Highbury Fields — Attraction in London

Highbury Fields is the largest open space in the London Borough of Islington, located in the Highbury area near Highbury & Islington station. Spanning 11.75 hectares (29 acres), it offers a mix of recreational facilities, historical significance, and natural beauty.

Key Features

1. Green Space and Nature The park is lined with mature trees, including oak, horse chestnut, lime, and London planes, providing shade and scenic walking paths5]. It features open grass areas, a small woodland garden, and summer meadows that attract birds and bats[2. Designated as a Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation1].

2. Recreational Facilities Sports: 11 floodlit tennis courts. A 50m x 26m artificial turf floodlit football pitch. Four netball courts and basketball hoops. A table tennis table near the tennis courts[1. Swimming and Fitness: The Highbury Pool and Fitness Centre offers swimming and workout facilities4]. Play Areas: A children's playground with a sandpit, water play features, and toilets. An adventure playground for older children designed for climbing, jumping, and balancing[1.

3. Historical Elements Highbury Fields was preserved as an open space in 1869 by Victorian philanthropists amid rapid urban development3. The Boer War Memorial in the park commemorates Islington residents who died during the war and is surrounded by a memorial garden featuring South African plants6]. Surrounded by Georgian and Victorian terraces, including notable residences such as those of Walter Sickert (Impressionist painter) and Joseph Chamberlain (politician)[4].

4. Amenities Oasis Café: A spot for refreshments within the park[1. Bandstand: A historical feature now used for community activities like the One O’Clock Club for children under five3]. Accessibility: Fully accessible with disabled parking bays and paths suitable for wheelchairs[1].

Visiting Information Location: Extends from Highbury Corner to Highbury Barn. Transport Links: Tube: Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line). Buses: Routes 4, 19, 30, 43, 236, 271, 393 serve the area[1. Opening Hours: Open daily from 8 AM until sunset (closing times vary seasonally)[1]. Entry Fee: Free.

Highbury Fields is a vibrant community hub offering leisure activities, historical charm, and tranquil green spaces for locals and visitors alike.

Citations: [1] Highbury Fields | Islington Council https://www.islington.gov.uk/physical-activity-parks-and-trees/parks-and-green-space/your-local-parks/highbury-fields [2] Highbury Fields - Visit London https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/280255-highbury-fields [3] Focus On: Highbury Fields - News https://www.thehighburycentre.org/news/news/post/89-focus-on-highbury-fields [4] Highbury Fields - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highbury_Fields [5] Highbury Fields - London - Parks & Gardens UK https://www.parksandgardens.org/places/highbury-fields [6] Highbury Fields – News, events and opinions from Highbury Fields ... https://fieldshighbury.wordpress.com [7] Highbury Fields - SWC Maps https://maps.walkingclub.org.uk/london-parks/highbury-fields.shtml [8] Islington's best parks and green spaces https://in-islington.co.uk/news/islingtons-best-parks-and-green-spaces [9] Highbury Fields Courts And Pitches | Islington Parks - Better https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/islington/islington-parks/3046-islington-parks [10] Highbury Fields - Trfihi Parks https://new.trfihi-parks.com/en/park-details/6849-Highbury-Fields [11] Highbury - Islington Life https://islingtonlife.london/discover-islington/local-history/highbury/ [12] HIGHBURY FIELDS (2025) All You Should Know BEFORE You Go ... https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d14130207-Reviews-Highbury_Fields-London_England.html [13] Park Improvement Project Highbury Fields | Islington Council...

Highbury Fields is our local park/public green space. We spend lots of time there, walking, exercising, passing through en route to elsewhere. It’s not an especially large park (although I gather it’s the largest continuous outdoor space in the London Borough of Islington) and parts can get quite busy, but if you know where to go you can find some quiet space. There are tennis courts, other sports courts, enclosed areas which are supposed to be free from dogs (albeit they sometimes get in when the gates are left open and owners are irresponsible), a children’s play area with a range of toys, a small cafe and three public toilets, with Highbury Parade shops, lower Holloway Road and a range of public transport options nearby.

One word of caution: I’ve heard reports recently of some phone snatching and muggings, so you should be vigilant, especially when walking with your phone out. I don’t know how crime rates here compare to other green spaces in London. All I can add is that I haven’t experienced any crime in the Fields myself, and I’ve lived next to the park...

Highbury and Islington is the only borough close to the centre allows BBQing in it public parks which is really good for all Londoners. Personally, I have been going to this park every summer for over 11 years and it was my favorite place to enjoy a day with friends and family, but this year 2018 they came up with some new rules which I can very much understand why but these rules has to be applied for everyone wants to BBQ. Security guys allow some people to have their grilling near houses and trees and some other like us are not allowed to do and I find this discriminating. Don't think I will go there anymore and not recommending the place to any of my friends and this is not good for the business in surrounding area as we used to buy from the Cafe some drinks and ice cream, from the petrol stations charcoal and from the other shops some stuff. Now with this discrimination, not...