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London Borough Of Islington

Attractions and Places To See around the London Borough Of Islington - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around the London Borough Of Islington include a diverse range of historical landmarks, cultural venues, and green spaces in North London. The borough features significant historical structures, such as the Angel, Islington, and New River Head, alongside modern architectural sites like the Emirates Stadium. It offers several tranquil green spaces, including Highbury Fields and three Local Nature Reserves, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Cultural sites like Sadler's Wells Theatre and the Islington Museum contribute to the area's vibrant arts scene.

Best attractions and places to see around the London Borough Of Islington

  • The most popular attractions is Spriggan sculpture on Parkland Walk, an other man-made feature located on London's longest Local Nature Reserve. This sculpture is situated along a route that follows an abandoned railway line, known for its diverse habitats and wildlife.
  • Another must-see spot is St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel, a historical site. This building, constructed in the Gothic Revival style, serves as a prominent landmark and a 5-star accommodation connected to King's Cross train station.
  • Visitors also love Parkland Walk Nature Reserve, a trail that follows the course of an old railway line between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace. This nature reserve is London's longest, supporting a range of habitats and wildlife, including over 200 species of wildflowers.
  • London Borough Of Islington is known for its historical landmarks, cultural sites, and green spaces. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from theatres and museums to parks and canals.
  • The attractions around the London Borough Of Islington are appreciated by the komoot community, with 30 highlights featuring 139 photos and receiving 129 upvotes.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Spriggan sculpture on Parkland Walk

Highlight (Segment) • Structure

The whole of the Parkland Walk is used by the Capital Ring, so if you wish you can extend your walk at each end by continuing along that: eastwards through Finsbury Park or westwards via Queen's Wood and Highgate Wood.

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St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel

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International train station and 5 star accommodation. Linked with the King's Cross train station for travelling to all areas within the UK mainland.
A must visit for Harry Potter fans.

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Parkland Walk (South) Local Nature Reserve

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Parkland Walk is a nature reserve that follows the path of an abandoned railway line that used to run between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace. The route is shared with pedestrians, and it can get quite busy, so it's a better option for enjoying the scenery than for fitness. The ground is quite rough in places, so probably not ideal for dedicated road bikes.

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Banksy Basquiat Tribute Mural

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Now everyone does seem to get awfully excited these days when a new Banksy mural appears. It was no surprise therefore to find the great and the good of the street art world out in force to see his latest piece. The last time a Banksy appeared in the city, it got covered up within 24 hours. With that in mind it’s always worth getting there quick.

The main work features a stencilled police man and woman. Recognisably by Banksy, they appear to be conducting a stop and search on Basquiat. We know it’s him because the image of Basquiat is from an image that the artist himself painted back in 1982. That was as part of the piece ‘Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump‘. The work features an abstract skeletal figure of a man with a dog. It’s a piece full of energy and was meant to be a self representation. It was painted at a time when Basquiat was really starting to get courted in the art world and making a name for himself.

(inspiringcity.com/2017/09/17/banksy-tribute-mural-to-jean-michel-basquiat-appears-at-the-barbican-in-london/)

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The Lighthouse Building

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The Lighthouse is a mixed-use building on the corner of 285-297 Pentonville Road and 372-380 Gray's Inn Road in London WC1.

The site is situated opposite the entrance to Kings Cross St Pancras Station.

Completed in 2016, the building provides 17,000 sq ft of Grade A offices.

The building got its name from the distinctive lighthouse structure on its roof which is thought to be a legacy of its Victorian past when the ground floor was occupied by Netten’s oyster bar. The local legend is that when fresh oysters arrived the Lighthouse beacon was turned on.

(buildington.co.uk/buildings/4278/london-wc1/285-297-pentonville-road/the-lighthouse-building)

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Emirates Stadium

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Opened in 2006, the Emirates Stadium replaced Highbury as Arsenal's home ground. This modern stadium can hold 60,704 people and atmosphere on matchdays is electric.

Arsenal are one of England's most successful clubs, behind only Manchester United and Liverpool in terms of trophies won. However, unlike Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, they've never won the Champions League (or European Cup equivalent).

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New River Head

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Opposite Saddlers Wells, New River Head is the terminus of the New River, a water supply aqueduct that was built to bring fresh water from Hertfordshire's springs to North London. It has been in continuous use for the purposes of clean water supply for nearly 400 years.

The headquarters of the New River Company were based here. Today the building is Grade II-listed, along with the Windmill Base, Engine and Pump House, Inner Pond and the Laboratory Building.

