Focus On: Highbury Fields

One of the most beautiful spaces in North London is the historic Highbury Fields, 29 acres of grass, trees and plants, completely free and open for all to use 365 days a year. Just five minutes’ walk from The Highbury Centre, we look on the Fields as an extension of our beautiful walled garden, the perfect place for a walk, a run, a coffee and a quiet read, some exercise or to give the children a chance to let off steam. When looking for Christian accommodation in London, we know that many of our potential guests are bringing young family and we love adding value to what we do by signposting them towards fun local activities.

Highbury Fields offers a huge range of sporting activities. For a kickabout and to practice your keepie-uppies, you can head for the artificial turf floodlit football pitch. If racket sports are more your thing, there are 11 floodlit tennis courts and a table tennis table. There are also 4 netball courts available for hire, along with some basketball hoops for the budding Michael Jordans amongst you. The Highbury Pool and Fitness centre offers an opportunity to go swimming and to work out if you’re feeling really energetic. To book a court, just click on this link: www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/islington/highburyfields

For younger visitors, there’s also plenty to do. A large playground offers a sand pit, play equipment, a water play feature and those all-important loos. For refreshment breaks, the nearby Oasis Café is the perfect place for a drink and a snack.

A feature of nearly all 19th century parks was the bandstand, where local residents could listen to music while they enjoyed the beautiful gardens. Highbury Fields has one too, beautifully preserved, which now plays host to the One O’Clock Club, a friendly hub for the under-5s and their parents. The Club runs every week day between 1.00 – 3.00. To find out more, ring 020 7704 9337.

We owe this beautiful space to the foresight of mid-Victorian philanthropists who saw the rapid housing development in the area and saved the 29 acres for recreational purposes in 1869. With mature trees providing shade, large expanses of grass, beautiful planting, play equipment, sports facilities and a café, Highbury Fields is the perfect place to head when you need some time out. Feel free to speak to any of our staff at The Highbury Centre if you’d like to know any more.