Car Hire Highbury

Highbury is a peaceful locale of North London with wide green spaces, quiet streets and a close-knit feel and with its 26,000 residents it surely can feel like you’re in a small town by itself. It’s well connected by the A1 and local train routes, making it easy to reach whether you’re coming by car or public transport. Spring and early autumn are great times to visit, when the parks are full of life but the area stays calm. If you’re driving, parking can be manageable after midday, which makes car hire a good option for getting around or heading further afield. An ideal detour for drivers coming from Finsbury Park, it’s the sort of place that suits both slow weekends and short afternoon stops.

Attractions In Highbury

This part of London balances pockets of peace with bits of lively energy. There’s a mix of tranquil gardens, family-friendly spaces and cultural surprises. It’s the kind of area where you might stumble upon a gallery after an aimless stroll or find a patch of green you didn’t know was there.

Highbury Fields

We started our day walking through Highbury Fields. It’s the largest park in Islington and stretches out with long paths, tennis courts and a playground tucked near the centre. You’ll often find joggers cutting through on a weekday morning or families gathered around the benches at weekends. It’s a useful spot to unwind if you’re staying nearby. Located on Highbury Crescent.

Islington Green

Smaller than you’d expect but not lacking charm. This triangular patch of grass just off Upper Street draws a steady crowd—not for events or performances but simply because it’s an easy place to pause. You might catch someone practising guitar or overhear snippets of long conversations. Location is on Upper Street. A popular option with those based in Islington, it blends seamlessly into the rhythm of Highbury life.

Newington Green

Newington Green has a more historic feel. Once a meeting place for radicals and reformers, it’s now a well-kept space surrounded by trees and period buildings. While not flashy, the benches here are well-positioned and the atmosphere is steady and residential. Its opening hours are, 8 AM – 5 PM daily.

The Postal Museum

The Postal Museum surprised us—and not just because of the subterranean train. The Mail Rail ride takes you on a loop beneath the city and it’s more engaging than many might expect. Above ground, the museum traces the development of postal systems with artefacts and creative displays. It’s compact but well organised. It’s located at Phoenix Place, working from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM.

Young V&A

This one’s ideal for families. The Young V&A in Bethnal Green was recently revamped and it shows—lots of colour, thoughtful layout and exhibitions that cater to curious children. We saw everything from design workshops to costume play. The space never feels overwhelming, even on busy days. Location is on Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green with daily operating hours: 10 AM – 5:45 PM. We planned a morning outing from Stoke Newington and found the drive short and simple.

Madame Tussauds London

Well-known and still going strong. We visited on a weekday and the wait was short but the space inside buzzed with visitors. The displays go far beyond celebrity wax figures now—immersive rooms, mini rides and themed exhibits give the place more staying power than expected. It’s located on Marylebone Road, working daily: 10 AM – 3 PM

Caledonian Park

Quieter than most central parks, Caledonian Park has a charm that’s easy to overlook. Located on the Market Road, the old clock tower rises above a wide grassy area with long paths and tucked-away picnic benches. A few locals were reading on the grass when we visited. If you get the chance, climb the tower during one of its open days—the view over Holloway and beyond is worth it.

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden

This garden feels like a secret. Hidden behind a plain entrance on Dalston Lane, the space opens into something unexpectedly green and welcoming. Handmade furniture, winding plant beds, string lights and soft chatter—it’s a place for slow afternoons and casual meetups. Opening hours are as follows: Tuesday to Friday, 1 PM – 8 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 12 PM – 8 PM; Monday closed.

London Fields Lido

We brought swimming gear just in case and it paid off. This outdoor pool is heated year-round, which means it’s always in use—from early risers doing laps to families turning up after lunch. The surrounding park adds to the draw, especially in spring and summer. You’ll find it on London Fields West Side working daily, 6:30 AM – 9 PM but mornings are the best for lane swimming. Approaching from Harringay, this was an easy first stop with nearby on-street parking.

Victoria Miro

Tucked away along Wharf Road, Victoria Miro Gallery delivers a well-curated mix of contemporary work. The building itself adds to the experience—clean lines, reflective water outside and a peaceful atmosphere inside. Exhibitions change frequently and are usually free to enter. Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM; Sunday and Monday closed. Combine with a walk along the Regent’s Canal—a route often taken by art lovers coming from Hackney.

Where To Eat And Stay In Highbury

Highbury is full of understated places to eat and drink. We stopped by Trullo near Highbury Corner, where the pasta was fresh and the atmosphere unfussy. For a lighter bite or good coffee, Jolene on Newington Green Road offers a rotating menu and friendly service. Both are firmly rooted in the area and consistently popular with locals.

Accommodation tends to lean toward independent and low-key. The Highbury Centre offers simple, well-kept guest rooms in a quiet setting, while short-stay flats are easy to find through local platforms. This spot draws a lot of interest from people in Archway and Crouch End who enjoy the balance of city access and quiet green space.