Wherever you live in Stoke Newington there is a park within walking distance. At the heart of the community is Clissold Park, once the grounds of a stately mansion, which now houses a thriving café. Clissold Park has everything you would want from a park: lakes, football fields, an excellent playground, a dog-free zone, deer, rabbits, goats, an aviary, paddling pool and 8 beautifully maintained tennis courts.

Further east is Springfield Park, with magnificent views of Walthamstow Marshes. Springfield Park rolls down to the River Lea and Lea Valley, a massive conservation area, ideal for a real “country” walk or bike ride.

On Stoke Newington Church Street itself is one of the entrances to Abney Park Cemetery, one of London’s splendid Victorian cemeteries. With its overgrown, twisting paths and variety of plants and trees, the local schools often use Abney Park for art and nature activities.