Description
New River Walk follows part of the former waterway of the New River, constructed in 1609-1613 to bring fresh water from springs in Hertfordshire to supply London's growing population. The section of the route through Islington is formed into a series of linear parks, preserved as a nature trail, although the continuous stretch of water in these gardens is actually formed by ponds landscaped to resemble the former river. It was first planted as a garden in the 1860s by the New River Company but remained open water until 1946. It was transferred to Islington Council in 1951, who undertook re-landscaping and opened the public gardens in 1954. Astey's Row Rock Gardens are at the southern end of the New River Walk where the river had been enclosed in pipes in 1892-93 when the area was built over. In the 1950s the pipes were removed and the rock gardens laid out by Vanstone's of Much Hadham. Additional re-landscaping took place in 1996-98, and the gardens were re-opened by Princess Alexandra on 18 June 1998.
Practical Information
| Site location | St Paul's Road/Canonbury Grove, Canonbury Villas & Astey's Row |
|---|---|
| Postcode | N1 2PU |
| What3Words | ///native.vocal.hidden |
| Type of Site | Public Park |
| Borough | Islington |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | 8am - dusk |
| Special Conditions | no fishing, no dogs |
| Facilities | Astey's Row Playground: children's playground, tarmac ball court |
| Public Transport | Rail: Essex Road. London Overground: Canonbury. Rail/London Overground/Tube (Victoria): Highbury & Islington. Bus: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 56, 73, 271, 277, 341, 390, 476 |
| Research Updated | 1 September 2010 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
New River Walk is a stretch of linear park, recalling the former riverbed of the New River, which had disappeared from view by 1861 when it was enclosed in underground pipes. Part of the New River is still in use today under the ownership of Thames Water but in 1946 the working watercourse was terminated at Stoke Newington where the East and West Reservoirs remain (q.v.). Canonbury Grove, which overlooks the New River Walk, was built c.1825 by Richard Laycock and was originally called Willow Cottages and Willow Terrace. The last loop of the New River was in the fields near Astey's Row and it had been straightened in the 1820s to enable building development; on the south side is a circular Watch-house built in the 1820s when it was realigned.
The water that runs through New River Walk is actually formed by ponds landscaped to resemble the former river. It had first been planted as a garden by the New River Company in the 1860s and ownership was then transferred in 1951 to Islington Borough Council, for whom it was one of a number of open spaces planned as post WWII improvements. Re-landscaped in 1952, the gardens were re-opened on 29 May 1954 by Herbert Morrison MP. It forms the western boundary of the Marquess Estate (q.v.). Along the section opposite Canonbury Grove are substantial C19th railings. Astey's Row at the south end of New River Walk is a narrow canyon-like space, well-planted and adorned with rockwork, known to some as 'Islington's Cheddar Gorge'. The section of the New River by Astey's Row was enclosed in pipes in 1892/3 but later the pipes were removed and gardens laid out here by Vanstone's of Much Hadham. Re-landscaping works to New River Walk and Astey's Row Rock Gardens took place in 1996-98, and they were re-opened by Princess Alexandra on 18 June 1998. The works were funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Islington Council, Bridge House Estates Trust Fund, Corporation of London and Friends of the New River Walk. South of Canonbury Road the landscaped area widens out with grass, ponds and rose bushes south of the path, and playgrounds to the north.
The water that runs through New River Walk is actually formed by ponds landscaped to resemble the former river. It had first been planted as a garden by the New River Company in the 1860s and ownership was then transferred in 1951 to Islington Borough Council, for whom it was one of a number of open spaces planned as post WWII improvements. Re-landscaped in 1952, the gardens were re-opened on 29 May 1954 by Herbert Morrison MP. It forms the western boundary of the Marquess Estate (q.v.). Along the section opposite Canonbury Grove are substantial C19th railings. Astey's Row at the south end of New River Walk is a narrow canyon-like space, well-planted and adorned with rockwork, known to some as 'Islington's Cheddar Gorge'. The section of the New River by Astey's Row was enclosed in pipes in 1892/3 but later the pipes were removed and gardens laid out here by Vanstone's of Much Hadham. Re-landscaping works to New River Walk and Astey's Row Rock Gardens took place in 1996-98, and they were re-opened by Princess Alexandra on 18 June 1998. The works were funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Islington Council, Bridge House Estates Trust Fund, Corporation of London and Friends of the New River Walk. South of Canonbury Road the landscaped area widens out with grass, ponds and rose bushes south of the path, and playgrounds to the north.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ323847 (north)/ TQ320841 (Astey's Row) |
|---|---|
| Site Ownership | LB Islington |
| Site Management | Greenspace; Friends of New River Walk |
| Dates | C18th; 1860s; 1952-4 |
| Designers | Asty's Row Rock Gardens: Vanstone's of Much Hadham |
| Listed Structures | LBII: Watchman's Hut. LB: Nos. 1 - 30 Canonbury Grove; 2 bollards at 20 Astey's Row; railings west of junction with Astey's Row |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Islington |
| In Conservation Area | Yes |
| Conservation Area Name | Canonbury |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | Yes - Borough Importance I |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | No |
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
In 1805 the land here was a large meadow, part of which later became brick fields. Annett's Crescent was built in 1822-26 by William Burnell Hué for Thomas James Annett who had acquired the land from Thomas Scott. Apart form Charlton Crescent this is the only early crescent in the area. The three central houses were first to be built. At each end the three end houses have unusual motifs on their balconies. The garden in front was originally planted with trees around the periphery and in 1928 was described as having a low wall with iron railings, with grass and trees, much as at present. The Crescent was rehabilitated by Islington Council in the 1970s.
The Manor of Canonbury is so-called for its one-time ownership by the Priory of St Bartholomew, dating back to Henry III's reign. The manor was purchased in 1570 by Sir John Spencer and inherited by his daughter whose husband became Earl of Northampton in 1618, and whose family continues to own the property. Canonbury Tower adjoins the main Canonbury House, and was leased separately from the 1650s and both had a number of illustrious tenants. The Tower was used as the Tower Theatre from the 1960s to 2003, and is now managed by Canonbury Tower Charitable Trust. In the small garden is a mulberry tree said to be planted in the early C17th when Sir Francis Bacon was tenant.
Canonbury Square was developed in the early C19th on land owned by the Marquess of Northampton. Before the square was fully built it was divided by Canonbury Road and consequently had two garden enclosures, which were formed by c.1840. Initially private, the gardens were first opened to the public in 1884 and later conveyed by the Marquess to Islington Borough Council. The layout of the gardens changed in the 1950s, and in 2006 Loire Valley Wines Legacy Gardens enabled a major makeover, which included a small vineyard and rose bed in the west garden reflecting the planting of the vineyards in the Loire Valley.