North London Parks for Lazy Walks and Clearer Heads
North London has no shortage of green space when you need a breather.
Whether it’s a lazy summer afternoon or a quick walk to clear your head, the parks here offer room to move, rest and reset.
From the wild beauty of Hampstead Heath to the community feel of Finsbury Park, here are the best spots to stretch your legs in North London.
Best Parks in North London
One of the best places to escape north London heat and the bustle of city life, Hampstead Heath is a park of grassland spanning over 80 acres.
It sits at a height of 322 feet and offers the most spectacular view of the city.
You can spend time here laying on the meadow, followed by a dip in the swimming ponds and eating a traditional English roast at one of the amazing local pubs surrounding it.
You can also enjoy an awesome picnic as you view the city.
Hampstead Heath is a perfect place for cycling and taking walks.
Best Attractions:
- Great view of the city from different angles
- Air lido
- A training track
- Tennis court
- Football pitch
- Cricket pitch
- Playing fields for children to let off steam
- Swimming ponds
- Bathing ponds for ladies and men
Getting there
Northern line tubes like Tuffnel Park, Golders Green, Hampstead or Kentish Town. We suggest public transport as there is limited local parking space.
This is one of the eight royal parks in London and it was named after the 210-foot hill that is in the centre of the park.
It is in the north of Regent’s Park and owing to its hilly terrain offers a panoramic view of the city’s skyline.
The park was formerly a hunting ground until 1841 when it became a public park, thanks to those who fought to make it so.
Visit in the evening for a breathtaking view of the sunset.
The second best time to visit Primrose Hill Park is during spring when the primrosees are in full bloom. It is a mesmerising sight that also tickles your nostrils.
The park is surrounded by cafes, pubs and restaurants that are worth checking out.
The area is also home to quite a few celebrities so you never know who you may meet in the park!
Best Attractions:
- An oak tree planted in honour of William Shakespeare’s 300th birth anniversary
- Children’s playground
- An outdoor gym called Hill Trim Trail
- Lush green meadows and beautiful gardens
- Toilet facilities
Getting there
Camden Town tube station and Chalk Farm tube station are closest.
There is no doubt that this is one of London’s best Royal parks, perfect for nature and sports lovers.
With 410 acres of green land, Regent’s Park (no one uses the ‘The’)has some of the area’s best green spaces and formal gardens.
Queen Mary’s Garden is one such formal garden. It is filled with roses and is very beautiful.
Do you enjoy a slow paddle in a boat, walking along tree-lined pathways alone or with your dog or just exploring the animal kingdom?
Regent’s Park has it all!
If you want your kids to have a fun-filled day, it has what you need.
If you are planning a picnic for your family and friends, it is a perfect location as it lets you have up to 40 picnic guests!
Best Attractions:
- World famous London Zoo
- Four children playgrounds
- Formal gardens
- Open-air theatre
- Boating lake
- Large space for get-togethers and picnics
- A peaceful and serene natural environment
Getting there
Regent’s Park tube station, Great Portland Street tube station and Marylebone railway station are nearest. You can also drive and use paid parking spaces.
The park is also called Ally Pally and has been open since 1863.
There is enough space for recreation and relaxation in its 196 acres of land in the Borough of Haringey in North London.
If you are an animal or wildlife lover then head on to this home of over 600 different species of animals and plants, birds and butterflies.
It gives a relaxing green view with spacious green grassland.
It is also perfect for catching a great view of the city from the terrace of Alexandra Palace or for bird and butterfly viewing.
If a picnic is what you want, Ally Pally lets you enjoy one with the city of London spread out in front of you. What can be more delicious?
This park has been a popular venue for great events and many exhibitions and who knows, you might be in luck to catch one of them.
You are not an activity type of person?
No worries, there are comfortable park benches you can sit on to read, talk or just relax! Who says you have to do anything?
Best Attractions:
- Adventure playground
- Skateboard park
- Open air performance theatre
- Go-Ape
- Pitch and Putt
- Pedolas
- Farmers market
- Flower garden
- Basketball pitch
- Boating lake
- Way marked walking paths
- Café with outdoor seating
Getting there
Alexandra Palace Railway Station and Wood Green tube station are close by.
Opened to the public in 1869, Finsbury is a large Victorian park of the 19th century.
It spans over 110 acres of land in Harringay London and offers a great green escape for Londoners who are looking for somewhere to cool off.
Lots of events and exhibitions are held here often, thanks to its spacious green grassland.
You can go to Finsbury Park to enjoy a boat ride, take a walk with your lover or dog, cycle down the natural cycling routes and its beautiful landscape is perfect for pictures and filming.
The children are not left out as there is a large playground for them to roam free.
In case you get famished while on the go, there is a cafe with outdoor sitting for refreshment stops.
Best Attractions:
- Formal gardens
- Arboretum
- Boating lake
- Children’s playground
- Art exhibition space
- Football pitches
- American football pitches
- Athletics stadium
- Cycling club
- Bowling green
- Nature reserve
Getting there
Use Finsbury Park Railway and tube station or Manor House tube station.
Clissold Park is another great outdoor space in Stoke Newington in the Borough of Hackney.
This greatly adored traditional park is one of the top parks in London and houses many deer, goats, butterflies and birds like swans, geese and ducks.
The perfect place for a lover of animals.
More than animal meet-and-greet, there are spaces for cycling, skating, football, paddling and more.
There is a large space for children to play around and burn off some energy.
There are also serene places perfect for walks and some alone time.
Clissold has a popular cafe called Park Life Cafe in Clissold House where you can get freshly roasted barista coffee with cakes and other bakes locally baked in Hackney.
The cafe also offers smoothies, ice cream, milkshakes and tasty meals you can eat on the go.
Best Attractions:
- Children playground
- Sports field
- Bowling green
- Skate park
- Tennis courts
- Paddling pool
- Aviary with birds
- Animal enclosure with deer and goats
- Toilet facilities
- Fountain
Getting there
Stoke Newington Overground Station and Manor House tube station
if you fancy lounging in the sun or simply need a space to throw your frisbee or kick a ball around, Gladstone Park is one of the best green spaces in North London.
Named after the late prime minister, William Gladstone, the park covers a space of 86 acres in the Dollis Hill area in the London Borough of Brent.
It may not be as large compared to other parks in the city but it has a lot to offer when it comes to sight and nature.
The Walled Garden speaks volumes, as just a glimpse of it will confirm to you that ‘nature is beautiful.’
Standing on the hill on clear days gives tiy a beautiful view of iconic London sights like the London Eye, The Shard, Wembley Stadium, Parliament and more.
Best Attractions:
- Formal gardens
- Duck pond
- Outdoor gym
- Sports pitches
- Dog walking area
- Children’s play area
- Woodland walks
- Playing fields
- Tennis courts
Getting there
Dollis Hill tube station and Neasden tube station are nearest to the park.
This list isn’t every single park in north London.
We also love visiting and highly recommend:
- Waterlow Park
- Priory Park
- Arnos Park
- Highgate Wood
- Golders Hill Park
- Pymmes Park
- Downhills Park
- Jubilee Park
- Chestnuts Park
Don’t forget to take your camera along to capture the beautiful parks in north London.
Enjoy the moments you will spend in these beautiful spots.