Tudor houses and Victorian theatres
Sutton House, built in 1535 for a courtier of Henry VIII, is one of east London's oldest houses and is cared for by the National Trust. The Hackney Empire, designed by Frank Matcham and opened in 1901, remains one of the city's great variety theatres.
In the nineteenth century, Hackney grew into a densely built suburb, and its markets, parks and canals still shape daily life. Broadway Market, Ridley Road Market in Dalston and Stoke Newington Church Street are local favourites, and Hackney Wick became an artists' quarter close to the Olympic Park.
What to see
- Sutton House – Tudor rooms and a history of the people who lived there.
- Hackney Empire – comedy, pantomime and theatre.
- Broadway Market – a Saturday food market by London Fields.
- Regent's Canal – towpath walks and cycling.
Eating and atmosphere
Hackney has a strong food and drink scene, from market stalls to small restaurants and breweries. Dalston and Hackney Wick are known for nightlife, while Stoke Newington and London Fields have a more relaxed café culture.
A suggested half day
Visit Sutton House, then walk to London Fields and Broadway Market for lunch. Follow the Regent's Canal towpath towards Victoria Park or Hackney Wick in the afternoon.
Getting there
Hackney is served mostly by the London Overground, with stations at Hackney Central, Dalston Junction, Homerton and Hackney Wick. There are few Underground stations, so many visitors use buses or private transport.
Getting there with Mason & Green
London City Airport and Stansted are both usually convenient. Many streets in Hackney are narrow, with low-traffic neighbourhood filters, so we confirm the best access point for each address.
See our Stansted Airport transfers page.
Frequently asked questions
When is Broadway Market?
The main food market is held on Saturdays.
Is there a Tube in Hackney?
Very little. Most of Hackney is served by the Overground and buses.
Can low-traffic neighbourhoods affect pickups?
Yes. Some streets are closed to through traffic, so we plan the route to your door in advance.