Highbury Fields

When it comes to canine credentials, one would have to go a long way to ecplise the London Borough of Islington. Venue to the first ever Crufts Dog Show and very first home to the charity that is now Battersea Dogs Home, Islington’s pedigree is particularly secure.

At the far end of Upper Street with a myriad of incredible restaurants, cafes and independent shops nestles Highbury Fields.

Highbury Fields is the largest green space in the borough. At 11.75 hectares, that’s 29 acres in old money, it extends north from Highbury Crescent almost as far as Highbury Barn.

The elegant houses surrounding the Fields are very good examples of Georgian and Victorian town houses and makes walking ones dog here very pleasing on the eye.

  

This is a green space that I have personally used for in excess of thirteen years to walk my own dogs. There is a very warm and friendly dog walking community. Unlike certain other affluent areas, populated by the “chattering middle classes” the dog walking community here is a very welcoming one.

Highbury Fields itself is divided into several areas. The main area populated by the dog community is one the largest spaces at the north end of Highbury Crescent known as the Mother Field.

There are several facilities that might be of interest including several tennis courts, a children’s play area (sorry no dogs allowed here), Highbury Pool (definitely no dogs allowed there) and the very aptly named and extremely dog friendly Oasis Cafe.



If one enjoys celebrity spotting this is as good a spot as any with several EastEnders “stars” past and present in evidence. For those of you old enough to remember El Dorado the still very handsome Jessie Birdsall can be seen frequently at the cafe.  Cathy Burke and her Border Terrier are regular visitors and Clive Anderson with his two dogs live locally. With a smattering of Lords and Ladies, Kathryn and Andrew Adonis, local residents, have just purchased a new puppy.

There is nearly always a member of Park Staff in evidence during business hours. The Parks Patrols, due to budgetary cuts, are sometimes a little thin on the ground but when there are a very friendly and helpful group of people.

Highbury Fields are always very well maintained. The edges of the Fields are punctuated at regular intervals with benches and now the weather is so much better I’m sure the “resident” ice cream van will soon make a very welcome reappearance.

Nearest tube: Highbury and Islington (Victoria Line)
Nearest train: Highbury and Islington (National Rail)

Just minutes away from Highbury Fields is a little known football club and their modest stadium. I believe, although I may be wrong the team is called Arsenal and their ground called The Emirates Stadium.
 


From Highbury Fields this can be accessed from turning left at the top of Highbury Terrace, walking down Framfield Road (N4) and cutting through a little alleyway onto Whistler Street (N4), turn right and the stadium is right in front of you. As one might guess my interest in football is nonexistent but it is certainly worth visiting The Emirates Stadium from an architectural perspective. If one watches Star Trek the stadium looks a little like a version of the USS Enterprise. Also an added bonus the very handsome Dermot O’Leary frequently exercises here with his personal trainer.

Dogs are welcomed around the perimeter of the stadium but obviously not allowed inside. I think that’s because they might show the team up!

Robert Stuhldreer
Assessor for The Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme
Akita behavioural breed expert for the Kennel Club

Our thanks to Robert for sending us this feature.

*If you have a favourite walk in London that you would like to include on London Dog Forum, so please let us know by contacting:  info@londondogforum.co.uk

Highbury Fields 29 acres of green space in North London. Leisure facilities:  tennis courts, Highbury pools. Dog friendly cafe Public transport: Highbury & Islington ( 0.1 mi SW ) ...