The old Engine and Pump House is set to become the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, hosting galleries, event spaces, studios, a shop and a cafe from 2022.

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Joseph Grimaldi (18 December 1778 – 31 May 1837) was an English actor, comedian and dancer, who became the most popular English entertainer of the Regency era. In the early 1800s, he expanded the role of Clown in the harlequinade that formed part of British pantomimes, notably at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and the Sadler's Wells and Covent Garden theatres. He became so dominant on the London comic stage that the harlequinade role of Clown became known as "Joey", and both the nickname and Grimaldi's whiteface make-up design were, and still are, used by other types of clowns. Grimaldi originated catchphrases such as "Here we are again!", which continue to feature in modern pantomimes. Grimaldi was buried in St. James's Churchyard, Pentonville, on 5 June 1837. The burial site and the area around is now the Joseph Grimaldi Park.

The park also features an artwork in honour of Grimaldi and the English dramatist Charles Dibdin made up of bronze floor tiles that are designed to be walked on and react to the pressure of footfall by playing musical notes. The tiles are tuned so that it's possible to play "Hot Codlins", a song popularised by Grimaldi. Sadly, as of 2022, these seem to be broken.

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Old Station on Parkland Walk

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Old stop that is slowly being taken back by nature.

Translated by Google •

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Keystone Crescent

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A little surprise just off King's Cross: An elegant, complete, hidden away semi-circle of early Victorian workers' housing. Twenty-four houses, inner and outer circles, with a formidable curve: "the smallest radius of any crescent in Europe". At least that's what they claim.

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Tips from the Community

Bumble-Bee
November 2, 2025, Keystone Crescent

Keystone Crescent is not only picturesque and charming but it also, reputedly, has the smallest radius of any crescent in Europe! (https://livinglondonhistory.com/keystone-crescent-the-smallest-crescent-in-europe/)

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Now everyone does seem to get awfully excited these days when a new Banksy mural appears. It was no surprise therefore to find the great and the good of the street art world out in force to see his latest piece. The last time a Banksy appeared in the city, it got covered up within 24 hours. With that in mind it’s always worth getting there quick. The main work features a stencilled police man and woman. Recognisably by Banksy, they appear to be conducting a stop and search on Basquiat. We know it’s him because the image of Basquiat is from an image that the artist himself painted back in 1982. That was as part of the piece ‘Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump‘. The work features an abstract skeletal figure of a man with a dog. It’s a piece full of energy and was meant to be a self representation. It was painted at a time when Basquiat was really starting to get courted in the art world and making a name for himself. (https://inspiringcity.com/2017/09/17/banksy-tribute-mural-to-jean-michel-basquiat-appears-at-the-barbican-in-london/)

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Lj
May 10, 2025, Emirates Stadium

awesome

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Opened in 2006, the Emirates Stadium replaced Highbury as Arsenal's home ground. This modern stadium can hold 60,704 people and atmosphere on matchdays is electric. Arsenal are one of England's most successful clubs, behind only Manchester United and Liverpool in terms of trophies won. However, unlike Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, they've never won the Champions League (or European Cup equivalent).

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Lovely disused railway now a great place for walkers, runners or cyclists for an natural escape from urban east-end London. There is a trail off the main path at the acid grassland between Mountview Road and Blythwood Road that is worth taking for a quieter and more wooded walk.

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Great hotel, not a bargain

Translated by Google

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Beautiful hotel. Unfortunately, the room rates are above my budget :-) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Pancras_Renaissance_London_Hotel

Translated by Google

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Mikeg
January 16, 2024, Emirates Stadium

A circuit of the stadium is a pleasant ride, and the new cycle lanes on Drayton Park are excellent

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features and green spaces can I explore in the London Borough of Islington?

The London Borough of Islington offers several tranquil green spaces. You can visit Parkland Walk Nature Reserve, London's longest Local Nature Reserve, which follows an abandoned railway line and is home to over 200 species of wildflowers. Other notable green spaces include Highbury Fields, Gillespie Park, Barnsbury Wood, Caledonian Park, King Square Gardens, and the unique Culpeper Community Garden. The Regent's Canal also provides picturesque towpaths for peaceful walks.

Are there any historical landmarks or significant architectural sites in Islington?

Yes, Islington is rich in historical landmarks and architectural sites. The historic Angel, Islington, is a key landmark with buildings dating back to the 16th century. You can also see New River Head, the terminus of the New River aqueduct, which has supplied fresh water for centuries. The St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel, a prominent Gothic Revival building, is also nearby. Modern architectural interest includes the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club, and the distinctive Lighthouse Building near King's Cross.

