It’s the perfect place for a weekend stroll
While London has plenty of sprawling urban areas and skyscrapers, it’s also packed with hidden green spaces just waiting to be discovered. From the buzzing Elephant Springs, perfect for families, to the gorgeous Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park where you’ll find peacocks strutting, there’s so much to explore.
If you’re after something really special, you need to check out New River Walk. It’s tucked away just five minutes from Canonbury station in Islington, and locals say it’s the “most peaceful part of London”.
The path follows the gently winding New River, all shaded by beautiful weeping willow trees that make you feel miles away from the city.
The river itself was built centuries ago to bring water from the River Lea in Hertfordshire all the way to Amwell Spring near Sadler’s Wells. These days, you’ll find benches dotted along the banks where people love to sit with a good book and forget about the chaos of London for a bit.
If you want to really relax, you could even feed the ducklings along the way. There are lovely little bridges crossing the water every so often, adding to that peaceful vibe. It feels like stumbling upon a secret that most Londoners don’t even know about.
If all that walking has made you thirsty, the route will take you from St Paul’s Road right to the Myddleton Arms on Canonbury Road, where you can grab a well-earned drink. The pub boasts 4.4 stars on Google, and visitors say it has friendly staff, tasty burgers and a delightful beer garden.
One Google review read: “I had a great experience in this pub and will definitely be returning. Food was amazing and not long waiting times, definitely good value. Staff were friendly and helpful. Couldn’t say a bad word about it!”
Another added: “Thoroughly enjoy a pint here whether it’s inside watching live music or outside with a burger in the summer. Can’t go wrong with this bumbling local.”
Whether you live in North London or you’re just passing through, New River Walk is definitely worth a visit when you need some peace and quiet.
Stay up to date about London’s hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!
