North London has some of the city’s most beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces. These North London parks offer the perfect escape to get some fresh air, take a break from the hustle and bustle, or even soak up the sun if the weather permits. This helpful guide highlights some of the best parks in North London and provides details on local transport links, the best nearby pubs, and top-rated eateries. As local North London tree surgeons and residents, we’ve enjoyed and visited every park mentioned, and for each one we’ve picked out the notable trees to look for while you’re there.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is one of the largest and most famous parks in North London. Spanning 790 acres, it features rolling hills, woodlands, and several picturesque ponds perfect for taking a dip. Hampstead Heath Park offers stunning views of the London skyline and is an excellent spot for a hike or picnic. Don’t miss Parliament Hill, which many claim has the best panoramic views of the city.
Notable trees: The Heath holds one of London’s richest collections of veteran trees: ancient oaks, beeches and hornbeams, many several centuries old. If you’re admiring the oaks between May and July, keep an eye out for the nests of the oak processionary moth, an invasive pest we’re helping North London manage.

Transport Links: How To Get To Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath Address:

Hampstead Heath, East Heath Car Park, East Heath Road, London NW3 1TH

Nearest Overground Stations To Hampstead Heath:

Hampstead Heath (Overground)
Gospel Oak (Overground)

Nearest Tube Stations To Hampstead Heath:

Hampstead (Northern Line)
Golders Green (Northern Line), the best stop for Golders Hill Park and the Heath Extension
Tufnell Park or Kentish Town (Northern Line)

Buses To Hampstead Heath:

C2, C11, H3, 24, 46, 168, 210, 214 or 268. The best bus to Hampstead Heath will depend on your location.

Hampstead Heath Opening Times

Hampstead Heath is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only exceptions are:

Golders Hill Park: Opens every day at 07:30 and closes between 16:30 and 22:00, depending on the time of year.
The Hill Garden and Pergola: Open at 08:30 and close between 15:30 and 20:15, depending on the time of year.

Best Pubs Near Hampstead Heath:

The Spaniards Inn (a historic pub offering great food and drinks)
The Holly Bush (classic British pub with a cosy feel)
The Flask (charming and traditional, with a beautiful garden)

Top Rated Places To Eat Near Hampstead Heath:

The Garden Gate (modern British dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients)
The Hampstead Butcher & Providore (quality meats, cheeses and deli goods, with outdoor seating)
Burgh House Buttery Cafe (with a lovely garden terrace, serving brunch and a British/European menu)

Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is one of London’s Royal Parks, offering a blend of formal gardens, ornamental lakes, and lush greenery. With over 410 acres to explore, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through Queen Mary’s Gardens, catch a play at the open-air theatre, or visit the famous London Zoo. Regent’s Park is one of the most prestigious parks in this part of London, and you should certainly see it if you are in the area.
Notable trees: The park’s formal avenues are lined with some of the capital’s finest mature London planes, the tree that defines central London’s streetscape. Ornamental cherries grow alongside them and are at their best in early spring.

Transport Links: How To Get To Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park Address:

The Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR

Nearest Tube Stations To Regent’s Park:

Regent’s Park (Bakerloo Line)
Great Portland Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle & Metropolitan Lines)
Baker Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan & Bakerloo Lines)
St John’s Wood (Jubilee Line)
Camden Town (Northern Line)

Buses To Regent’s Park:

Buses 2, 13, 18, 27, 30, 31, 74, 113, 139, 189, 274 & 453 all stop around Regent’s Park.

Regent’s Park Opening Times:

The pedestrian gates at Regent’s Park are open from 05:00 and close at dusk each day, which varies throughout the year (usually around 16:30/17:00 in winter). The vehicle gates open at 07:00 and close at 00:00 each day.

