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.

Housing and architecture

Camberwell has some stunning period properties, many of which have now been converted into attractive apartments. It’s particularly famous for its well-preserved Georgian homes – the best of which are on Camberwell Grove and Grove Lane. There are also some Edwardian semis close to Grove Park, while Victorian homes can be found around Myatt’s Fields Park.

If like me you love interesting architecture, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in Camberwell – including the Grade II-listed Pilgrims’ Cloisters on Sedgmoor Place which was once an almshouse, and the Salvation Army’s William Booth Memorial Training College which was designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, creator of Battersea Power Station.

Who lives here?

Camberwell's leafy streets, large period properties and convenient London location make it hugely popular with families. The arts college draws a creative student crowd, while the presence of two major hospitals – King’s College and the South London and Maudsley – attract those working within the health sector. Overall, it’s a vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood with plenty to offer people of all ages.

Transport links

Despite the absence of a tube, Camberwell is conveniently located just south of the river, making for an easy commute into central London. Denmark Hill is the area’s nearest train station, enabling residents to be at Victoria in just 9 minutes or Blackfriars in 12. The nearest tube is the Victoria line at Brixton, a 20-minute bus ride away. Plenty of bus routes pass through the area, including services to Clapham, Elephant & Castle and Victoria. Or if like me you prefer to get out on your bike, central London is a scenic 3-mile cycle ride away.

Drinking and dining

Camberwell has a really lively food scene with an array of independent bars, restaurants and cafés to choose from. Students love The Joiners Arms for late night pints and live music, while The Camberwell Arms is a local institution that’s known for its delicious Sunday lunches. The Good Neighbour is a cosy neighbourhood wine bar that serves scrumptious sharing plates of cheese, charcuterie and more.

Theo’s Pizzeria is famous for its amazing Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, and I love the Viet Café on Denmark Hill for authentic Bánh mì. When I’m out doing surveys and valuations in Camberwell, my personal favourite is Lumberjack – a craft coffee shop, deli and social enterprise which supports local young people into work. Falafel & Shawarma is another popular hangout, offering a mouth-watering range of Mediterranean mezze, salads and wraps.

Shopping

Camberwell’s main shopping street is Camberwell Church Street, where you’ll find some interesting independent shops such as art supplies Cowling & Wilcox art supplies and Gladwell’s Grocery and Deli from the people who run The Camberwell Arms. There are more shops to be found along Denmark Hill including in Butterfly Walk shopping centre which contains all the usual high street names.

Another favourite is Camberwell Farmer’s Market: from 10 – 2 every Saturday, the Green comes alive with the sound of market vendors selling everything from artisanal bread, meats and fresh produce to gorgeous pies, cheeses and homemade chutneys. There’s also a lovely selection of flowers, herbs and locally produced arts and crafts to browse, as well as some great coffee to be had – it’s a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning as I’m sure you’ll agree!

Parks and green spaces

Camberwell has a nice range of green spaces for residents to kick back and enjoy: just to the north is Burgess Park which has its own lake, while to the south is Ruskin Park, with a children’s playground, paddling pool, wildlife area and sports pitches.

Myatt’s Fields Park is a beautiful 14-acre Victorian park with a wildlife garden and nice community vibe: be sure to check out the Little Cat Café where you can taste organic food grown by volunteers in the park's community greenhouse.

Camberwell Green, site of the infamous Camberwell Fair on this site from 1279- 1855

Elsewhere, you’ll often see art students hanging out on Camberwell Green, while Brunswick Park and Lucas Gardens are smaller neighbourhood parks offering a nice green space for kids and dog walkers to stretch their legs.

Arts and culture

Camberwell is a well-established magnet for culture vultures. Camberwell College of Arts – now a campus of the University of the Arts London – specialises in fine art courses and attracts creative types to the area. Notable past students include Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine and the director Mike Leigh.

The South London Gallery on Peckham Road showcases inspiring modern art in a lovely sun-filled space: it’s one of London’s leading contemporary art galleries and offers an exciting international programme as well as focusing on local art and artists.

Every June, Camberwell Arts Festival runs a 9-day programme of exhibitions and performances: it was one of the first and now longest running local visual arts festivals in the UK, and the open studios, walks, talks and workshops are not to be missed!

Camberwell Fair is another local highlight: held on the Green each August bank holiday, it attracts thousands of people for a weekend of live music, street food and feel-good vibes.

And if you like jazz, then you’ll love Jazzlive at The Crypt: set in the gothic St Giles Church on Camberwell Church Street, Jazzlive has been hosting Friday-night concerts by top musicians for decades. Movie buffs will also be pleased to find the East Dulwich Picturehouse and independent Peckhamplex both within easy reach of Camberwell.

Sports and leisure

The recently renovated Camberwell Leisure Centre is the local council-owned facility, where residents can enjoy working out in the gym, trying a range of fitness classes, and swimming in an impressive restored Victorian swimming pool.

Hospitals

Interesting fact: did you know that Camberwell was once a site of natural springs rich in iron and mineral salts? Given this history, it may be of no surprise that two of London’s great healing institutions – King’s College and the Maudsley Hospitals – were founded nearby. My wife Kathy trained as a psychiatric nurse at the Maudsley and now works as a Family and Drama Therapist – you can check out her work here. My late son Max was also diagnosed with Down’s syndrome at King’s College, so the area holds some precious personal history for me and I have a lot of love for all those working at these hospitals.

Schools

John Ruskin and Crawford are two highly rated primary schools in Camberwell, while Sacred Heart Catholic School and ARK All Saints Academy are the popular secondary schools.

Local council

Camberwell falls within the London Borough of Southwark, which currently has a Labour council.

Estate agencies

Local estate agents include Munday’s, Acorn, Hunter’s, Eaton Green and 1st Choice Estates.

Surveys and valuations

If you’ve already got your eye on a Camberwell property and are ready to take the next step, I offer a wide range of independent and cost-effective residential surveys and valuations.

As a residential chartered surveyor and RICS registered property valuer with more 20 years’ real estate experience across London and the south-east, I know that buying property is one of the most important decisions most people ever make.

That’s why I’m passionate about taking the stress out of the survey and valuation process and helping people realise their dreams, whether that’s a treasured new home or the next investment property.

Contact me today at roo@rmsurveyors.co.uk or by phone on 07957 606886 to have an informal, confidential and no-obligation conversation about your requirements.

“An efficient and professional service with detailed recommendations and importantly, good communication.” – property buyer in south London

Camberwell Area Guide | RM Surveyors