abney Park
Abney Park is the place for picturesque walks as well as having one of the highest rates of biodiversity in Hackney – the park contains over 1,570 different species. The Victorian cemetery in Abney Park is one of London’s “Magnificent Seven” with over 60,000 old tombstones scattered around. The fairytale appearance of old, crooked trees among the graves makes for a mythical backdrop to your stroll.
Take a walk in Shoreditch Park
Shoreditch Park is ideal for an active day with the whole family. Dream of warmer times with a round of beach volleyball, climb the giant boulder at the centre of the park, or go for a run on the track around the outskirts. The park also has two play areas to keep children entertained for hours. There is plenty of room to relax in the sun with a picnic – which might be needed after a day of activity.
Take a walk in Clissold Park
A family-friendly picnic spot, Clissold Park is full of activities. To regular user David George, the park is amazing “because it’s such a dog-friendly park. The swans and geese are also great, and have helped get me through lockdown.” Play areas, a multi-use games area, animal enclosures and a paddling pool in summer are just some of the many facilities here. While most are still closed, along with the popular Clissold House café, they will reopen as soon as government guidelines permit. Until then, enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the river that runs through the park and bask in the early spring sunshine.
Take a walk in Haggerston Park
Haggerston Park is a calming place, a breath of fresh air in an otherwise busy part of the borough, with most of the traffic noise being kept out by the walls surrounding the park. “I love the tall wall covered in ivy coming in from the Queensbridge Road entrance. Being in a walled park feels quite regal,” says Haggerston resident Caroline Little. The top of the park is ideal for quiet strolls and coffee dates, while the bottom half of the park has football courts where matches take place regularly. The park’s amenities also include a BMX track, a community food growing area, a running trail and of course the Hackney City Farm. While the farm is still closed due to the pandemic, the café and zero-waste shop Get Loose remain open.
Lead image is “London Fields” by Kotomi_ licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
