Finsbury Park once had a bit of a rep as an unsavoury hangout. But since the end of 2006 after a multi-million pound restoration, it’s become a pleasant and popular spot for area families.
On a Thursday afternoon at the tail end of the holidays, the playground atmosphere was busy but relaxed. The colourful playground has a good mix of climbing frames, swings, tall winding slides and a sandy area for the little ones. There’s a dog-free picnic area and even a lake where you can feed the ducks and geese, go fishing or just take a boat out (10am-7pm, £6).
As well as good toilet and baby-changing facilities, right on site you’ll find a bright and cheery café with a wide range of hot and cold food at a decent price. The average charge on the kids’ menu is £2.75 for a main dish (e.g. tomato and basil penne), £1.70 for breakfast and they also offer a selection of baby jars and baby juice.
Come to the café for the under 5s singing sessions on a Monday morning (ages 0-5, 9.30-10.15am) or Thursday (ages 2-4, 10.30-11.15am). Or you could check out the Jamboree drop-in stay and play group right by the Finsbury Park main gate that runs daily (10am-1pm and 1-2.30pm).
Jed had a whale of a time at Finsbury Park, climbing up on the slides and gabbling to the ducks.
The highlight for Ezra was probably on our way out as we stopped to watch the older kids in the skateboard park. He was doing ‘tricks’ on his scooter all the way home.
Visit Finsbury Park web site
