Hackney Downs

Hackney Downs is a park of roughly 16 hectares in Lower Clapton, in the London Borough of Hackney. It was historically common land and is now one of the larger open spaces lying wholly within the borough. The name is also sometimes used for the neighbourhood around the park.

What is Hackney Downs?

It is a working local park with sports pitches, a playground and open green space, used daily by people who live nearby. For visitors it offers a look at everyday life in east London, away from the busiest central sights. There are no palaces or museums here; the appeal is the ordinary, lived-in character of the place.

What is the history of the park?

The site was Lammas land, meaning ground used in common at certain times of year, and it was surrounded by fields until the mid-19th century. Horse racing on the Downs was recorded as early as 1733, and cricket, football and rugby were played here over the years.

As London grew, pressure to build over open land increased. In 1872 an Act of Parliament placed the land with the Metropolitan Board of Works so that it would be kept as public open space. The park opened in 1884. Later additions included women's toilets in 1908, a lodge in 1959 and an extension to the bowling green in 1960.

What can you do here?

According to Hackney Council, the park has:

• a seasonal athletics track,
• basketball courts,
• a children's play area,
• a floodlit multi-use games area,
• two floodlit tennis courts,
• team changing rooms,
• a community room,
• a dog-free area.

The park won a Green Flag Award in 2008, given to well-managed green spaces. The annual Hackney Show and regular fireworks displays were once held here but have been discontinued as cost-cutting measures.

How to get there

Hackney Downs railway station is the nearest station to the park, and bus route 56 serves the area. Because the park sits in Lower Clapton, it is easy to combine a visit with a walk through neighbouring parts of Hackney.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hackney Downs free to enter? Yes. It is a public park kept as open space for residents and visitors.

Can I play tennis or basketball here? Yes. There are two floodlit tennis courts, basketball courts and a floodlit multi-use games area. Check Hackney Council's website for how to use them.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, but part of the park is designated dog-free, and dogs are not allowed in that area.

Is there a playground? Yes, the park has a children's play area.

Are there still festivals and fireworks displays? The annual Hackney Show and the regular fireworks displays have been discontinued to save costs.

How long does a walk around the park take? At around 16 hectares, a relaxed walk usually takes a few dozen minutes, depending on your pace.