Islington is known for being built up, and that reputation is understandable. The borough has the lowest ratio of open space to built-up area of any London borough. Spend some time here, though, and you'll find its green spaces are well used, well loved and, in some cases, surprisingly peaceful.

At Stadium Residential, our team has over 90 years of combined experience helping people buy, sell and rent across Islington, Highbury and Holloway. We specialise in sales and lettings across North London, and our client testimonialsreflect that local experience. One of the first things buyers and tenants ask us is where they can get outdoors. Here are the places we recommend.

Highbury Fields

At around 29 acres, Highbury Fields is the largest open space in the borough, and on a sunny weekend it can feel like half of North London is there. There are tennis courts, play areas and Highbury Pool on its edge, and the space is framed by some of the area's best Georgian terraces. If you're thinking about Highbury, being within a few minutes' walk of the Fields is a real advantage.

Caledonian Park

Caledonian Park sits on the site of the old Caledonian Cattle Market, once the largest of its kind in North London. The Victorian clock tower at its centre has been restored, and you can visit the top on open days for views across to the City. It's quieter and more neighbourhood-focused than Highbury Fields, making it a good option for anyone living around Caledonian Road or Holloway.

Gillespie Park

Tucked behind the Emirates Stadium, Gillespie Park is a Local Nature Reserve with ponds, meadow and woodland. It's home to the Islington Ecology Centre and is one of the few places in the borough where it's easy to forget you're in Zone 2. Even on match days, it stays relatively quiet.

Regent's Canal

The canal towpath is one of the best ways to see Islington. The route runs west towards King's Cross and Regent's Park and east towards Victoria Park, passing through the Islington Tunnel on the way. Where the canal goes through the tunnel, a marked walking route takes you over the top through the streets of Angel. Runners and cyclists use it every morning, and it's a good option for a relaxed Sunday walk.

Smaller Parks

Some of Islington's best green spaces are the smaller ones. Whittington Park near Archway and Barnard Park off Copenhagen Street are popular with families. Paradise Park in Holloway is a local favourite with play areas. Canonbury Square in Canonbury and Gibson Square are both garden squares that help give parts of the borough a quiet, leafy feel.

Parkland Walk

Just to the north, the Parkland Walk follows an old railway line from Finsbury Park towards Highgate Woods. It's a linear nature reserve, with trees, birdsong and old platforms rather than open lawns. For anyone living in the north of the borough, it's an easy place to get into nature on foot.

Making the Most of Them

Because open space is limited, timing can make a big difference. Highbury Fields and the canal are busiest on sunny weekend afternoons, so early mornings are better for a quiet run or dog walk. Gillespie Park and the Ecology Centre run events throughout the year, which can be a good way to meet neighbours if you're new to the area. If you work from home, a lunchtime walk around the nearest garden square can also be a useful break in the day.

Does Green Space Affect Property Prices?

In our experience, yes. Homes with a park or garden square on the doorstep tend to be popular with families and buyers moving out of central London, and that demand is often reflected in the price. Outdoor space is also something tenants increasingly ask about, particularly as more people work from home for part of the week, so it's worth looking at properties to rent near a park if access to green space is important to you.

Looking for a Home Near a Park?

Islington may not have as much open space as outer London, but its parks still make a big difference to everyday life. Whether you want to be near Highbury Fields, the canal or a quiet garden square, our local team can tell you which streets are worth considering.

Take a look at properties for sale, or get in touch with Stadium Residential for a free, no-obligation valuation of your current home.