Car Hire Turnpike Lane

Turnpike Lane might not be the first name that springs to mind when planning a day out in Greater London but this compact neighbourhood has a way of surprising visitors. Surrounded by areas like Hornsey, Wood Green and Crouch End, it offers a solid mix of green escapes, cultural touchpoints and venues that keep the calendar lively. You’ll find the same energy that runs through places like Finsbury Park, though Turnpike Lane moves at a more laid-back pace. Those arriving by car will find easy access via Green Lanes and the A504, making it a smooth drive from much of North London. The weather tends to follow the city’s usual mild rhythm — pack a waterproof layer if visiting outside summer and comfortable shoes are always a good idea for park wandering. There’s also a natural flow toward places like Archway, which pairs well with a visit to Turnpike Lane if you’ve got the time to stretch your day.

Attractions In Turnpike Lane

The mix of restored heritage, community art and green space gives visitors a chance to explore without a strict agenda. This is the sort of place where casual curiosity goes a long way — and the best discoveries often start with a simple stroll.

Alexandra Palace

There’s no overstating the appeal of Alexandra Palace — or “Ally Pally” as most Londoners know it. With grand Victorian architecture, sweeping terraces and a packed calendar of events, it draws over 22,000 glowing reviews. Concerts, exhibitions, comedy nights and darts tournaments fill its vast halls, while recent refurbishments to the East Court and long-abandoned theatre have added fresh life. The view from the South Terrace is reason enough to visit, offering a skyline that stretches far and wide. Locals from Hornsey treat it as their go-to for everything from weekend walks to big-ticket shows. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, the palace continues to evolve without ever losing its sense of place.

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

Tucked just inside the palace complex, Alexandra Palace Ice Rink provides a year-round space for families, casual skaters and hockey players to enjoy some time on the ice. It’s spacious, secure and well-maintained, with room for over 1,000 spectators when in full swing. Visitors often mention how clean the facilities are and how carefully managed the rink feels, especially during public sessions. The schedule varies through the week, generally opening between late morning and mid-afternoon, so it’s worth checking ahead if you’re planning to skate. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or introducing the next generation to their first pair of skates, it’s a stop that always earns its keep.

Clissold Park

Clissold Park offers a well-loved mix of heritage, wildlife and calm open space — all within easy reach of Turnpike Lane. At the centre sits Clissold House, a beautifully restored Georgian mansion that now serves as an event venue and café with wide park views. Whether you’re here for a stroll past goats and deer enclosures, letting the kids loose on the playground or relaxing in the garden areas, the park delivers at every level. Those coming from Wood Green often find it’s the perfect place to pause before heading deeper into Stoke Newington or toward the New River path. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM, it’s one of those spots that easily becomes part of your regular route.

Ducketts Common

Ducketts Common might be small but it has a knack for turning ordinary days into something memorable. The open green is often used for pop-up events like travelling circuses or outdoor performances and those who drop by on a whim are often glad they did. One recent visitor raved about the energy and atmosphere of a rainy Friday circus show — proof that this space, modest as it may be, knows how to deliver a good time. Open on weekdays from 8:45 AM to 5 PM, it’s the kind of local spot that surprises you when you least expect it.

Downhills Park

Downhills Park offers a bit of everything — football pitches, tennis courts, woodland paths and even a rose garden tucked into one corner. The mix of open space and shaded trails makes it a reliable go-to whether you’re walking the dog or just craving some greenery. If you’ve got the time and energy, it’s easy to wander further into Lordship Recreation Ground, which connects directly to the park. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, this is one of those quiet spots that locals appreciate more with every visit.

Highgate Wood

Highgate Wood has long been a favourite for families, dog walkers and anyone craving a day surrounded by trees rather than traffic. With well-maintained paths, spacious picnic areas and a relaxed café serving everything from light lunches to drinks, it’s easy to spend hours here without realising. Nature lovers coming over from Harringay often treat it as a kind of reset button — a space to move slowly, breathe deeply and stretch out. Open every day from 7:30 AM to 4 PM, the wood remains one of North London’s most complete outdoor escapes.