What are some family-friendly attractions in the London Borough of Islington?

Families can enjoy several attractions in Islington. Parkland Walk Nature Reserve is great for leisurely strolls and spotting wildlife. The Little Angel Theatre specializes in puppetry for children. Freightliners City Farm offers a unique working farm experience with various animals, providing a fun escape from city life. Many parks like Highbury Fields are also ideal for family picnics and outdoor play.

Where can I find unique cultural experiences or art venues in Islington?

Islington is a hub for arts and culture. Sadler's Wells Theatre is globally renowned for dance performances, while the Almeida Theatre and King's Head Theatre offer diverse theatrical productions. For art enthusiasts, the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art is the UK's only gallery dedicated to this genre, and the Victoria Miro Gallery showcases contemporary art. Union Chapel is an award-winning music venue that also functions as a working church.

Are there opportunities for walking or hiking in the London Borough of Islington?

Absolutely. The London Borough of Islington offers several walking opportunities. The Parkland Walk Nature Reserve is a popular choice, following an old railway line. You can also explore the picturesque towpaths along the Regent's Canal. For more structured routes, consider exploring the easy hikes available, such as the Regent's Canal Towpath loop or the View of London Skyline loop from Finsbury Park. You can find more details on these routes in the Easy hikes around the London Borough Of Islington guide.

What kind of cycling routes are available around Islington?

Cyclists can find various routes around the London Borough of Islington. For road cycling, there are moderate routes like the Hadley Green loop from Upper Holloway or the Fitzroy Park Climb loop from Tufnell Park. If you're interested in gravel biking, more challenging routes like the Green Ride, Epping Forest loop are available. Explore these and other options in the Road Cycling Routes around the London Borough Of Islington guide and the Gravel biking around the London Borough Of Islington guide.

Can I find any hidden gems or less-known spots in Islington?

Yes, Islington has several charming, less-known spots. The Spriggan sculpture on Parkland Walk is a unique man-made feature nestled within a nature reserve. The Culpeper Community Garden near Angel is a beautiful public garden maintained by local residents. Exploring the charming streets of Barnsbury with its Georgian architecture or Canonbury with its village-like feel can also reveal hidden delights. Don't miss the Banksy Basquiat Tribute Mural for a touch of street art.

Is the London Borough of Islington accessible for visitors with mobility needs?

Many areas and attractions in Islington strive for accessibility. For instance, the St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel and Emirates Stadium are noted as wheelchair accessible. While some natural trails might have uneven terrain, many urban paths and cultural venues are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. It's always advisable to check specific venue accessibility details in advance.

What is the best time of year to visit Islington's attractions?

Islington's attractions can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer (April to September) are ideal for exploring the green spaces like Highbury Fields and Parkland Walk, and for enjoying outdoor activities along the Regent's Canal. The vibrant markets like Exmouth Market and Chapel Market are also lively during warmer months. Cultural venues and museums are excellent choices for any season, including cooler or rainy days.

Are there any specific places for wildlife spotting in Islington?

Yes, the Parkland Walk Nature Reserve is London's longest Local Nature Reserve and is a prime spot for wildlife. It's home to over 200 species of wildflowers, hedgehogs, foxes, butterflies, many bird species, and occasionally, muntjac deer. Gillespie Park and Barnsbury Wood are also Local Nature Reserves that support diverse habitats and wildlife within the borough.

Where can I experience local markets or unique shopping in Islington?

Islington offers vibrant market experiences and unique shopping. Camden Passage is famous for its antique shops, independent boutiques, and lively markets. Exmouth Market is a picturesque street with craft beer pubs, independent shops, and diverse food stalls. Chapel Market provides a traditional 'no frills' market experience, including a farmer's market on Sundays. Angel Central is a modern complex for high-street shopping and entertainment.

What makes Parkland Walk a popular attraction in Islington?

The Parkland Walk Nature Reserve is popular because it offers a unique green escape in the heart of London. It follows the course of an old railway line, providing a tranquil and shaded route. Visitors appreciate its rich biodiversity, with over 200 species of wildflowers and various wildlife. It's also known for its street art and is a great spot for leisurely walks or trail running, making it London's longest Local Nature Reserve.

What kind of activities can I do along the Regent's Canal in Islington?

The Regent's Canal offers picturesque towpaths perfect for peaceful walks or cycling. You can enjoy boat trips along its waters, connecting various attractions. The London Canal Museum, located in a former ice warehouse, narrates the history of London's waterways and the ice trade, providing an interesting stop along the canal.

Most popular routes around the London Borough Of Islington

Running Trails around the London Borough Of Islington

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