Best Pubs Near Regent’s Park:

The Volunteer (a classic British pub with a great beer selection)
The Albany (a vibrant pub nestled amongst peaceful streets)
The Prince Albert (a traditional pub serving British pub grub and global beers)

Top Rated Places To Eat Near Regent’s Park:

Paris’s Cafe & Restaurant (a cosy little cafe serving delicious food and drinks)
The Waterside Café (a family-friendly cafe with a waterside terrace)
Boulevard London (an elegant Mediterranean-fusion restaurant)

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is a small yet stunning park renowned for its 210-foot hill, offering incredible views of London. Situated just north of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill is a perfect location to admire the sunrise, sunset or have a picnic while enjoying the beauty of London’s skyline. The surrounding area is home to some of the most charming cafés and independent boutiques in North London.
Notable trees: Near the summit stands Shakespeare’s Tree, an oak first planted in 1864 to mark 300 years since the playwright’s birth and replanted a century later. It’s worth seeking out, alongside the hill’s scattered mature oaks and hawthorns.

Transport Links: How To Get To Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill Address:

Primrose Hill Park, Primrose Hill Road, Camden, London NW3 3NA

Nearest Tube Stations To Primrose Hill:

Swiss Cottage (Jubilee Line)
Chalk Farm (Northern Line)
Camden Town (Northern Line)

Buses To Primrose Hill:

Buses 31, C11, N28 & N31 all stop close to Primrose Hill.

Primrose Hill Opening Times:

Primrose Hill is open daily from 05:00 and closes at dusk each day, which varies throughout the year. There are also seasonal and event-related variations, so please check the Royal Parks website for updates.

Best Pubs Near Primrose Hill:

The Princess Of Wales Primrose Hill (a quaint pub with a lovely atmosphere and friendly staff)
The Engineer (a stylish gastropub serving a carefully crafted seasonal menu)
The Albert (a bustling pub offering delicious modern gastropub fare)

Top Rated Places To Eat Near Primrose Hill:

130 Primrose (formerly Home Kitchen, this pioneering social-enterprise restaurant trains and employs people who have experienced homelessness, with Monica Galetti now heading the kitchen)
OKA Restaurant (offers traditional Pan-Asian and sushi cuisines with a modern twist)
ARVO Cafe (the perfect choice for an incredible breakfast, brunch and other treats)

Alexandra Park

Known locally as “Ally Pally,” this sprawling 196-acre North London park is home to stunning views and offers an array of activities, including boating, a skate park, and an adventure playground. With its fantastic views over London, Alexandra Park is also a popular place for photographers. The palace itself hosts exhibitions, concerts, and events, making it a lively destination throughout the year.
Notable trees: The park’s tree trail takes in mature cedars, oaks and sweet chestnuts planted when the palace grounds were laid out in the 1860s. Pick up the trail map to find the best specimens.

Transport Links: How To Get To Alexandra Park

Alexandra Park Address:

Alexandra Park, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY

Nearest Overground Station To Alexandra Park:

Alexandra Palace Station (Great Northern)

Nearest Tube Station To Alexandra Park:

Wood Green (Piccadilly Line)

Buses To Alexandra Park:

The W3 bus from Finsbury Park and Tottenham goes to Alexandra Palace Ice Rink or Alexandra Palace Palm Court.

Alexandra Park Opening Times:

Alexandra Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. East Court car park opens at 05:30 and closes at 00:30 (last entry 20:00), except for event days when hours vary. Grove car park opens at 06:00 and closes at 19:00, except for event days when hours vary. The Paddock car park is only open for specific events, so please see onsite signage for further information.

Best Pubs Near Alexandra Park:

The Phoenix Bar & Pizzeria (stone-fired pizzas, independent-brewery beers and a relaxed atmosphere inside the Palm Court)
Victoria Stakes (has an impressive range of food, and they serve an exceptional Sunday roast)
The Starting Gate (a great choice of pub to start or finish exploring the park)

Top Rated Places To Eat Near Alexandra Park:

Kiss the Koala (a perfect place to brunch in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere)
La Lluna (serves a menu of traditional Spanish fare with modern, rustic interiors)
Korto (drop in for a bite to eat or take away one of their famous Fireheart Coffees)

Finsbury Park

Finsbury Park offers wide open spaces, formal gardens, and recreational facilities. This historic North London park features a boating lake, skate park, basketball courts and a café, making it an ideal destination for families and sports lovers. Finsbury Park also hosts many popular events like the Wireless Music Festival.
Notable trees: Look for the avenues of mature London planes and oaks laid out when the park opened in 1869, one of the earliest of London’s great Victorian public parks.

