People often associate Tottenham with football and White Hart Lane Stadium, but there is so much more to this North London borough. One of the hidden gems is Bruce Castle Museum and Park, built on land that once belonged to the Scottish clan Bruce.
The main area of the borough is centered around Tottenham High Road, which runs North-South with a spur coming off at Bruce Grove to Lordship Lane. There is a huge selection of characterful shops.
1. Bruce Castle Museum and Park
Most people associate Tottenham with football and White Hart Lane Stadium, but this part of North London also has an interesting history to uncover. Bruce Castle Museum is a 16th-century manor house surrounded by 20 acres of parkland and houses Haringey’s archive collections. It has a wide range of family activities, exhibitions and schools programs.
The property used to belong to the Bruce family of Scotland until Robert was crowned King of England in 1306. Later it was owned by the 2nd and 3rd Baron Coleraine, who remodelled the estate.
Kids will enjoy the special sticker book and the Tree Trail where they can identify trees and wildlife. There’s also a 500-year-old sessile oak in the grounds which, unfortunately, was damaged by lightning in 2011. It is currently being monitored and may require further works.
2. The Seven Sisters Walk
The Seven Sisters Walk is a scenic hike that offers beautiful views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. The trail can be challenging in places, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes and take your time. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal place to enjoy nature.
Start your walk at the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre across from the car park. This center provides a map and information about the geology of the area. You can also get tips for the trail and see a list of birds to look out for.
Experienced hikers can tackle the entire Seven Sisters Walk, but you can also opt to do smaller sections of the trail. For example, you could hike to Birling Gap and back.
3. Tottenham Hale Station
There are plenty of things to do in and around Tottenham Hale, with a range of activities for all ages. Whether it’s an outdoor high ropes adventure, or simply a stroll through a park, there’s something for everyone here.
If you’re a football fan, then you’ll love watching people edge along The Edge at the nearby stadium – a fun new adrenaline rush activity that’s sure to raise a few screams! Or, if you’re feeling more relaxed, why not check out Beavertown brewery’s taproom at Lockwood Industrial Estate.
Take the Liverpool Street Line to Bruce Grove Station and exit by the steps, round back of the newspaper kiosk – walk up Lordship Lane and you’ll see the museum directly ahead (journey time approximately 25mins). Buses 243 and 123 also stop here.
4. White Hart Lane Stadium
Known as New White Hart Lane Stadium by fans, this state-of-the-art 62,300-seat facility opened in April 2019 on the site of the old ground and hosts both rugby and football matches. It’s one of the cult sports venues in London that’s a must for soccer lovers.
If you want to experience the stadium in depth, join a Tottenham Experience guided tour led by young and enthusiastic fans who bring the back story to life. The highlights include the Stratus West lounge with its four mammoth TV screens and the exclusive Loge.
You can also scale the roof with The Dare Skywalk, a thrilling climb that’s designed to give you sweeping views of the city and Bruce Castle Park. If you opt for this option, don’t forget to sample a Beavertown craft beer or glass of prosecco while you’re up there.
5. West Green Road
One of the most vibrant shopping streets in Harringay, West Green Road offers a great mix of shops. It features a few chain stores such as Asda and Greggs but also plenty of independent shops that offer everything from reggae record stalls to African shops that sell indigenous food.
To get to Bruce Castle Museum, take the Piccadilly Line to Wood Green Station (Zone 3). On leaving the station, turn immediately left down Lordship Lane and walk up to Bruce Grove – the museum will be directly ahead of you. Alternatively, bus routes 243 and 123 stop at the corner of Bruce Grove and Lordship Lane. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. The entrance to the museum is free. The museum is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm.
