Clapham Common is among the most treasured of London’s 3,000 public open spaces. First mentioned in the Domesday Book as early as 1086, its greenery has provided locals a welcome relief from the busy streets of South West London ever since.
The triangular common joins Clapham and Battersea, lined by beautiful Georgian and Victorian houses on every side. Surrounded by bustling bars and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to socialise with friends.
The 220-acre space (more than 160 full-size football pitches!) is home to countless gardens and ponds, supporting diverse wildlife. Living alongside the usual geese, gulls, and grey squirrels are the UK’s only naturalised parrots: emerald green ring-necked parakeets. Keep your eyes peeled; you can’t miss them perched in the trees of South London.
Are you looking for somewhere to hang out with friends or take the kids this weekend? Look no further. We’ve compiled everything you need to know before planning your trip to Clapham Common.
Things to do in Clapham Common
A day out in Clapham Common provides endless fun. Its bandstand, built in 1890 (the oldest and largest in London), is the beating heart of the common in summer, regularly hosting free open-air concerts.
A day out on the common is one of the best things to do in South London. With two playgrounds, several sports pitches, a skate park and two fishing ponds (permit required!), there’s something for everyone.
Sports
Clapham Common isn’t just a great place to chill out with friends or enjoy scenic strolls. There’s plenty of space to fling a frisbee or have a casual kick about, and it also serves as a centre for organised sports.
The common facilitates rugby, football, softball, netball, cricket, tennis and even Aussie Rules (it’s home to the Wandsworth Demons, the UK’s most successful Aussie Rules team). If ball games aren’t your thing, sign up for a group fitness or yoga class – a great way to enjoy the outdoors while socialising.
All facilities are available for public use, but booking is required, and prices vary. For more information, visit the Lambeth Council website.
Playgrounds
Looking to entertain the little ones?
They’ll have hours of fun at Clapham Common playground near Windmill Drive. The newly refurbished play area is nature-themed, with climbing frames, slides, and zip wires in areas reflecting whimsical woodlands, fantastical forests and treetops. Clapham Common West Playground is perfect for younger kids. It has climbing frames and mini-model cars and trains.
Between the two, you’re sure to have worn the kid’s out by the end of the day!
Venn Street Market
Visiting on a Saturday? You’re in luck! Nearby Venn Street Market is a must-visit for foodies and one of the best fresh food markets in London.
Grab a plate of dumplings or tacos and peruse the stalls, stacked with fresh fruit, veg, baked goods, meat and dairy from independent producers. You’ll support local businesses, all while chowing down on award-winning artisan foods. What’s not to love?
Venn Street Market is open from 10:00-15:00 every Saturday.
Things to do near Clapham Common
The common is undoubtedly Clapham’s centrepiece, but, being so central, there are plenty more activities nearby. Clapham has a thriving social scene, with loads of pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants to unwind after a long day on the common – not to mention its shops and entertainment spaces!
Why not catch a film at Clapham Picturehouse, shop for vinyl at Venn Street Records, or explore the art at Studio Voltaire?
Food and drinks
Clapham Common is perfect for a picnic but is also home to a few great restaurants.
If you’re starting the day, grab locally-roasted coffees and homemade pastries at Common Ground by the park’s western entrance.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, playing games and exploring nature, try Pear Tree Café by the bandstand, a casual café with indoor and outdoor seating. It’s family-friendly and has a children’s menu. The all-day and evening menus feature brunch classics like avocado toast and buttermilk pancakes, bar snacks, sourdough pizzas and signature burgers. Grab a bench and wash it down with a soft drink or a pint. Speaking of drinks, pop down on Wednesday or Thursday evenings and enjoy live music with your weeknight tipple.
Mediterranean food lovers will like ‘The Terrace’ by Megan’s, by the eastern entrance to the park near Clapham Common station. The Terrace’s relaxed atmosphere and abundant outdoor seating make it a must-visit on sunny days. Its varied menu, including sourdough pide pizzas, shakshouka baked eggs and mezze bowls with falafel and hummus, makes it ideal for vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters.
Looking for somewhere further out? Your go-tos: Winnow or the Rookery for modern European fare, the family-owned Osteria Toscana for homemade Italian dishes, and Honest Burgers for a great, honest burger!
Places to stay near Clapham Common
Travelling to Clapham from far away? Why not stay the night? There are plenty of hotels nearby.
Travelodge London Clapham Junction is a great budget stay, as is Premier Inn London Clapham. Both are just a 9-minute walk from the common, offering convenience and comfort without the cost
For a little extra luxury, try the Windmill Hotel. Overlooking the common, the Windmill is a cosy boutique hotel ideally located for exploring Clapham. It also offers family-friendly and dog-friendly rooms and a complimentary breakfast with every booking.
Clapham Common accessibility
Clapham Common has eight ramped entrance points. At the end of Culmstock Road, the West Side Entrance is the most accessible for wheelchair users, with only a slight gradient. It also has the common’s only fully accessible toilet.
Clapham Common tube station is not wheelchair accessible. Clapham North is your closest step-free station, but all London buses have access ramps, and disabled people travel free.
