South London Area Guides | RM Surveyors
Clapham is a great place to live with a wide range of shops, cafes, and restaurants. From independent boutiques to the posher chains, there's something for every taste and budget. The area is particularly popular for its food and drink scene, with an array of pubs, bars, and restaurants serving up everything from classic British fare to international cuisine.
Buzzy Balham is quite simply a fabulous place to live. Families flock here for its great schools, green spaces and lively community feel, while couples and young professionals adore its location, attractive period properties and amazing array of amenities. Though central London’s only 20 minutes away, you can catch a comedy night, enjoy live music or watch a film without even needing to leave the neighbourhood. And with all the gorgeous pavement cafés along Hildreth Street which are perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, it’s easy to see why Balham is such a desirable place to be. Join me for a wander down Balham High Road and beyond as we discover what the Balham buzz is all about.
With a well-respected arts college, festival and one of the capital’s leading contemporary galleries, cool Camberwell is vibrant, eclectic and a hub for south London’s arts scene. Packed with independent cafés, shops, pubs and pretty period homes, this fashionable area is popular with students, families and professionals alike who all favour its friendly atmosphere and laid-back London lifestyle. Join me for a jaunt through the streets of creative Camberwell as we take in this buzzy south London gem.
Nestled between affluent Dulwich Village and hip Peckham, East Dulwich represents the best of both worlds. This relaxed residential area is just a 15-minute train ride from central London, and with independent shops, great schools, pretty period homes and plenty of culture and green space nearby, young families flock here for the community vibe and many set up home for life. And I can see why! Join me for a stroll along Lordship Lane, one of south London’s very best high streets, as we stop for coffee, take in the street art and check out the beautiful bookshops the area has to offer.
“Remember you’re a womble.” That’s what you get to sing to yourself as a resident of Wimbledon – a popular part of south west London made famous by its annual tennis tournament. But there’s much more to Wimbledon than tennis and the wombles: divided into two main sections – the busy ‘town’ (where the station is) and the ‘village’ – Wimbledon offers a taste of country life close to the city, with ample open space, large family homes, boutique shopping and traditional pubs. Join me for a jaunt on the common and a saunter along the high street as we discover this distinguished and much-loved location.
“Come in love, stay in peace” … the artwork emblazoned across Brixton Road’s prominent railway bridge seems to perfectly encapsulate the spirit of this unique and very special part of London. Although Brixton’s seen troubled times, it has transformed itself into arguably the most vibrant and eclectic part of the capital, with its thriving multi-cultural markets, hundreds of independent eateries and of course, its world-famous nightlife. Join me as we rock down to Electric Avenue to discover this beating heart of south London.
With its leafy streets, attractive period properties, thriving arts scene and family-friendly community ethos, I think Forest Hill represents suburban south London at its finest.
The much-loved Horniman Museum is undoubtedly the cherry on the Forest Hill cake, and a friend and I were lucky enough to visit this year’s neighbouring Sydenham Artists Trail which is running from 11–19 th September – so catch it if you can!
In my latest area guide, you’ll discover why this arty part of London is so popular with creatives and may just be the capital’s next hip destination. You’ll even meet a local business owner who loves the area so much she has a Forest Hill tattoo!
With exceptional transport links, desirable properties and an abundance of places to shop, drink and dine, Clapham Junction has become hugely popular with young professionals and families looking for a vibrant community and short commute into town. The area has even been dubbed ‘Nappy Valley’ by the author Will Self for its numerous baby clothes shops and family-friendly café culture…
Read on for my guide to this buzzy pocket of London just south of the river – which is actually in the heart of Battersea rather than Clapham, as its train station sign proudly proclaims – and discover the many gifts “The Junction” has to offer.
In recent years, Crystal Palace has become known as the jewel in south London’s crown – and I don’t think it’s hard to see why! Centred round a 3-sided high street known locally as the triangle, the area has a huge park, a warm community vibe, and is packed with independent shops, bars, cafés and restaurants.
Check out my latest area guide on Crystal Palace to discover why this sought-after part of south London is popular with cyclists, dinosaurs and ancient Egyptian sphynxes alike...
Disclaimer: I can’t promise that this guide won’t make you hungry as I tell you about all the delicious eateries available locally. It’s probably best to have a cup of tea and a biscuit
For this month’s area guide, I’m in sunny Streatham. Join me for a stroll down the UK’s longest high street to discover a vibrant and eclectic town centre which is currently home to over 400 businesses – despite the busy A23 road that runs through it!
A big part of West Norwood’s appeal is the area’s great transport links, making it popular with young professionals who still want access to the bright lights and opportunities of central London but are looking for more space, better value and a community feel.