A Guide to the Perfect Lazy Sunday in Hackney

Heavenly things to do in Hackney on a lazy Sunday afternoon...

By Billie Manning | Updated May 23 2024

A vibrant riverside scene with a crowd of people outside a lively building featuring colorful, whimsical street art on its exterior. The building, adorned with festive lights, sits by a calm river with lush greenery and reflections in the water, creating a festive atmosphere. — Timeout

Waking up in Hackney on a lazy Sunday morning, the last thing you want is to be stressed out by the hustle and bustle of central London. Forget the crowded tubes and uncomfortable shoes—this is the day for pure, unadulterated relaxation. From cozy cafes to tranquil green spaces and hidden gems that scream 'edgy chic,' we've brewed up the perfect blend of leisurely activities just for you.

Take a stroll through London Fields or Hackney Downs...

A large group of people relax and socialize on a green lawn in a park on a sunny day. They are sitting and lying on blankets under the shade of a tall tree. In the background, there are trees, residential buildings, and a high-rise apartment building. — londonliving.com

For the perfect lazy Sunday, a stroll through London Fields or Hackney Downs is just the ticket. London Fields, once a bustling hub for grazing animals, now serves as a grazing ground for hipsters and picnic enthusiasts alike. With a heated lido to dip your toes in and top-notch pubs bookending the park, it's the ideal spot to unwind with a takeaway pizza and a pint. If you're up for a wilder wander, Hackney Downs offers 40 acres of pure leisure. With play areas, sports pitches, and even a bowling green, it's practically a playground for grown-ups. And don't miss the wildflower meadow—it's a blooming marvelous place to spot some wildlife and maybe even find your inner peace.

Visit Broadway Market

A bustling outdoor market scene on a street with various colorful stalls and people walking around. A man in a pink shirt and a woman pushing a stroller are accompanied by two children. Brick buildings line the street in the background. — broadwaymarket.co.uk

Broadway Market, Hackney, London, E8 4QJ

Broadway Market is a veritable treasure trove for foodies and shopaholics alike, nestled at the southern end of London Fields. This Victorian gem, revived in 2004, is now the beating heart of Hackney's weekend hustle and bustle. Imagine 120 stalls bursting with everything from vintage finds to mouthwatering falafel wraps. Whether you're hunting for a perfect picnic spread or just craving a coffee, Broadway Market has got you covered. And after you've browsed the arts and crafts stalls, why not pick up a samosa and settle down in the nearby park for a leisurely afternoon? If you’re a bookworm, the Broadway Bookshop is a must-visit—ask the owner, Jane Howe, for a recommendation, and you’ll be in for a literary treat.

Climb atop St. Augustine's Tower

A tall stone church tower, topped with a clock showing the time as approximately 10:12, stands amidst leafless trees in a park. Below the clock, there is an arched entrance. Buildings and shops are visible in the background under a cloudy sky. — staugustinestower.org

St. Augustine's Tower, London E8 1HT

For a dash of history and a bit of a workout on your lazy Sunday, head to St. Augustine's Tower, Hackney’s oldest building and its hidden gem. This Grade I-listed relic from the 13th century stands proudly at the heart of the ancient village, though it can be a bit tricky to spot behind the betting office. Climbing the spiral stone steps of this medieval marvel is like stepping back in time—each turn reveals stories etched in graffiti and ancient symbols. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with stunning views over London that make the ascent worth every step.

Movie night at the Hackney Picturehouse

A historic-looking building with large arched windows and a sign that reads CINEMA on the right side. Below the windows, café-style tables and the words BAR and KITCHEN are visible. The building has green domed towers on the roof, and a few trees in front. — picturehouses.com

270 Mare St, London E8 1HE

For a cinematic escape on your lazy Sunday, look no further than the Hackney Picturehouse. This Brutalist beauty, boasting East London's biggest cinema screen, is more than just a place to catch the latest blockbuster. It's a thriving cultural hub with five screens, a restaurant, and a lively bar. Whether you're in the mood for an old classic, an indie gem, or a live National Theatre performance, there's always something playing that’ll reel you in. The building, once Hackney Central Library and later a concert venue, was transformed in 2011 into this urban oasis of industrial chic. After a film, grab a bite at the café-bar on Mare Street and soak in the bustling Hackney vibe.

Take a dip in London Fields Lido

An outdoor swimming pool with designated lanes, a lifeguard chair, and steps leading into the water. Surrounding the pool are trees, residential buildings, and a blue sky with scattered clouds. A fence runs along the perimeter of the pool area. — better.org

London Fields West Side, London E8 3EU

Taking a dip at the London Fields Lido is a splash-tastic way to spend a lazy Sunday in Hackney. This 50-meter heated outdoor pool is kept at a toasty 25 degrees year-round, so you can take the plunge even when it’s freezing outside. Open from the crack of dawn at 6:30 am until 9 pm, it’s perfect for an invigorating morning swim or a romantic, floodlit evening dip. With tickets starting at just £5.70, it's an affordable indulgence to burn off that picnic you enjoyed in the nearby park.

Indulge in farm life at Hackney City Farm

Several sheep graze peacefully in a grassy enclosure, with a few other animals like goats and a donkey seen in the background. The enclosure is surrounded by wooden fences and there are some buildings and trees in the distance. It’s a sunny day. — hackneycityfarm.org.u

1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA

If the idea of stumbling upon farm life right in the middle of the city doesn't charm you, we might need to have a chat. Hackney City Farm, a delightful green oasis amidst the urban jungle, has been bringing the countryside to the heart of London for over 35 years. Here, you can trade the usual city scents for the earthy aroma of fresh manure—believe me, it’s a refreshing change from exhaust fumes and crowded tubes! This farmyard haven is home to an array of animals and vibrant wildlife, making it the perfect spot for both kids and adults to get up close and personal with nature. Don’t miss the café for a cute and cozy bite, and be sure to check out the beehives and workshops—they're so un-bee-lievable, you’ll be buzzing about them for days!

Grab a beautiful bunch at Columbia Road Flower Market

A person with long dark hair holds several large bouquets of various flowers wrapped in brown paper. The bouquets include flowers such as sunflowers, roses, and thistles. The person stands on a street with a brick wall and blurry background visible. — columbiaroad.info

Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG

For a blooming marvelous start to your lazy Sunday, make your way to Columbia Road Flower Market. Open from 8 am until 3 pm-ish, this East End gem transforms every Sunday into a vibrant sea of foliage and flowers. Early birds might snag the choicest blooms, but savvy shoppers know the real deals blossom in the last hour, as stallholders drop their prices to clear out stock. Here, amidst the hustle and bustle, you’ll find everything from delicate bedding plants to towering banana trees, with the air perfumed by the fragrant mix of flowers and herbs. Listen out for the barrow boys' melodic chants of “Everthin’ a fiver” as you stroll.