Transport Links: How To Get To Finsbury Park

Finsbury Park Address:

Finsbury Park, Endymion Road, London N4 1EE

Nearest Overground Station To Finsbury Park:

Finsbury Park Station (Great Northern, Thameslink & Suffragette Line)

Nearest Tube Stations To Finsbury Park:

Finsbury Park Station (Victoria & Piccadilly Lines)
Manor House (Piccadilly Line)

Buses To Finsbury Park:

Buses 19, 29, 106, 210 & 253 all stop near Finsbury Park.

Finsbury Park Opening Times:

Finsbury Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Best Pubs Near Finsbury Park:

The Faltering Fullback (great food, drinks, and a cosy garden terrace)
The Twelve Pins (popular with Arsenal fans, this pub has big screen TVs and ample outdoor seating)
The Finsbury (a spacious pub serving simple bar food featuring live music and a beer garden)

Top Rated Places To Eat Near Finsbury Park:

Dobar (a very popular and highly rated breakfast and brunch establishment, open Tuesday to Saturday)
La Fabrica (serves a variety of Spanish tapas, from old favourites to the contemporary)
La Saporita (fantastic traditional Italian pizza, pasta and desserts)

Clissold Park

Nestled in Stoke Newington, Clissold Park is a charming green space perfect for families and nature lovers. The park is home to an aviary, deer, and goats. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or a casual walk, and the park also has tennis courts, a playground, and a café.
Notable trees: The parkland around Clissold House keeps some fine veteran London planes and horse chestnuts from the original 18th-century estate planting.

Transport Links: How To Get To Clissold Park

Clissold Park Address:

Clissold Park, Church Street/Green Lanes, London N16 9HJ

Nearest Overground Station To Clissold Park:

Stoke Newington (Overground)
Finsbury Park Station (Great Northern, Thameslink & Suffragette Line)

Nearest Tube Stations To Clissold Park:

Arsenal (Piccadilly Line)
Finsbury Park Station (Victoria & Piccadilly Lines)
Manor House (Piccadilly Line)

Buses To Clissold Park:

Buses 341, 141 and 393 stop right next to Clissold Park.

Clissold Park Opening Times:

Clissold Park opens at 07:30 throughout the year and closes between 17:00 in midwinter and 21:30 in midsummer, with the closing time adjusted every couple of weeks through the seasons. Check the Hackney Council website for the current closing time before you visit.

Best Pubs Near Clissold Park:

The Auld Shillelagh (a lively Irish boozer with cold Guinness on tap)
The Londesborough (a relaxed, family-friendly pub with a beer garden)
The Brownswood (an independently run pub with six charming boutique rooms)

Top Rated Places To Eat Near Clissold Park:

Schnitzel Forever (known for their huge and tasty chicken schnitzels)
Olivia Cafe (deli cafe serving up favourites such as jacket potatoes and bubble waffles)
AUN (an unpretentious, highly recommended Japanese restaurant)

Highgate Wood

Highgate Wood offers a peaceful retreat into nature with its ancient woodlands, wildlife, and scenic trails. It’s part of the historic Forest of Middlesex and provides a glimpse into the region’s past. This iconic wood is a great escape from city life, ideal for walking, bird-watching, or simply unwinding.
Notable trees: This is true ancient woodland: oak and hornbeam coppice with wild service trees, a species so slow to spread that its presence is a classic indicator a wood has stood for centuries. Its old trees also provide roosts for several bat species; our guide to bats and trees in the UK explains how they’re protected.

Transport Links: How To Get To Highgate Wood

Highgate Wood Address:

Highgate Wood, Muswell Hill Road, London N10 3JN

Nearest Tube Station To Highgate Wood:

Highgate Station (Northern Line)

Buses To Highgate Wood:

Buses 43, 134, 143, 234 and N20 all pass close to Highgate Wood.

