During lockdown in London, public parks have never been more important for our physical and mental health. With gyms, exercise classes, restaurants and cultural venues closed, we’ve latched onto our parks more than ever before.
With this in mind, I thought now would be the perfect time to highlight the best grassy spaces throughout East London for you to unwind and soak up some rays.
Victoria Park
Opened in 1845 and presented to Queen Victoria whom the park is named after. It’s the city’s first public park and to this day is enjoy by Londoners and visitors from all over. Spanning across a huge area, there are lots of parts to enjoy, including a flat grassy section with tables and benches, decorative pavilions, sculptures, water fountains and nearby cafes. There’s wilder areas too by the lake where you can experience a variety of bird species. So weather you just want to enjoy a few beers with friends under the sun, or somewhere for a spot of fishing, you don’t need to look far.
London Fields
On a sunny day, London Fields is packed with the cool kids of East London. Come on the weekend when Broadway Market lines the long street just outside. Then find a grassy spot and tuck into the nibbles that nobody can resist buying! Adding to the entertainment is a lido, a kid’s play area and a rather odd sculpture made of pebbles. I can’t tell you much about the sculpture but its outsider art aesthetic should put a smile on your face!
Haggerston Park
Often over-looked in favour of London Fields which is just up the road, Haggerston Park is a quieter (and some may say prettier) alternative. This lovely green space is partly walled-in, giving it an air of secrecy. Adding to its charm is a rose bed and several stone pillars with vines romantically growing around them.
If you’re looking to be active, facilities include football pitches, BMX track, children’s play area, basketball courts, changing rooms and even a ping pong table. Hackney Farm is just around the corner where you can find cute piggies and goats and rabbits. The onsite cafe also serves delicious local food.
Tip: Whilst you’re in the area you could also go on a self-guided street art tour of Shoreditch!
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Created for the 2012 London Olympics, the Queen Elizabeth Park is East London’s newest green space. This huge area has the London Stadium, The London Aquatic Centre, Tennis Centres, Arenas, Parkland, Waterways and much more.
There’s so much to do in the 560 acres of park, adventure lovers head here for abseiling, sun lovers comes for the man-made beach and culture lovers can enjoy an art trail. The most famous landmark, which can be seen from a great distance is the sculpture and observation tower ArcelorMittal Orbit. I really want to say I like it because I’m usually a fan of Anish Kapoor works but I just don’t like it, it looks a dodgy theme park ride. Sorry, Anish!
Lee Valley Park
This is an enormous stretch of parkland that follows the River Lea from Ware in Herfordshire to the Thames East India Dock Basin in Tower Hamlets, East London. At over a whopping four times the size of Richmond Park, it’s one of Greater London’s largest parks. Needless to say, you’ll beat the crowds that are usually found in Victoria Park and London Fields on a sunny day.
Cyclist enthusiasts will enjoy meandering along the towpath, passing lots of wildlife, scenic canal boats and stopping at one or more of the numerous eateries. If you have a dog its also the ideal place for it to run wild, and without the park being crowded you won’t have to worry about your dog trying steal food from picnic goers!
I’ve been here many times because my brother lives in Leyton, and for most of those times it always feels like we have the whole place to ourselves. Though admittedly, we’ve never ventured far up to the northern parts of Lee Valley simply because it would take so long!
Epping Forest
Further away to access from Central London than the others on the list is Epping Forest, but it’s worth the extra distance. It’s another huge expanse of green at roughly 6120 acres which means it’s a proper day of exploration.
With a site this big there are many sides to the forest to explore from large lakes like Connaught Water to small ponds and ancient woodland walks to special conservation areas. I suggest choosing one or two walks to do and taking your time to really appreciate the fact that you are walking in an ancient forest right on the edge of one of the world’s great metropolises.
Don't miss in the area: Regent's Canal
Regent’s Canal stretches right across London so it’s an enjoyable and scenic way to cut out the chaos of the city. The canal also runs right past many of the parks, so you could easily visit many of the them in one day if you wish!
Looking for parks closer to home?
Maybe you live in South London? If so, this guide to the best parks in South London is the one for you. There you have some of the finest, including Greenwich Park and Richmond Park.
