Finsbury Park

Finsbury Park is a large public park in north London, lying on the southern edge of the London Borough of Haringey, in the Harringay area. It opened to the public in August 1869 and remains one of the capital's great Victorian parks. It borders the neighbourhoods of Finsbury Park, Stroud Green and Manor House, so it fits easily into a day exploring north London.

How did Finsbury Park come about?

The park was laid out between 1866 and 1869 to designs by Frederick Manable and Alexander McKenzie. It was first planned as Albert Park, the third of three new royal parks for London. Royal status was dropped, and it became a municipal park under the name Finsbury Park. The land lies in the area of the historic parish of Hornsey, later the Municipal Borough of Hornsey. It was among the first of the great London parks created in the Victorian era.

In 1874 the park was enclosed on its northern side by Endymion Road. Over the years a bandstand, a chrysanthemum house, a bowling green and a cricket pavilion were added.

What is there to see?

The lake is the centrepiece. A first lake was built on top of the knoll around 1800, with water pumped up from the nearby New River. When the Hornsey Wood Tavern was demolished to make way for the park, the lake was enlarged. A large underground reservoir, Hornsey Wood Reservoir, lies beneath part of the park; the East London Waterworks Company completed it in 1868. Recreational features were arranged around the lake, with sporting facilities placed toward the edges.

In 2003 a Heritage Lottery Fund award paid for significant restoration work, including cleaning the lake. The park has held the Green Flag Award since 2007.

What sports and leisure facilities are there?

According to Haringey council, the park has an athletics track that clubs and schools can book, a boating lake, tennis courts, netball courts, a skatepark and a cafe. It works well for a walk, a run, a picnic or a break from the city.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Finsbury Park? In north London, on the southern edge of the London Borough of Haringey, near Stroud Green and Manor House.

When did the park open? In August 1869.

Who designed it? Frederick Manable and Alexander McKenzie.

Is there a lake? Yes. A lake existed here around 1800 and was enlarged when the park was created.

Can you play sport there? Yes, including on the athletics track, tennis courts, netball courts and skatepark.

Has the park won any awards? It has held the Green Flag Award since 2007.