You might not think of Hackney as a haven for greenery, but the borough is actually home to the largest expanse of green spaces in inner London.
From vast recreational grounds to small, leafy hideaways, Hackney’s parks hold seventeen Green Flag awards between them. It all adds up to a lot of space where you can relax in the sun, play a game of frisbee with friends, walk the dog, or sit and commune with nature.
But which are the best out of all the parks in Hackney? Here are our picks for Hackney’s top five green spaces.
Shoreditch Park
There’s no doubt about it, Shoreditch Park is just plain fun.
How many parks have an outdoor amphitheatre with theatre and cinema screenings and an adventure playground? Or how about London’s only outdoor beach volleyball court? With basketball, tennis and football facilities as well there’s lots to do, but also plenty of space to relax and do nothing if that’s more your speed.
Shoreditch Park is also home to ‘Boulder’, one of two pieces of gigantic climbable granite in Hackney created by local sculptor John Frankland. The Boulder stands at four metres high and weighs in at around 100 tonnes, and marked the completion of the second phase of the park’s regeneration in 2008.
The sculpture was designed for people to interact with it directly, so if you ever wanted to give rock climbing (or “bouldering”) a try, head on down to Shoreditch Park and flex your arm muscles.
Geffrye Museum Herb Garden
Tucked away behind the hundred-year-old Geffrye Museum on Geffrye Street, the Geffrye Museum Herb Garden is a haven of history and herbology. Follow the signs as they lead you through a brick wall and find yourself in a peaceful sanctuary full of fragrant blooms.
You can wend your way through the herb beds and learn about the different plants you encounter, or simply sit on a park bench and enjoy the quiet. The Geffrye’s expansive front lawn and attractive period gardens are also great for a wander, but you can’t beat the herb garden for a secluded retreat away from the bustle of urban life.
London Fields
True to its name, London Fields has one of the best and most popular green spaces in Hackney.
At a sprawling 31 acres it is the fifth-largest Hackney park, ideal for picnics and all sorts of games, with a dedicated barbecue area to boot. In 2013 Hackney Council turned a sandy area the size of a football pitch into a gorgeous urban meadow, sowing it with wildflower seeds which bloom annually.
Word has it that the park is an excellent place to people-watch, especially on a sunny day when it fills up with trendy Hackney types out enjoying the weather. At its busiest it could give Glastonbury a run for its money, so not the place to come if you want a calm getaway, but brilliant for almost everything else.
St Mary’s Secret Garden
St Mary’s Secret Garden is a community garden with a difference, a garden sanctuary in the heart of Haggerston ward.
It might not be particularly “secret”, but the garden recalls Frances Hodgson Burnett’s Secret Garden as a place for people to discover themselves and improve their health. St Mary’s offers a safe space where people can go to connect with nature and each other, as well as enjoy some hands-on gardening therapy.
The beautiful garden area has its own pond, beehives, wildflower meadow and a herb and sensory area, and is completely accessible to those with mobility problems.
It’s not a place to sit still and do nothing, but if you like getting down and dirty, you can join in on a workshop, volunteer or even get trained in a new skill. Watch the video below to find out more about this horticultural Hackney haven:
Victoria Park
Photo: Beth PH on Flickr | Some rights reserved
Stretched along the south side of Hackney, Victoria Park is historically one of the most popular parks in London, and for good reason. This massive 86-hectare space boasts playgrounds, cafés, a skate park, sports facilities and a wealth of history.
In Victoria Park you can curl up with a book in an alcove that was once part of the historic London Bridge, play a game of cricket on summer evenings, watch a Regatta held by the world’s oldest model boat club or go angling in a Victorian public bath. The park has historically been a site for political rallies and debate, earning it the nickname of “the People’s Park” – and it’s also the site of some less serious events, like the annual Where’s Wally charity fun run.
Whether it’s a brief trip or a leisurely day out, Victoria Park is the green space every Hackneyan should visit at least once in their lives.
