When someone moves to South London, they always mean Clapham, or even Balham. But with home prices in these areas rising out of control, it’s time to look a little further afield. Luckily, there are still plenty of areas in South London that are just as great and offer great value for money.
sydenham hill
Get as close to Dulwich as possible without actually going there (and paying Dulwich fares). Sydenham Hill is just a short walk from picturesque Dulwich College and the world’s first purpose-built art gallery, Dulwich Picture Gallery. There is plenty of green space, excellent schools and a wide range of housing options.
How to get there:
Trains depart from Sydenham Hill Station to London Bridge and London Victoria every 15 minutes.
Gipsy Hill View from the top of Gipsy Hill
Another great location in the same area, Gipsy Hill, has views of the London skyline that rival Primrose Hill. There are some great pubs including The Paxton and The Rosendale, both of which have large beer gardens and serve Sunday lunch. If you’re a fan of beer, the area is also home to two independent breweries: Gypsy Hill Brewing Company and London Beer Factory, both of which host regular tastings and parties on the weekends. A short (but arduous!) walk down Gipsy Hill takes you to Crystal Palace facilities, including the famous Crystal Palace Park.
How to get there:
Trains depart from Gipsy Hill Station to London Bridge and London Victoria every 15 minutes.
Tooting Tooting Beck Common
Almost Barham, but not quite. Tooting has long been overlooked due to its convenient location near several stations on the Northern Line and its ease of access, but this is no longer the case. For food lovers, it is well known for its many South Indian restaurants such as Dosa and Chutney and hipster hangout Chicken Shop. The homes are mainly Victorian and Edwardian in style, and Tooting Bec’s common offers great open space for families and runners.
How to get there:
You can reach central London in 24 minutes on the Northern Line.
Herne Hill Florence Pub, Herne Hill
Nestled between upmarket Dulwich and edgy Brixton, Herne Hill is a part of London worth discovering. There are some great pubs, including The Florence and Hootananny (for those who like to drink late into the night). It’s next to Brockwell Park, which has an amusement park during the summer, and is a short walk from Brixton. There is also a wide selection of restaurants, pubs and bars.
How to get there:
Trains from Herne Hill station connect you to London Victoria station in 20 minutes, as well as Luton and Sutton stations.
black heath
Part London, part countryside, this popular location has it all. It offers panoramic views of Greenwich and the pier, yet has plenty of open space and a village feel. It hosts an annual music festival called On Blackheath and is the starting point for the London Marathon every April. Housing prices here are a little high. It attracts families looking for peace and quiet, and it’s easy to see why.
How to get there:
Trains from Blackheath station also serve Charing Cross, Cannon Street, Dartford and Slade Green.
Miranda Wadham on 26/04/2016
