Beautiful South London neighbourhoods

In this section, I share some of my tips on places to visit in South London, from historic buildings in Greenwich to gorgeous residential streets in Dulwich and a riverside walk in Richmond.

Greenwich is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its riverside setting and maritime history make it one of the most unique neighbourhoods in the city. You can get here on the DLR (Cutty Sark station) or by rail (Greenwich station). Things to do in Greenwich include:

Old Royal Naval College - an architecturally stunning building, the Royal Naval College was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Built on the site of a royal palace, it was previously a Royal Hospital. You can buy a ticket to visit the Painted Hall (often called the UK’s Sistine Chapel) or visit the peaceful Chapel of St Peter and St Paul for free.

Fan Museum - a museum showcasing fans from all around the world, housed within a lovely Georgian townhouse. Book a ticket online to visit the stunning collections. You can also visit the museum by candlelight.

Greenwich market - a daily market with a range of stalls. There’s a focus on antiques on Tuesday and Thursday, and arts & crafts on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and weekends. As well as the numerous stalls situated in the covered 19th century market, there are also independent shops.

Greenwich Park - this Royal Park is home to the Royal Observatory where the Greenwich Prime Meridian begins (the line that divides the world into Eastern and Western hemispheres). Even if you don’t pay to go into the Observatory, it’s worth going up the hill to the building as there’s a fantastic viewpoint nearby looking down over Greenwich. The park also includes a pretty flower garden, tree lined avenues (fabulous in autumn), and boating lake.

Queens Gallery - this 17th century former royal residence was designed by Inigo Jones, and is now a free public art gallery. One of the first classical buildings in England, its interesting features include the cube shaped Great Hall and the spiral Tulip Stairs spiral staircase.

Cutty Sark - a 19th century British clipper ship that transported tea around the world. You can pay to visit the ship or take in the exterior while strolling around Greenwich riverside.

Rangers House - a gorgeous Georgian villa which houses the Wernher Collection of art. There are hundreds of pieces on display, from medieval sculptures to glittering jewellery. Although you have to pay to go in the house, you can visit the rose garden for free. The exterior of the house was used in the TV show Brigerton.

National Maritime Museum - a family friendly museum with exhibits telling stories of adventures at sea

Dulwich

Dulwich Village is an affluent area in South East London which has a very village-like atmosphere. As well as a pretty park and interesting art gallery, there are lots of independent shops and cafes, and attractive houses. You can get here by taking the train to North Dulwich or West Dulwich stations. Things to do in Dulwich Village include:

Beautiful streets - Dulwich Village street has some grand Georgian houses and independent shops including Village Books and Bartleys Flowers. There is a lovely chapel and almshouses at the roundabout where Dulwich Village meets College Road and Gallery Road. College Road also has some nice houses, including one with blue shutters.

Dulwich art gallery - the first purpose-built public art gallery in England, Dulwich Picture Gallery has a permanent collection of Baroque art, as well as a changing programme of exhibitions. I’ve been to several exhibitions here, and it’s definitely worth checking the website to see what’s on.

Dulwich Park - this park has a boating lake and is always worth visiting for a walk, but I’d especially recommend it in spring when the American Garden is full of colourful rhododendrons.

Richmond

Richmond is an attractive neighbourhood, with riverside cafes and restaurants, a huge park, and historic houses. You can get here by taking the tube or train to Richmond station. Things to do in Richmond include:

Beautiful streets - Richmond has a village like feel, with its cobbled streets and independent shops. Some of the nicest streets include George Street, the cobbled Brewers Lane, Richmond Hill and Terrace Gardens (where there are lovely views of the river), Waterloo Place, and Richmond Green. You may recognise some of these streets from the popular TV show Ted Lasso, which is filmed in the area.

Ham House - this impressive 17th century house is now in the care of the National Trust and it’s a great place to explore, with its magnificent rooms and former gardens.

Marble Hill House - this elegant Georgian villa is set right on the river, and is looked after by English Heritage. The interior has been restored, and you can find out more about the former owner Henrietta Howard. It’s free to visit.

Richmond Park - the largest of London’s Royal Parks, Richmond Park is a great place for a long walk. You can spot deer living here, or explore the Isabella Plantation woodland garden.

Riverside walk - the attractive riverside path has ice cream stalls, restaurants and pubs, and it’s a fabulous place for a walk. You could walk up to Ham House, or continue even further into Twickenham.