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With so much to do in South London, it can be hard to know where to begin. Whether you’re in London for the weekend or are moving here, there’s plenty to see and do. From museums and markets to galleries and quirky libraries – not to mention delicious food and drinks – here are some of the best things you can do in South London.
The best indoor activities in South London
Searching for a rainy day activity in South London? There’s plenty to do indoors, whether you’re visiting Richmond, Greenwich, Merton and more.
What? The Wimbledon Tennis Championships is the world’s most prestigious tennis event, taking place once a year. But when the games aren’t on, there are plenty of other ways to get your tennis fix! Head to Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum for a fantastic tour of the grounds, including a look at the world-class facilities, the centre court, exhibitions, collections and much more.
Where? Based in Merton, you can get to Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum from Wimbledon station. It’s either a half-hour walk or a short journey to Somerset Road on the 493 bus.
The Old Fire Station, 2A Norwood High St, Norwood, London SE27 9NS
What? Housed in a Grade II listed former fire station, a trip to South London Theatre is the perfect rainy day activity. The theatre is run entirely by its members, and offers a range of brilliant shows. Locals also have the opportunity to help out backstage, direct or even perform on stage themselves!
Where? From London Waterloo, South London Theatre can be reached in half an hour by bus. Get on the X68 towards West Croydon and ride until you reach West Norwood Station.
What? As Henry VIII’s former royal home, Hampton Court Palace is a must-visit for history fans, royalists and those interested in architecture. Explore the palace’s grand rooms, including the Great Hall, Magic Garden, Haunted Gallery and more.
Where? To reach Hampton Court Palace, catch the train to Hampton Court station, then walk for just 10 minutes.
What? If you’re looking for an exciting spot to eat, explore and hangout, pay a visit to Battersea Power Station. Set upon the banks of the Thames, this working coal-fired power station has been restored to its full glory. Filled with a range of popular high street shops, plus plenty of bars and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to while away the hours.
What? Filled with an exciting selection of shops and stalls, from arts & crafts and antiques to fashion and food, Greenwich Market has it all. Open daily, it’s the perfect place to stop off and grab a delicious bite to eat or spend time browsing the handmade goods. There are plenty of events held throughout the year, from Oktoberfest to Halloween, so keep an eye on the market’s event calendar.
Where? Hop on an Uber Boat across the Thames for a novelty way to get to Greenwich Market. A five-minute walk from London Waterloo, the RB1 London Eye Riverside Pier is frequented by boats heading towards Barking Riverside Pier. Step on board and enjoy a spot of sightseeing, then get off at Greenwich Pier and walk for around four minutes to reach the market.
What? If you’re a fan of all things bright and colourful, then this family-friendly museum will be right up your street. Located in South London’s Forest Hill, Horniman Museum and Gardens is filled with collections ranging from musical instruments to anthropology. There’s also an aquarium, butterfly house and animal walk containing sheep, goats, alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens.
Where? Catch the Overground to Peckham Rye from Clapham Junction, then get on the 197 bus towards Croydon. Ride for 18 minutes to the Horniman Museum.
Price: The museum is free to visit, however, there is a charge for visiting the aquarium, butterfly house and some exhibitions.
The best outdoor activities in South London
You may be in one of the UK’s busiest cities, but South London has many green spaces where you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy some outdoor activities.
Sports locations
Rugby match at Twickenham Stadium
What? Sports fans will be happy to know that South London has plenty to offer when it comes to live games. The Oval is the best place to watch your favourite cricketers, while Twickenham Stadium and Twickenham Stoop are home to all things rugby. If tennis is more your thing, then head to Wimbledon to watch the action unfold in front of your very eyes.
What? Filled with hundreds of wild deer, Richmond Park feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s capital. The park covers over 2,500 acres and is a great spot to have a picnic or stroll around the plentiful green areas. If you’d prefer to cycle, South Western Railway gives you the option to take your bike on the train.
Where? Richmond is the nearest station to Richmond Park. For the pedestrian gate at Petersham, hop on the number 371 or 65 bus at the front of the station.
