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Six green places to go in Stoke Newington for the perfect picnic

Written by
Donna Mackay
Clissold Park
Flickr / David Holt
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Stokey’s got plenty of pretty greenery for sun-soaking when the weather’s nice and lovely. So whether you want to pack a bottle of Pimms or just a cool cucumber sarnie, this selection of lawns, gardens and wooded wonderlands will satisfy your picnic needs in N16.

Clissold Park

If you crossed London Fields with Crouch End, Clissold Park would be their most gorgeous bastard child. A favourite of joggers, families and weekend picnickers, It’s the crème de la crème of parks and has a suite of amenities to match. Head towards Green Lanes on sunnier days for a premium space. There’s a paddling pool to cool off those weary feet and a herd of Fallow deer to gawk upon post-picnic. Thankfully they’re enclosed, so there won’t be any awkward incidents when you’re nibbling on your quinoa. 316 Green Lanes, N16 9HH

Allens Gardens

Neatly hidden behind Bethune Road lies one of Stoke Newington’s best-kept secrets – Allens Gardens. The petite pocket of green comes with an extra bit of serenity that the British pound just can’t buy. This real life secret garden is teeming with flora and – and though it may seem unconventional – gorgeous graffiti that only adds to the view. Grab a spot on a grassy area among the trees and park your picnic blanket. Heck, there’s even a zip-line to burn off those scotch eggs. Bethune Rd, N16 8SB

Butterfield Green

Another green space slightly tucked off the beaten path is the petite Butterfield Green. With free table tennis, a bandstand, play areas for kids, an artificial stream and its own orchard, it’s a veritable wonderland for those in the know. There are over 30 fruit trees in the vicinity, so pick a pitch, lay out your tartan blanket and breathe in the tranquillity. For a space in the quiet sitting area, grab a spot near the Cowper Road entrance. Allen Rd, N16 8SB 

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Stoke Newington Common

Stokey dwellers – or riders of the local buses – will recognise this grassland as the place where the buses annoyingly deviate from Stoke Newington High Street, only to return two minutes later. Technically four separate sections of green space, dissected by path and road, this little spot of lawn is an ideal mid-afternoon reprieve from the busier areas. So grab some Pimms and pick a pew. Afterwards, stop off at 25 Stoke Newington Common and check out the Hackney Borough’s plaque marking glam ledge Marc Bolan’s former abode. 1 Northwold Rd, N16 7DH

Abney Park Cemetery

The trophy for most atmospheric picnic location goes to Abney Park. Though some might consider it slightly eerie, this wooded Victorian cemetery is a beauteous botanical backyard. Stroll through the graves before picking your own resting spot amongst the gothic surroundings – the north side towards Manor Road is particularly serene. Just make sure you don’t get locked in. Stoke Newington High St, N16 0LH 

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Woodberry Wetlands

Budding biologists will feel right at home in this verdant ecological oasis. The natural space is a haven for wildlife, located at the East Reservoir. With 11 hectares of ponds and terrain, it’s a regular chill out spot for those that prefer their cucumber sandwiches with an accompanying ornithology fix. Go late afternoon or evening to soak up the pink-hued views and have an amble through the woodland trail after your downtime. Lordship Rd, New River Path, N16 5HQ

Check out 32 perfect picnic spots for a blissful weekend in London, as chosen by you.

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