Highgate Wood Opening Times:

Highgate Wood opens at 07:30 and closes at dusk or 21:00, whichever is earlier.

Best Pubs Near Highgate Wood:

The Famous Royal Oak (a family-run pub offering a warm welcome and friendly service)
The Bull Highgate (a charming local gastropub in the heart of Highgate)
The Red Lion & Sun (a highly regarded pub with two beer gardens, a wood-burning fire and a delightful food and drinks menu)

Top Rated Places To Eat Near Highgate Wood:

Queen’s Wood Café (a community cafe perfect for a light snack or lunch)
Be’La Pizza & Cafe (offers comforting food and super warm service)
Food Room (a cosy cafe with fabulous food, cakes and coffee)

Gladstone Park

Named after the Victorian prime minister William Ewart Gladstone, Gladstone Park in Dollis Hill is the perfect place for outdoor sports or relaxation. This North London park features tennis courts, a children’s play area, and plenty of open green space. The park’s walled garden and tranquil pond add a peaceful touch to the surroundings.
Notable trees: The park’s long tree-lined avenues climb the hill towards the old Dollis Hill House terrace, where the mature planting frames one of North West London’s best skyline views.

Transport Links: How To Get To Gladstone Park

Gladstone Park Address:

Gladstone Park, Mulgrave Road, Neasden, London NW10 1JG

Nearest Tube Station To Gladstone Park:

Dollis Hill (Jubilee Line)

Buses To Gladstone Park:

Buses 182, 226, 232, 302 and N98 all have routes which pass Gladstone Park.

Gladstone Park Opening Times:

Gladstone Park’s walking areas are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the park’s car park opens at 06:00 and closes at 21:00.

Best Pubs Near Gladstone Park:

Tony’s Bar London (a traditional pub with friendly and warm service)
Barretts Free House (an authentic feeling Irish pub in Cricklewood)
Ox and Gate Cricklewood (a lovely pub with excellent service)

Top Rated Places To Eat Near Gladstone Park:

Stables Café (tasty snacks, cakes and coffee in the old stables of Dollis Hill House, open Wednesday to Sunday)
Dollis Hill Fish & Grill (serving up traditional fish and chips, burgers and grilled food)
Dollis Grill (a sophisticated menu served in an inviting yet opulent atmosphere)

Highbury Fields

Highbury Fields is Islington’s largest park and a beloved local spot for outdoor activities. This 12-hectare park features tennis and netball courts, football pitches, and a new adventure play structure. It’s the perfect choice of park for an active day out or just a leisurely walk among the trees.
Notable trees: The formal walk along Highbury Crescent is shaded by an impressive avenue of mature London planes, some of the oldest street-side planting in Islington.

Transport Links: How To Get To Highbury Fields

Highbury Fields Address:

Highbury Fields, Highbury Cres, London N5 1AR

Nearest Overground Station To Highbury Fields:

Highbury & Islington (Overground)

Nearest Tube Station To Highbury Fields:

Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line)

Buses To Highbury Fields:

Buses numbered 4, 19, 30, 43, 271, 277, 393 to Highbury Corner and 4, 19, 236 to Highbury Barn all stop around Highbury Fields.

Highbury Fields Opening Times:

Highbury Fields’ gates open at 08:00 every day of the year, including Christmas and New Year’s Day, and close between 17:00 in winter and 21:00 in high summer. See the Islington Council website for the month-by-month closing schedule.

