Things to do

There is a veritable feast of things to do in Hackney, from browsing the market stalls of Broadway market to swimming in the open-air London Fields Lido. All surrounded by acres of lush green space in the form of the Borough's parks - ideal for the incredible diverse local population of umpteen nationalities speaking over 90 languages.

Parks 

Hackney has over 60 parks and designated green space so there is always somewhere to play outside just around the corner. Stirling Ackroyd favorites are:

London Fields

London Fields is right in the heart of Hackney, tucked in between the ever changing Broadway Market and Mare Street. The park offers some great things to do  including the newly reopened Lido - 50m open-air swimming pool heated to 25C, tennis courts and 2 children's play areas.

Clissold Park

Set just north of trendy Church Street, although at the northern most point of Hackney, was voted Heart of Hackney in 'I love Hackney' poll orginised be the council. It is a beautifully laid out public space with plenty to do for everybody, the summer sees the arrival of Stokefest, a popular free community festival. There are also a range of activities including a petting zoo and a range of sports pitches.

Hackney Council also runs and maintains the following leisure centres:

Brittania Leisure Centre, Clissold Leisure Centre, Kings Hill Leisure Centre, London Fields Lido, Queensbridge Sports and Leisure Centre and the Stoke Newington West Resevoir Centre.

For a reasonable monthly charge you can have access to the following centres providing allowing residents to participate in nearly every sport imaginable, from fencing to rock climbing.

Landmarks

There are several Place in Hackney that we at Stirling Ackroyd feel have to be seen (aside from everything else in our mini guide!). The Lido on London Fields, Hackney Empire, Town Hall and the spiritual home of grossroots football - Hackney Marshes.

We are sure, however, that there are loads of things missed of this list, but it would be best to discover them by yourself.

Keenest Streets

Albion Square
Stunning Georgian square just off the Kingsland Road, almost an extension of the beautiful Georgian squares of De Beauvoir.

Parkholme Road
One of many incredibly popular roads surrounding London Fields with a range of period houses and conversions.

Adelaide Wharf
An impressive new development overlooking the Grand Union Canal.

Dalston Square
A huge soon to be completed development incorporating a wealth of commercial space and the new Dalston tube station.