Winding rock-lined paths will make you feel miles from the city bustle
London is brimming with stunning gardens and green spaces, from Hyde Park and Regent’s Park in the West to Greenwich Park in the South. When you factor in all the garden squares dotted throughout the city too, you’re virtually certain to discover a tranquil green oasis in every neighbourhood.
However, one ‘hidden’ garden in North London sets itself apart from the others, as it looks more like a miniature jungle than a park. With overhanging trees, dense foliage, and substantial boulders bordering its walkways, it creates the sensation of wandering through a maze of untamed nature, despite being mere moments from a hectic and lively main road.
Astey’s Row Rock Garden in Islington is nestled discreetly behind Essex Road, and it’s the ideal destination for an afternoon stroll – not to mention a stunning setting for Instagram photos. However, the garden isn’t all looks – it also has an intriguing past, relating to the legacy of a company that once delivered fresh water into London.
In 1613, there was an enormous 42-mile bridge that transported clean water from Hertford to London via the New River. While the river continues to exist and supplies water into London today, the southern end of the river, where the rock garden currently sits, was ultimately covered over and abandoned during the 1890s.
After the council managed to buy the land in 1913, it transformed into a public amenity. Today, Asteys Row Rock Garden is an elongated, relatively slender pathway enclosed by gates, enveloped in shrubbery and lush foliage, with its character defined by impressive large stones scattered throughout the winding paths.
While it retains its status as a green space, the area is mostly full of rocks, particularly during the winter months. It’s equally a fantastic destination for kids, with the adjacent Asteys Row playground offering swings, slides, climbing frames and considerably more besides.
To reach Astey’s Row Rock Garden, hop off at Essex Road station, served by Thameslink, and take a two-minute stroll to the garden entrance. You can also make your way from Highbury and Islington Underground station and make your way along either Upper Street or Canonbury Road. Either route will bring you to the garden within 10 minutes.
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