Date Published 04 March 2026
After a dark and rainy start to 2026, spring has finally arrived in the British capitol!🐞🦗
The temperatures are warmer, the skies are sunnier, flowers are sprouting from the ground and blooming on the trees, and Londoners across all 32 boroughs are itching to get outside and make the most of it. 🌳
Fortunately for those of us who live in Highgate, some of the best places to do so happen to be right at our doorstep. Below is Taylor Gibbs' guide to the best green spaces near Highgate for enjoying the spring weather. 🌳
Hampstead Heath- Let's start with the big one, shall we? Hampstead Heath is one the largest and most iconic parks in London. From multiple scenic viewpoints to miles of paved and dirt walking paths, playing fields, bathing ponds, cafes and even a stately home, the Heath truly has it all. Highgate residents who live towards the northern end of the neighbourhood can find access at the Kenwood entrance on Hampstead Lane. There are also multiple entrances along Millfield Lane for those living closer to Swains Lane/Archway. 🌳
Waterlow Park- Situated right in Highgate Village, Waterlow Park is a gorgeous Victorian park complete with water fountains, flower gardens and gigantic weeping willows. Towards Highgate Hill, visitors can find tennis courts, benches, views of the city and Lauderdale House- an historic estate with well-tended gardens, regular art exhibitions and a café. Further downhill are separate playgrounds for toddlers and older children, as well as ponds with resident terrapins and an exit to Swains Lane leading to Highgate Cemetery. 🌳
Highgate Wood- Accessible from Archway Road, Muswell Hill Road, and Lanchester Road, Highgate Wood is an ancient woodland with tranquil, shady paths winding throughout. On the west side of the park can be found a much loved café, a wide open field, the archaeological site of a Roman pottery kiln and one of the best children's playgrounds in North London. 🌳
Queen's Wood- Accessible from Muswell Hill Road and Wood Lane, Queen's Wood is where you'll find leafy paths wending their way towards Crouch End, a frog pond and a fairy tale-like café that you may or may not get a seat in depending how long since it was last featured in a viral TikTok.
Alexandra Park- Just a little ways down the road in Muswell Hill, Alexandra Park offers a plethora of activities for North Londoners of all ages. 🌳
There is a large playground, a duck pond with pedalo boats, a skatepark, a GoApe ropes course and pitch and putt golf. As of last year, you can even scale the roof of Alexandra Palace by signing up for their Summit experience! Plus, there are ice cream vans parked all around the perimeter of Ally Pally as soon as the sun makes its first appearance, so you're never far from a tasty treat.🌳
Parkland Walk- Running 2.5 miles (4km) from Highgate to Finsbury Park, the Parkland Walk is the longest linear nature reserve in London. Located along the bed of an old railroad track, the path takes adventurers through woods and tunnels, over bridges and past old train platforms. Stop off in Crouch End or go all the way and soak up some sun on the vast green expanses of Finsbury Park.🌳
Looking for more information on Highgate? Reach out to the team at Taylor Gibbs!🌳
