London wouldn’t be London without its canals, riversides, gardens and parks. In fact, over 18% of the city is made up of parks, which is why it was named the world’s first ‘National Park City’. Beyond Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath, there are many lesser known nature areas big and small dotted around London’s boroughs. We make it our mission to build our developments in areas that have good access to them.
The best green spaces in London are a matter of opinion, of course, but we would still love to share with you our favourites. Read on to find out our top green spaces in Haringey, Barking and Waltham Forest, keeping in mind that there are many more beyond our list.
Best green spaces in Haringey
Our development in Haringey, West Green Place N17, is tucked away right beside Downhills Park, giving residents lovely nature views and access to paths, cafés and sports pitches. A 10 minute cycle will lead to Finsbury Park, which was laid out in Victorian times and now offers an oasis for locals to escape the hustle and bustle of the surrounding neighbourhood. A bit further on lies Clissold Park, which is right on the edge of Stoke Newington. Another of London’s great traditional parks, it has an aviary, two small lakes, remains of the New River, tennis courts and even a bowling green.
Best green spaces in Barking and Dagenham
Green spaces may not be the first thing that come to mind when you think about Barking and Dagenham, but the borough is surprisingly rich with them. It has 28 parks and green spaces, in fact, meaning that Harbard Close IG11 is in one of the greenest boroughs in London. The oldest of its parks is Barking Park, opened in the 1890’s, which has a fleet of rowing and pedal boats for hire from Easter until October, as well as wildflower meadows and playing fields. Barking Abbey Grounds is another great place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, with a grade I listed building dating back to the 13th century. Finally, we love Mayesbrook Park, which has an abundance of wildlife in its beautiful nature reserve and restored river landscape.
Best green spaces in Waltham Forest
Residents at Gainsford Road E17 in Waltham Forest benefit from some of the best green spaces in London. The expansive Walthamstow Marshes are a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, ideal for keen wildlife spotters, and the area also has a rich industrial heritage. In terms of parks, Lloyd Park is a fantastic pick, with gardens, a gallery, and even a moat. Last but not least, Highams Park Lake is well worth a visit, great for fishing, cycling, picnicking and bird watching. With such great green spaces, it’s no wonder we have another Waltham forest development in the pipeline (Forest Road E17).
Some of the best green spaces in London are near our developments, and we highly encourage our residents to make full use of them. Getting out in nature is a proven way to improve your wellbeing, and it’s great to be reminded that our city is more that just sky scrapers and Underground lines.
For more inspiration for things to do in your area, check out our favourite up and coming cafés in Tottenham and things to do in Walthamstow.