Clissold Park

Clissold Park is one of the largest green spaces in north London, set in Stoke Newington in the London Borough of Hackney. It covers 22.57 hectares of lawns, ponds and tree-lined paths, with a late 18th-century house at its heart.

Where is Clissold Park and how do I find it?

The park is bounded by Church Street to the south, Green Lanes to the west, Queen Elizabeth's Walk to the east and Greenway Close to the north. It lies in north Hackney, an area visitors tend to see less often than central London, so you are more likely to meet locals walking dogs and pushing prams than tour groups. There are several entrances, and a full loop takes roughly half an hour to an hour depending on how often you stop.

What is the history of the park?

The park was laid out in the grounds of a house dating from the late 18th century. In the 1880s speculative building threatened the estate, so the land was bought with public funds under an Act of 1887. Clissold Park opened to the public on 24 July 1889. Historic England describes it as a late Victorian public park created from the gardens of a former residence, and the layout of paths and water still reflects that origin.

What is there to see inside?

• Clissold House – a Grade II listed building, now a cafe and events venue. A good spot for a break after a walk.
• The ponds – their origins are tied to clay pits dug for the bricks of the original house; today they are a calm setting for a rest.
• The animal enclosure – Historic England calls it the first animal enclosure in an urban park. It is home to deer and goats, was laid out in the 1890s and enlarged in the 1910s.
• Paddling pool and bowling green – the children's paddling pool was added in the 1930s and remains a family favourite in summer.
• St Mary's Old Church – at the south-east corner of the park stands the old church, now used as an arts venue.

Who is it for?

Clissold Park suits families who want to watch the deer and splash in the water, walkers looking for a quiet stroll away from the main tourist trail, and anyone who fancies a coffee in a historic house. It also makes a natural stop when exploring Stoke Newington and the Church Street area.

Frequently asked questions

Is Clissold Park free to enter? Yes. It is a public park open to everyone. You only pay for services such as a coffee at Clissold House.

Where is Clissold Park? In Stoke Newington, in the London Borough of Hackney, between Church Street and Green Lanes.

How big is it? 22.57 hectares.

What animals can I see? Deer and goats live in the enclosure. Check the Hackney Council website for current details and seasonal hours, for example for the paddling pool.

Is there a cafe? Yes, in the listed Clissold House.

When did it become a public park? On 24 July 1889.