Top 15 Attractions in Hackney, London

If one borough captures the essence of contemporary London, Hackney is undoubtedly a prime candidate.

Dynamic and culturally rich, Hackney, located in the historic East End of London, is characterized by its social housing and retains a strong working-class ethos alongside a vibrant atmosphere.

Since the early 2000s, the area has attracted a wave of young creatives, introducing innovative bars, nightlife, diverse culinary offerings, and an array of shopping options.

The pace of gentrification quickened with the London Olympics of 2012 and the expansion of the London Overground, which connected Hackney more directly to central London.

This article explores the entirety of the London Borough of Hackney, from Shoreditch to the Hackney Marshes.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Hackney:

1. Shoreditch

“Shoreditch” has become synonymous with gentrification and its varied impacts, both positive and negative.

Two decades ago, this area transitioned from a working-class locality on the outskirts of London’s financial district to a desirable destination for creative enterprises drawn by the affordable space in repurposed factories.

Hoxton Square emerged as a focal point and has since evolved into one of the world’s most esteemed creative and technological hubs, a significant departure from the artists and musicians who flocked here in the 1990s.

Despite these changes, Shoreditch retains its unique character, showcased in the vibrant street art and an eclectic dining scene offering unexpected delights.

It is a perfect destination for those seeking a fusion of cuisines, including Peruvian burgers and Indian-inspired breakfast dishes.

Be sure to visit the Rich Mix cultural center and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Columbia Road flower market each Sunday.

2. Victoria Park

London’s oldest public park is located in Tower Hamlets, with Hackney bordering it to the north.

Spanning nearly 90 acres, Victoria Park opened its gates in 1845 and has been recognized with a Green Flag award annually since 2010. Like many of London’s cherished public spaces, it is rich with fascinating history and commemorative monuments.

Notable features include two semi-circular stone shelters, originally from the Old London Bridge, relocated here after its demolition in 1831. The park also hosts two cafes, two playgrounds, scenic walks along the Hertford Union and Regent’s Canals, and a charming boating lake overlooked by a Chinese Pagoda modeled after one from 1842. The smaller model boating lake hosts the world’s oldest model boating club, established in 1904. Furthermore, the park is home to numerous annual events, such as All Points festival, which in 2018 featured performances from LCD Soundsystem, Björk, Lorde, and Beck.

3. Dalston

Once characterized by its rough edges, Dalston is now trendy and unexpectedly upscale.

The neighborhood has managed to retain its lively nightlife despite wider gentrification trends.

It is home to numerous traditional pubs and modern concept bars, including some creatively repurposed from former butcher shops and others tucked away in hidden basements.

Dalston also boasts stylish bakeries, lively cocktail bars, and international dining options.

Visit Dalston Roof Park, inspired by New York’s High Line, which hosts DJ events, outdoor movie screenings, pop-up shops, and yoga sessions with views of the London skyline.

Ridley Road Market has been operating since the 1880s and remains a prime destination for fresh produce and ingredients sourced from around the globe.

Additionally, the Rio Cinema, an Art Deco gem, features new releases and independent films alongside a remarkable bar.

4. Broadway Market

Spanning from London Fields to the Regent’s Canal, Broadway Market traces its roots to a medieval droving route taken by herders into the City of London.

During weekdays, the area is known for charming cafes and an impressively international selection of restaurants, offering everything from mezze and ramen to contemporary Italian cuisine and highly-rated Argentinian grills like Buen Ayre.

Every Saturday, a bustling market is held with over 130 vendors presenting fresh produce, second-hand books, flowers, vintage items, specialty foods, coffee, and much more.

The north end, near Westgate Street, features an array of enticing street food options every Saturday, including dishes like waffles, chicken katsu, Yorkshire puddings, and falafel.

5. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The eastern section of the borough features a significant portion of the park that served as the venue for the 2012 London Olympics.

This includes the Olympic Village, which has transitioned into a residential area, as well as the London Stadium, now the home of Premier League club West Ham United.

The former media center has been transformed into a television studio, while the London Aquatics Centre, which hosted swimming and diving events, is now a public swimming facility.

A visit here is essential to appreciate the site’s impressive architecture and relive moments from recent sporting history.

Ascend the 114.5-meter ArcelorMittal Orbit observation tower, shop at the expansive Westfield, or enjoy outdoor sports at the Hackney Marshes, which offer 80 pitches for football, rugby, and cricket.

6. Hackney Empire

This esteemed venue, constructed in 1901 by the prominent Victorian theater architect Frank Matcham, has a storied history.

Notable performers such as Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel, and Marie Lloyd graced its stage in the early 20th century, and it has since evolved into one of London’s leading live comedy venues.

After spending decades as a bingo hall and facing potential demolition in the 1980s, the venue was saved and underwent a £17 million renovation in the early 2000s.

Since the 1980s, it has hosted a plethora of talent, including Bill Hicks, John Cleese, Ben Elton, and more contemporary figures like Russell Brand and Jack Whitehall.

Moreover, the venue features a diverse program that encompasses not only stand-up comedy but also musicals, tribute acts, and performances from companies such as the English Touring Opera.

7. Abney Park Cemetery

Quaint yet captivating, Abney Park Cemetery is a sprawling Victorian cemetery enveloped in lush vegetation.

This site dates back to 1840 when it became the first arboretum-cum-cemetery in Europe.

Abney Park was established with an educational purpose, where each of its 2,500 trees and shrubs were labeled and organized alphabetically.

