Best Calisthenics Parks in Islington and Surrounding Areas
Calisthenics has exploded in popularity across London, and Islington is no exception. Whether you’re into pull-ups, dips, push-ups, or advanced street workout moves, the borough is packed with outdoor gyms and parks that cater to bodyweight training. Even better — most of these spaces are completely free to use, making fitness accessible to everyone.
Here’s our guide to the best calisthenics parks in Islington and the surrounding areas, with everything you need to know before your next workout.
1. Arundel Square – Horizontal Bars
📍 23 Arundel Square, N7 8AT
Arundel Square has a straightforward but highly functional calisthenics setup — a horizontal row of bars perfect for pull-ups, chin-ups, and basic bar work. It’s a no-frills spot, but if you live in Barnsbury or around Caledonian Road, it’s one of the most convenient options.
- Best for: Quick bar workouts
- Equipment: Pull-up bars / horizontal bars
- Vibe: Local, quiet, great for short sessions
2. Barnard Park
📍 24 Hemingford Road, N1 0JU
Barnard Park is one of Islington’s most versatile outdoor spaces. Alongside play areas and green space, you’ll find outdoor exercise equipment designed for calisthenics — pull-up bars, dip bars, and parallel frames.
- Best for: Calisthenics beginners and intermediates
- Equipment: Pull-up bars, parallel bars, dip stations
- Vibe: Family-friendly park with space to mix workouts and play
3. Caledonian Park
📍 Clock View Crescent, N7 9GP
Caledonian Park boasts one of the most comprehensive outdoor gyms in Islington. While it includes traditional machines, there’s also plenty of calisthenics-friendly equipment: push-up bars, pull-up bars, and open spaces for bodyweight circuits.
- Best for: Full outdoor sessions combining machines + calisthenics
- Equipment: Pull-up bars, push-up bars, resistance machines
- Vibe: Busy at peak times, but ideal for longer training blocks
4. Bingfield Park
📍 Bingfield Park, Islington
Recently upgraded with NOORD outdoor fitness equipment, Bingfield Park has a modern, durable setup that includes bars and frames perfect for strength and mobility training. It’s becoming a favourite among locals for its quality and low maintenance design.
- Best for: Strength & functional calisthenics
- Equipment: NOORD bars, bodyweight-friendly frames
- Vibe: Less crowded than bigger parks, great community feel
5. Elthorne Park
📍 Elthorne Road, N19
Elthorne Park offers a free outdoor gym that doubles as a calisthenics training ground. With plenty of space for running and stretching, it’s a top choice for those in Holloway and Archway who want to mix cardio with bar work.
- Best for: Evening workouts (floodlit areas available)
- Equipment: Pull-up bars, general outdoor gym kit
- Vibe: Open, welcoming, great for combining running + calisthenics
6. Other Honourable Mentions
- Rosemary Gardens (N1) – Small gym area, includes basic equipment usable for calisthenics.
- Spa Fields (EC1) – Compact but handy for central Londoners, with bodyweight-friendly gear.
- Whittington Park (N19) – Large park with outdoor gym stations suitable for bodyweight training.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best calisthenics parks in Islington, you’re spoilt for choice. From the simple pull-up bars at Arundel Square to the fully equipped setups at Caledonian Park and Bingfield Park, there’s something for every fitness level.
The best part? All of these parks are free, accessible, and open year-round — so there’s no excuse not to get outside, get moving, and take advantage of Islington’s growing calisthenics scene.