What? Deen City Farm in Merton makes for a fun family day out in an urban farm filled with cows, goats, sheep, donkeys and more. It’s open Tuesdays to Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, allowing visitors to get up close with the animals and even feed them!
Where? It takes around 13 minutes to get to Deen City Farm from Wimbledon station. Catch the tram towards Elmers End, then get off at Morden Road and walk until you reach the farm.
Price: Free entry, with a donation requested upon entry
What? Fancy a cool down? Open all year round, Brockwell Lido is an outdoor pool gym and spa in Brockwell Park. The large, heated swimming pool offers plenty of space to swim some lengths or have fun with friends and family. Why not make the most of Brockwell’s membership if you plan on visiting often?
Where? From Vauxhall, Brockwell Lido is a short tube journey away on the southbound Victoria line. Get off at Brixton and then walk for 13 minutes.
What? A true hidden gem of London, Buddhapadipa Temple is the first Thai Theravada Buddhist Temple ever built outside of Asia. This stunning white and gold temple is home to monks and nuns, but visitors of any religion are welcome to visit. Head to the temple to discover the rich murals and statues within and learn more about the Buddhist religion. Outside, the peaceful gardens invite visitors to take part in a spot of meditation.
Where? The temple is a 26-minute walk from Wimbledon station, or you can take the 93 bus towards Putney Bridge and get off at Calonne Road.
What? Bursting with over 50,000 different plants, Kew Gardens should be on everyone’s London bucket list. Take your time exploring the botanic gardens and soak it all in. Areas include the Temperate House, home to some of the world’s rarest plants, and the palm tree-filled Mediterranean Garden.
Where? Kew Gardens station and Kew Bridge station are both just a short walk away from Kew Gardens. Travel with South Western Railway and make the most of 2FOR1 entry tickets.
Price: ££
Phone Box Library, Lewisham
What? Nothing quite says London like a red phone box, and this one is extra special, as it’s also a miniature library. Home to a small collection of pre-loved books, this phone box on a seemingly unassuming street in Lewisham is one of the smallest libraries in the world! Feel free to take any book you like, just remember to leave one of your own books in return.
Where? This fantastic phone box library can be found at the corner of Tyrwhitt Road on Loampit Hill. To get there, catch the Overground from Clapham Junction to Queens Road Peckham. Then, get on the 436 bus towards Lewisham and ride until you reach Undercliff Road.
Price: Free
The best restaurants in South London
Feeling peckish? Here are some of the top restaurants in South London:
Havet Restaurant, Bromley – Turkish and Cypriot dining
Florentine Restaurant and Bar, Lambeth – English classics meet traditional Italian
Antipodea, Richmond – An all-day Australian food and drinks menu
Zeret Kitchen, Camberwell – Bright and modern Ethiopian restaurant
Enish Nigerian Restaurant Lewisham – West African dining
Alberello, Bexley – Long-running Italian restaurant
Cow & Pig, Bromley – Steak house with classic cocktails and wines
Boxpark, Croydon – Delicious street food and drinks, live entertainment and activities
The best bars in South London
South London has a bustling nightlife scene ready to be explored. Here are some of South London’s top bars:
So Bar, Richmond
Bussey Rooftop Bar, Southwark
The Store, Croydon
The Tankard, Lambeth
Dropkick Johnny’s, Richmond
Bar Elba, Lambeth
The Cutty Sark Pub, Greenwich
Memory Box Cocktail Bar, Croydon
Incognito, Kingston
Catching a train to London couldn’t be easier with South Western Railway. Book your train tickets to South London and find the right ticket type for your journey. Save even more with Railcards and discounts, or travel in a group to save even more money with GroupSave. Don’t forget to visit the SWR Rewards hub to see what offers you can make the most of during your time in London.
Top Christmas shopping spots in London and the South West
Shopping at Christmas can be a magical experience with festive lights and dazzling window displays at the top spots. Read our guide here. Travel with South Western Railway.
