The Angel area of Islington had plenty to do during the evenings, with a plethora of excellent bars and restaurants and some decent independent theatres. But what if you find yourself there in the day with some time to kill? Read on...
Watch a film at The Screen On The Green
The Screen On The Green is Islington's much-loved cinema, owned by the Everyman mini-chain. It's a small venue, mainly focusing on new release films, with the occasional Director's Cut or members' screening thrown in the mix. Even if you've no time to stop, have a look at the message on the lightbox outside — it's often quite witty and topical. There was even a marriage proposal up there once.
Bag a bargain at Chapel Market
Daily street markets are becoming less and less common in London, but head down Chapel Market and you might feel like you're walking through the set of Eastenders. Traders bellow for your attention, peddling fruit and veg, homewares, clothing, cards and more.
If you're getting peckish by this point, head into Jaz & Jul's Chocolate House for a helping of chocolate fondue. Everything they sell is vegetarian, and most of it's vegan. All is delicious.
Invest in some antiques at Camden Passage
Antiques and vintage shops sit alongside coffee shops, pubs and market stalls on this pedestrianised shopping street, located a five minute walk from Angel station. Markets pop-up most days — not Mondays or Tuesdays — selling everything from vintage luggage to religious collectables, with a dedicated book market on Thursday and Fridays.
There are plenty of modern gift shops too. It's a great spot if you're looking to spruce up your home, but is equally fascinating if you just want to browse away from the usual high street shops — you never know what you might find.
Admire the Estorick Collection
Modern Italian art is the order of the day at the Estorick Collection, tucked away in a townhouse on Canonbury Square. See drawings by Amedeo Modigliani — who was the subject of a Tate Modern exhibition — and important works from the Italian Futurism movement.
Regular events take place too, including talks, tours and late-night openings, and there's a cafe and shop on site. Note that the collection is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Make friends at Freightliners City Farm
Head a little further afield towards Caledonian Road for a dose of cute. Freightliners Farm is home to sheep, goats, cows, chickens, guinea pigs and all the other usual farmyard suspects. It's free entry, although donations towards the upkeep are encouraged, and the Strawbale Cafe is worth dropping by.
Relax in Culpeper Community Garden
If it's green space you're after, head to Culpeper Park, specifically Culpeper Community Garden. The public space has a lawn, ponds, rose pergolas, ornamental beds, vegetable plots, seating and a wildlife area, all maintained by local gardener volunteers.
Take on the Crystal Maze
Live out your 1990s TV dreams at the Crystal Maze Experience, housed in a non-descript building on White Lion Street. It's not cheap, and you'll need to book ahead, but the team game replicates the TV version, with four different zones, each presenting their own set of challenges.
Get close to tube history at Wallace Sewell
Down a quiet little back street a few minutes from Angel station, tube history is made. Wallace Sewell, the design duo responsible for those tube moquettes, are based here, with their main studio (off limits) and shop. Unfortunately you won't find many tube products here as the licensing belongs to TfL, but it's nice to know where the magic happens.
Check the programme at Union Chapel
Union Chapel, a former church now converted into a music and comedy venue, is mainly an evening events space when comedians, musicians and film screenings grace the stage. Occasionally though, daytime events take place, including performances on the unique organ. Check out the programme to see what's coming up.
See also:
- Things to do during the day in Brixton
- Things to do during the day in Notting Hill
- Things to do during the day in Clapham and Battersea
- Things to do in Soho during the day
- Things to do during the day in Kensington
- Things to do during the day in Chelsea
- Things to do during the day in Westminster
- What is there to do in Canary Wharf?
- What is there to do in Surrey Quays?