Lordship Recreation Ground

Lordship Recreation Ground is the kind of place that reveals its depth the more you wander. Open and spacious, it features a stream, a lake and a scattering of play areas, including a BMX track and a road layout designed for kids learning to cycle. There’s also a wooded section for shaded walks, exercise equipment for adults and a community hub with a café that draws a steady mix of locals. What might feel unassuming at first quickly grows on you, especially in summer when the paths are dry and the whole park feels alive. Open all day, every day, it’s a local essential that balances activity with plenty of calm.

Bruce Castle Museum

Bruce Castle Museum might not shout for attention but its character leaves a lasting impression. Housed in a Grade I-listed building, the museum offers a quirky and highly localised collection, from forgotten wartime histories to neighbourhood oddities. It’s the kind of place where you can wander at your own pace, take in charmingly aged displays and feel like you’ve stumbled onto something others have missed. Culture lovers driving in from Crouch End often make a relaxed afternoon of it, enjoying the contrast between grandeur and grassroots charm. Open five days a week from 1 PM to 5 PM, it’s ideal for anyone with a curiosity for the overlooked corners of London’s past.

Markfield Beam Engine And Museum

Tucked away near the River Lea, Markfield Beam Engine and Museum is a brilliant example of industrial heritage brought to life. The site once served London’s sewage system and its original Victorian steam-powered engine remains on display, lovingly preserved by passionate volunteers. Information panels walk you through the engineering marvels of the time and if you happen to visit on a day when the machinery is running, it becomes an unforgettable experience. It’s compact, informative and quietly impressive — a hidden gem for those who appreciate the mechanics behind the city.

Bernie Grant Arts Centre

The Bernie Grant Arts Centre stands as both a cultural venue and a tribute to one of Tottenham’s most influential figures. Built in honour of MP Bernie Grant, the centre regularly hosts discussions, performances and exhibitions that reflect the community’s voice and spirit. One recent evening combined a thoughtful conversation on Windrush with a performance from two well-loved lovers rock singers — just one example of how layered and engaging its events can be. Many people coming from areas like Muswell Hill find the space worth the detour, especially for its inclusive programming and relaxed bar. Whether you’re in for a show or simply curious, it’s a place that rewards attention.

Tomb Of Harriet Long And Jacob Walker

This modest yet meaningful landmark in North London offers a quiet moment of reflection tucked away from the busy streets. The tomb of Harriet Long and Jacob Walker speaks to personal legacy and local memory, sitting discreetly in a residential part of Church Lane. Though not grand in scale, its significance lies in its preservation and the quiet way it honours lives that helped shape the surrounding community. It’s one of those blink-and-you-miss-it landmarks — but for those who do stop, it holds a kind of unspoken weight.

Crouch End Clock Tower

A standout structure in the heart of Crouch End, the clock tower is one of those rare landmarks that blends daily routine with historical presence. Always open to view and often photographed, it marks the centre of an area known for its eclectic shops, independent cafés and a steadily growing art scene. On our last walk over from Bounds Green, we found the tower surrounded by new touches — including striking owl statues that now dot the local landscape. It remains an easy landmark to love, quietly defining the skyline while blending perfectly with the life that moves around it.

St Mary’s Church Tower, Hornsey

Tucked along Hornsey High Street, St Mary’s Church Tower stands as a gentle reminder of the area’s long and layered history. The building and surrounding garden are well maintained, though the slightly wild edges give it a lived-in charm that suits its setting perfectly. Visitors often mention how peaceful the space feels, especially when the sun’s out — and if you happen to catch live music here on a summer afternoon, it becomes something even more memorable. It’s a small piece of North London history, still quietly alive with purpose.