Today I want to share my guide to the best things to do in Stoke Newington, London with you. This neighborhood is one of the most exciting local parts of the UK capital, and there’s a lot to love about it. From parks to shops, cafes to pubs, it’s worth a special trip.
Things to Do in Stoke Newington
Located in the northeast of the city, Stoke Newington is one of my favorite under-the-radar London neighborhoods.
It’s not on the tube, but it’s easy to get to on the London Overground (the station is called Stoke Newington) and by bus. You can also walk to Stoke Newington from east London neighborhoods like Dalston and Hackney.
And once you’re here, you’ll discover a wealth of things to do in Stoke Newington that will keep you coming back again and again. And again. In fact, this is one of the best places to live in east London.
1. Stoke Newington Church Street
My favorite place in the area is Stoke Newington Church Street. Running along the southern edges of Clissold Park and Abney Park, this street is packed with shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, and street art.
A colorful road, it lies at the heart of this London neighborhood. Walking down it to take in the local scene is one of the best things to do in Stoke Newington.
Along the way you’ll pass vibrant facades and be tempted to go into shops selling everything from fresh baked goods to vintage clothing.
2. Clissold Park
Walking through Clissold Park is another of the best things to do in Stoke Newington. This green space is packed with everything from expansive lawns to a small zoo with fallow deer, goats, and and birds.
Between them lie flower beds, fountains, lakes, tennis courts, and stunning views of the steeple of St Mary’s Church, Stoke Newington.
But my favorite part of Clissold Park is the 18th-century Clissold House, which is now a cafe and events venue. It’s beautiful to see across the New River, which runs through the grounds.
2. Eat in Stoke Newington
After walking around the park, you might have worked up an appetite. So it’s a good thing that another of the best things to do in Stoke Newington is eat.
Stoke Newington Church Street is one of the top places to find food in the neighborhood. Favorites like The Good Egg always please with their bagels and pitas.
And that’s to say nothing of Oddono’s, which has some of the best chocolate in London when it comes to gelato.
There are more good places to eat over on Stoke Newington High Street, including Australian restaurant Wander and The Haberdashery, which has one of the most colorful facades in the area.
4. Abney Park
Once you’ve eaten your fill, you’ll probably want to take another walk. Which is why it’s a good thing Clissold Park isn’t the only green space in the neighborhood.
Dating back to the early 18th century, Abney Park is a former cemetery. In fact, it’s one of the Magnificent Seven garden cemeteries in London (others include Highgate Cemetery and Nunhead Cemetery).
Abney Park is now a woodland memorial park and local nature reserve. Walking down its overgrown paths is another of the best things to do in Stoke Newington.
Notables like Salvation Army founder William Booth were buried here, as was Betsi Cadwaladr, a nurse who worked alongside Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War.
There are guided walks and events in Abney Park throughout the year, too. If you’re interested, it’s worth timing your trip to coincide with one.
5. Drink in Stoke Newington
Next on my list of things to do in Stoke Newington is drink. From bars to pubs and cafes, there are great places to imbibe in the area.
As far as pubs go, Clissold Park Tavern is popular for its beer garden and location on the corner of the green space of the same name.
Other popular pubs in Stoke Newington include The Rose and Crown and The Auld Shillelagh on Stoke Newington Church Street. The Londesborough on Barbauld Road is great, too.
When it comes to bars, it’s hard to beat Fontaine’s Bar on Stoke Newington High Street and Ryan’s N16, a popular bar and restaurant with a beer garden out back.
If you want something caffeinated, there are plenty of great cafes and coffee shops in Stoke Newington. From Esters on Kynaston Road to The Caffeine Fix on Stoke Newington Church Street, the area has you covered.
Things to Do in Stoke Newington
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to things to do in Stoke Newington, and that it’s inspired you to visit the area and discover it for yourself. Happy exploring!
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