Tufnell Park Playing Fields: Running Drills and Games
Not every family outing needs a big trip. Sometimes you just need a patch of flat grass, a bit of space to run and a playground for when the little one gets bored. For families in N7 and N19, Tufnell Park Playing Fields is exactly that. It is not fancy, but it is one of the most useful bits of open space near Archway for running, games and getting kids (and parents) properly out of breath. Here is what the fields offer and how I would use them for running drills and family games.
Tufnell Park Playing Fields: what is there
The fields sit between Campdale Road and Tufnell Park Road in Islington. According to the London Gardens Trust, the site is about 1.9 hectares and was laid out on a 19th-century cricket pitch. It later served as a University of London playing field and is now owned by Islington Council. Facilities include:
- Football pitches on open grass
- Tennis courts
- A cricket net
- A children’s playground
- Toilets
Islington Council has also announced a set of improvements to Tufnell Park Playing Fields, developed with the Friends of Tufnell Park Playing Fields. The plans include a climbing wall with safety surfacing, a pétanque court, new seating, cycle parking, new sports markings, moving the cricket area to improve access from Huddleston Road and extending the path by the tennis courts. Check the signs on site or the council page to see what is finished when you visit.
Getting there
- Tube: Tufnell Park station (Northern line) is the nearest, and it is one stop from Archway.
- Bus: routes 4, 134 and 390 serve the area.
- On foot from Archway: a short walk down Junction Road or through the back streets. A good warm-up in itself.
Why flat grass is gold for beginners
Hills are brilliant, but if you are new to running or coming back after years off, a flat, soft surface is kinder. Grass is gentler on joints than pavement, you can see the whole space, and you can mark out distances with a few jumpers. Flat open fields like Tufnell Park Playing Fields are perfect for the kind of short, structured drills that build speed and confidence.
Running drills on the playing fields
Pace out a straight line of about 20 big steps and mark each end with a bag or jumper. That is your “lane”. Do this session once or twice a week.
Warm-up (8 minutes)
- 3 minutes easy jog or brisk walk around the edge of the field
- Down your lane and back: high knees (slow), heel flicks, side shuffles each way, walking lunges
Drills (10 minutes)
- A-skips: a skipping march with a high knee and a quick foot strike under your hip. 2 lengths.
- Fast feet: tiny quick steps for 10 seconds, then walk. 4 times.
- Build-ups: start jogging and gradually speed up over the lane, reaching about 80% effort by the end. Walk back. 4 to 6 times.
Main set: choose your level (10 to 15 minutes)
- Beginner: jog one lap of the field edge, walk half a lap. Repeat 4 to 6 times.
- Improver: 6 to 8 lane strides at a fast but relaxed pace, walking back as recovery.
- Confident runner: 30 seconds hard, 60 seconds easy jog, 8 rounds around the field.
Form cues: stay tall, relaxed shoulders, arms swing forward and back (not across your body), land with your foot roughly under you. If you feel any sharp pain, especially in a calf or hamstring, stop and walk. If you are returning to running after an injury, get the go-ahead from a physio first. My post on sprints for single parents explains how to build up to faster running safely.
Family games that sneak in a workout
The open grass is ideal for games where everyone runs. Here are three I use in my family sessions:
Cone tag (any age)
Mark a square with four bags. Whoever is “it” can only tag inside the square. Swap every 90 seconds. Parents, you will be surprised how tired you get.
Shuttle relay (age 5 and up)
Two teams, two lanes. Run to the far marker, touch it, run back and high-five the next person. Add a twist each round: hop back, bear crawl the last few metres, carry a ball. For more ideas, see my relay race ideas for kids.
Beat the parent (age 7 and up)
The child gets a head start. Increase or reduce it each round so races stay close. Kids love it when you lose by a nose.
Where a bootcamp class fits
Running drills on grass are a great start, but most of the parents I coach also need strength to go with it. Strong legs and a stable core protect your knees and make running feel lighter. My bootcamp is just up the road in Archway, which many Tufnell Park families find easier than travelling into town. You can read more in my guide to bootcamp classes for Tufnell Park. If your energy is the main problem, my SYP Recharge energy and focus class is a good first class.
FAQs
Where are Tufnell Park Playing Fields?
They are in Islington, between Campdale Road and Tufnell Park Road (N7), with an access point from Huddleston Road. Tufnell Park tube station is the nearest.
Is there a playground there?
Yes, there is a children’s playground, and the council’s improvement plans include a climbing wall with safety surfacing.
Can you play tennis there?
Yes, there are tennis courts on site. Check Islington Council’s booking pages for current availability and prices.
Is grass better than pavement for running?
For many beginners, yes. Grass is softer on the joints, but it can hide bumps, so watch your footing and avoid it when it is waterlogged or icy.
Book your first class
Want to feel faster and stronger on your next family race? SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes in a church hall in Archway N19, just up the road from Tufnell Park. Classes are indoors, capped at 10 people, cost £15 each and have easier and harder options for every exercise. Book your £15 class here or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215. If you would rather work one to one close to home, read about my personal training in Tufnell Park.
About the author
Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.