Designated for non-conformists outside the Church of England, it is the resting place of significant individuals, including William and Catherine Booth, founders of the Salvation Army.

Additionally, it hosts the graves of many lesser-known Victorian entertainers, such as male impersonator Nelly Power and pantomime star Herbert Campbell.

An intriguing recent find is the grave of Joanna Vassa (1795-1857), the daughter of former slave and abolitionist Olaudah Equiano.

Mushrooms thrive here in autumn, yet even the edible varieties can be hazardous due to the arsenic and lead remnants from Victorian burials.

8. Church of St John-at-Hackney

Occupying its own park on the southern side of Clapton Square, the expansive Church of St John-at-Hackney serves as the parish church, established in 1792 to replace the medieval St Augustine’s Church, remnants of which remain at the park’s edge.

This early-16th-century Perpendicular structure is both the oldest in the borough and a symbol of Hackney, depicted on the coat of arms.

The new church functions as a place of worship during the day and transforms into one of Hackney’s most distinctive venues for live music at night, boasting a capacity of 1,400 with exceptional acoustics.

Past performers have included Cat Power, Bonnie Prince Billy, Jamie XX, Purity Ring, and even Coldplay.

9. Sutton House

Unbeknownst to many, a Tudor townhouse dating back to 1535 can be found along Homerton High Street. This structure is the oldest residential building in the borough, commissioned by Ralph Sadler, principal secretary of state under Henry VIII.

From the street, this National Trust property may appear Georgian due to its 18th-century façade, but the interior remains original and showcases a fascinating array of residents, from merchants to sea captains and Huguenot silk weavers.

Notable Tudor features include oak paneling, leaded windows, and intricately carved fireplaces.

You can explore the building, stroll into the tranquil courtyard, view artwork from Sutton House’s period as an anarchist squat in the 1980s, and experience a rotating selection of exhibitions.

10. Hackney City Farm

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, Hackney City Farm offers an exceptional opportunity for children in London to engage with rural life amidst the urban landscape.

The farm houses pigs, donkeys, goats, ducks, chickens, sheep, geese, and smaller animals like guinea pigs and rabbits.

Children can interact with many of the animals and participate in activities such as seed planting in the vegetable garden.

It has become a valued part of the community, evident by the commitment from new residents in neighboring flats to tolerate any noise made by the animals.

Visitors can stop by the farm shop for fresh eggs and check out the café menu, which features produce harvested from the garden.

11. London Fields

The name of both a park and fashionable area adjacent to Mare Street, London Fields has historical roots dating back to the 1200s.

Designated as a Green Flag winner, the park boasts impressive amenities, including two children’s play areas, tennis courts, a BMX track, and a wildflower meadow created in 2012. The highlight is an Olympic-sized lido that is heated, open year-round, and features a café, sundeck, and sunbathing area.

On Sundays, a farmers’ market convenes in the grounds of London Fields Primary School.

The southern end of Mare Street has a trendy ambiance, partly owing to the presence of the London College of Fashion, alongside enticing eateries serving Vietnamese dishes reflective of the area’s Vietnamese community established since the mid-1970s.

12. Stamford Hill

Highlighting the remarkable diversity of 21st-century London, a compact area in the northern borough houses Europe’s largest population of Haredi Hasidic Jews.

As of 2018, the community consisted of approximately 30,000 individuals, although this number may shift due to rising housing costs in Hackney leading some residents to relocate to Canvey Island in Essex.

The community’s roots trace back to the 1920s, with significant growth during WWII as newcomers fled the Holocaust, alongside subsequent influxes in recent decades from Adeni immigrants from Yemen.

Casual visitors wishing to experience London’s cultural mosaic will find a variety of kosher supermarkets, delicatessens, and bakeries throughout the area.

13. Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art and Natural History

A contemporary cabinet of curiosities, the Viktor Wynd Museum on Mare Street is a long-awaited addition to London’s museum landscape, marking the first all-encompassing museum to open since Forest Hill’s Horniman in 1901. In the tradition of eclectic collections prior to the establishment of modern museums, it presents a curious assortment of artifacts without formal categorization.

This unique museum experience is further complemented by an on-site cocktail bar.

Exhibits include dodo bones, shrunken human heads, a preserved two-headed kitten, doodles produced by prison inmates, paintings by occultists, and memorabilia linked to Stephen Tennant, a notable socialite from 1920s London.

14. The London Loom

A haven for crafters, The London Loom promotes itself as London’s first drop-in weaving studio.

Whether you are intrigued by fabric-making or are an experienced weaver, London Loom offers both two-hour and five-hour workshops.

For those just starting out, there are freestyle weaving sessions, where you learn the basics on a two-pedal loom, selecting from an extensive range of yarns (totaling 400) to create your own fabric.

Once familiar with the weaving technique, it becomes a creative escape for mindfulness and relaxation.

The London Loom also provides classes in yarn spinning, dyeing, and tapestry weaving.

15. West Reservoir Centre

Just ten minutes by tube from the City of London, Woodberry Down offers an unexpected opportunity for aquatic adventures amidst tranquil surroundings.

The site comprises 30 acres featuring two reservoirs, now a wetland frequented by a variety of water birds, including pochards, gadwalls, shovelers, and grey herons.

Since 2016, the West Reservoir has been dedicated to a variety of water activities.

The West Reservoir Centre, recognized by the Royal Yachting Association and British Canoeing, provides expertly-taught courses for a range of water sports.

Open water swimming is available, and visitors can relax with a warm drink at the newly established waterfront café.