Best Pubs Near Highbury Fields:

House Of Hammerton (a microbrewery/pub offering a wide range of house-brewed beers)
Brewhouse & Kitchen (modern pub food matched with craft beers in a relaxed environment)
The Alwyne Castle (traditional British pub hospitality with a sizeable beer garden and conservatory)

Top Rated Places To Eat Near Highbury Fields:

La Maison Highbury (a small, inviting neighbourhood cafe serving baked goods, bagels, sandwiches and salads)
Urban Cafe & Bistro (outstanding fresh home-cooked food served in a warm and relaxing atmosphere)
314 Kitchen & Bar (a friendly family-run restaurant offering succulent Mediterranean cuisine)

Gillespie Park and Ecology Centre

Gillespie Park is a 2.8-hectare nature reserve located in the heart of Islington. With ponds, woodlands, and meadows, it has an impressive array of plant and animal life. Gillespie Park also has an Ecology Centre that provides advice about wildlife, gardening, and sustainable living.
Notable trees: Young birch, willow and oak woodland has grown up over the old railway sidings here. It’s a lovely example of how quickly nature reclaims land, and the biodiversity is remarkable for inner London.

Transport Links: How To Get To Gillespie Park

Gillespie Park Address:

Gillespie Park, Tannington Terrace, Gillespie Rd, London N5 1LE

Nearest Overground Station To Gillespie Park:

Drayton Park (Great Northern Rail)

Nearest Tube Stations To Gillespie Park:

Arsenal (Piccadilly Line)
Finsbury Park (Piccadilly and Victoria Lines)

Buses To Gillespie Park:

Buses 4, 19, and 236 all stop near Gillespie Park.

Gillespie Park Opening Times:

Gillespie Park opens to the public at 08:00 and closes at dusk, 7 days a week, except for days of Arsenal Emirates Stadium events when it is closed.

Best Pubs Near Gillespie Park:

The Plimsoll (offers a great selection of beers and some highly recommended burgers)
The Woodbine (an Irish pub serving local beers and Thai food with big screens for sports)
The Gunners Pub (a traditional pub with Arsenal memorabilia, multiple screens and a heated beer garden)

Top Rated Places To Eat Near Gillespie Park:

Fink’s Gillespie (a great coffee shop offering cakes, snacks, and other tasty delights)
Abraço Cafe Blackstock Road (a spacious yet cosy cafe serving some delicious food options)
Beam (an elegant cafe known for its friendly service and fabulous brunch and breakfast menu)

Waterlow Park

Waterlow Park is a sizeable 12-hectare park in Highgate featuring a rich history, beautiful gardens, ponds and mature trees. The park is home to Lauderdale House, a venue for events and art exhibitions, making it ideal for those interested in culture and nature.
Notable trees: The gardens around Lauderdale House hold fine specimen trees, including stately cedars and old yews. Parkland veterans like these can fall victim to honey fungus. Our guide shows you how to spot the signs on mature trees.

Transport Links: How To Get To Waterlow Park

Waterlow Park Address:

Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, London N6 5HD

Nearest Tube Station To Waterlow Park:

Archway (Northern Line)

Buses To Waterlow Park:

Buses 29, 152, 372, 418 and 483 all pass close to Waterlow Park.

Waterlow Park Opening Times:

Waterlow Park opens at 07:30 and closes at dusk, 7 days a week.

Best Pubs Near Waterlow Park:

Brendan the Navigator (a popular gastro pub with trivia nights, regular live music and outside seating)
The Crown Highgate (an exceptional, genuinely independent pub in the heart of Highgate)
Prince of Wales Highgate (a classic British pub featuring cask ales and a lovely beer garden)

Top Rated Places To Eat Near Waterlow Park:

Lauderdale House Cafe (a perfectly decorated cafe offering cakes, hot snacks and drinks)
Oak Tree Cafe (a friendly, family-run cafe serving delicious breakfasts, brunches and lunches)
The Pavilion Cafe (a quiet, scenic spot inside the park serving unfussy brunch dishes and good coffee)

North London is blessed with a beautiful selection of parks and outdoor spaces, each with their own quirks and appeals. From the ancient woodlands of Highgate Wood to the royal gardens of Regent’s Park, the parks in North London have it all. So, take this list, put on your walking shoes, and explore the best parks in North London!
If you can think of any other North London parks or establishments you would like us to add, please send us your suggestions via the contact page.
And if a tree in your own garden needs the same care these parks give theirs, contact North London Tree Surgeons for free arboricultural advice, site visits and no-obligation quotations from our fully insured team.

CALL 020 4636 4457

Best Parks In North London 2026