Whether you’re looking for things to do solo or as a family, indoors or out, there’s no shortage of things to do in the local area.
1. Forget the hustle and bustle
Opening to the public for the first time in 200 years, the East Reservoir in the Woodbury estate has been saved by the London Wildlife trust as an oasis for wildlife. Amongst other flora and fauna it’s home to a huge variety of birds, from kingfishers to raptors, and six species of bat. Walk along the water, explore the orchard or get lost in the wildflower meadow, and completely forget you’re in the city.
Woodberry Wetlands opens daily from Sunday 1st May, 08:00-17:00 *FREE*
West Entrance, New River Path via Lordship Road, N16 5HQ
For more info, visit the Woodberry Wetlands website.
2. Get steamy
The Markfield Beam engine in its striking Grade II listed building is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering. It’s only fired up on special occasions so pop down to Markfield park on Monday and watch this steam-powered marvel at work.
Markfield Beam Engine. Monday 2nd May 12:30-13:15, 14:00-14:45 and 15:30-16:15 *FREE*
Markfield Road, N15 4RB
For more info visit the Markfield Beam website.
3. Raise a toast to Tottenham’s oldest pub
The Antwerp Arms – known locally as ‘The Annie’ – was saved by the community from closure last year, making it Tottenham’s oldest working pub. On Sunday it will be officially reopened by the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, and as part of the celebrations there will be live music, a cycle parade (open to all), barbecue and charity auction.
The Antwerp Arms, 168-170 Church Rd, N17 8AS. The first birthday party is on Sunday 1st May 12:00-22:30.
For more info, visit the Antwerp Arms website
4. Experience Africa
Located on Forest Road the William Morris Gallery, a grand Grade II listed building on the grounds of the gorgeous Lloyd Park, stands out. Once you’re done being impressed with the façade, there’s more to knock your socks off inside, with lots of child-frendly hands-on activities and a themed family day on the last Saturday of every month. This Bank Holiday weekend, you can discover the rich cultural heritage of Africa with lots of opportunities to make and do. And after that, a visit to the tea room is a must with delicious locally sourced produce.
William Morris Gallery family day. Saturday 30th April 13:00-16:00 *FREE*
Lloyd Park, Forest Road, E17 4PP
For more info, visit the William Morris Gallery website
5. Stretch your legs
Despite crossing most of Haringey from beyond its boundary in Muswell Hill to the River Lea in Tottenham, many residents remain unaware of the Moselle river, as it is largely underground. Local enthusiasts will be staging a group walk tracing the eastern half of the river, starting at Lordship Rec, going through Tottenham Cemetery with the lesser Moselle and its lake, then along Tottenham High Road via Carbuncle Passage to Tottenham Marshes, finishing at Markfield Park where parched walkers can enjoy refreshments at Markfield café.
Moselle river walk. Monday 2nd May *FREE*
Meet at 11.00 at the Hub in Lordship Rec, Higham Road, N17 6NU.
For further info, call 020 8347 7684.
6. Get mythical
Bruce Castle, which despite the name is actually a 16th Century manor house, is a local landmark everyone should visit at some point, with a rich and fascinating history and fabulous grounds to explore. The infamous Robert the Bruce – alleged betrayer of William Wallace and king of Scotland – held these lands in Tottenham as a gift from the English crown before he took the throne and forfeited them, and the ‘castle’ now functions as a museum. In April and May, the museum is holding mythical creature activity days and this weekend the theme is the Egyptian Sphinx. Children can learn more about this enigmatic creature and sculpt their own Sphinx out of clay. Just be sure to answer the riddle correctly…
Bruce Castle Museum family craft activities. 14:00-16:00 *FREE*
Lordship Lane, N17 6RT
For more info, visit the Haringey Council website
7. Laugh yourself silly
For brilliant entertainment at an affordable price, pop Downstairs at the King’s Head in Crouch End this Saturday for their Comedy Cabaret evening. The cosy venue is usually jam-packed with people so be sure to get there early – just avoid the front row, unless you relish the idea of taking part in one of the sketches.
Downstairs at the Kings Head. Saturday 30th April, 20:00-late.
For more info, visit the Downstairs at the King’s Head website
8. Eat local
If you haven’t already made it down to Tottenham Green Market, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re on the hunt for something to cook for tea or want something ready to eat there’s an abundance of fabulous produce and food on offer, from locally made cheese to artisanal beers and soft drinks, and delicious street food from far flung places like Mauritius, Venezuela and Kolkata (amongst many more). With live music throughout the day and pop up stands changing every week, there’s always a real festival atmosphere that adults and kids alike will enjoy.
Tottenham Green Market, Sunday 1st May, 11:00-16:00.
Town Hall Approach, N15 4RY
For more info, visit the Tottenham Green Market website
9. Feel the fire
The London Fire Brigade celebrates its 150th birthday this year, and this Saturday the fire station on St Loy’s Road in Bruce Grove is holding a celebratory open day in honour of the occasion. Giant Playmobil firefighters will join the real thing, and demonstrations by the professionals and Haringey’s Fire Cadets are promised, alongside other child-friendly activities and music. Slightly worryingly, attendees are promised the chance to “relive” the huge 1966 fire at Tottenham’s Bamberger’s Timber Yard – aka ‘The Big One’, which saw dozens of fire engines struggle to contain a huge inferno. We’ll stick to the face painting, thank you.
London Fire Brigade’s 150th birthday party and open day. Saturday 30th April, 12:00-16:00.
Tottenham Fire Station, 49 St Loys Road, N17 6UE
For more info, visit the London Fire Brigade website
10. Be first on the scene
It’s so new there’s no reviews, no menu, and the website’s a blank page, but the latest addition to the local restaurant scene – Ezra’s Kitchen – has its grand opening this Friday. If their instagram feed is to be believed, you can expect pizza, burgers, cocktails and beautiful Italian-influenced desserts.
Ezra’s Kitchen grand opening. Friday 29th April.
185 Wood Green High Road, N22 6BA
For more info, visit the Ezra’s Kitchen Facebook page
Words: Emma Franklin. With thanks to Daniel Cressey, Julie Ann Andreshak, Frankie Cary, and Christine Protz.