Finding a place to live in London can be a challenge at times; but never fear, we've put together some tips, tricks and location information to help make the process easier for you!
Greenwich
Greenwich is a district of south-east London, England situated 5.5 miles (8.9 km) east south-east of Charing Cross. It is rich with maritime history from past leaking into the present. It’s brimming with royal architecture and sculpted stone littered around the borough. The scenery is sensational and the air is thick with a calm, seafaring heritage.
Greenwich is swollen with Baroque architecture and a calm, colorful essence. Stand at the top of the Royal Greenwich Observatory and look out over the entire city and skyline or stand on the world’s Prime Meridian. Look into the history of longitude at the National Maritime Museum then wander over the Queen’s House to admire the ornate architecture coating its entire interior. Greenwich is truly an area teeming with history, knowledge, and a rustic opulence waiting to be discovered again and again.
Transportation Connections
• Underground: North Greenwich station served by the Jubilee line
• Rail: Greenwich and Maze Hill stations served by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
• Bus: routes 177, 180, 188, 199, 286, 386, 53, 54, 108, 202, 380, 129, 132, 161, 188, 422, 472, 486
• River boat services running from Greenwich Pier, managed by London River Services
Things to Do in Greenwich
• Greenwich Market
• The National Maritime Museum
• Royal Greenwich Observatory
• Explore the Queen’s House
• Stand on the Prime Meridian!
• The Cutty Sark ship
• Walkthrough the 182 acre Royal Greenwich Park
• Walk in the Greenwich Foot Tunnel: the only walkable tunnel to go underneath the River Thames
• Stroll through Greenwich University
Brixton
Brixton is a district of south London which has a prominent street market and a large retail sector as well. It is a multiethnic community and is bordered by Stockwell, Clapham, Streatham, Camberwell, Tulse Hill and Herne Hill. Brixton is an artsy borough with great transit, a bustling nightlife, and plenty of places to tantalize your tastebuds.
In recent years, Brixton has transformed to be the forefront of UK grime/hip hop and has a large clubbing and live music scene. Brixton also boasts a rather large market: the Brixton Village Market. The market is now home to more than 20 new cafés, restaurants, and takeaways which has made it Brixton's culinary and cultural hub. Brixton is an unpolished and diverse community bursting with energy and people waiting to tell you their stories.
Transportation Connections
• Underground: Brixton station served by the Victoria line
• Bus: routes 2, 3, 35, 37, 45, 59, 109, 118, 133, 159, 196, 250, 322, 333, 345, 355, 432, 415, P4 and P5
Things to Do in Brixton
• Stroll through Brixton Village Market and sample tons of delicious cuisines; a great destination for budget eating
• Rollerblade around Stockwell Skatepark aka Brixton Beach
• Catch a film at The Ritzy: one of the best independent cinemas in London
• Drink tea in Brockwell Park at the café at the top of the hill
• Ponder the free galleries at the Brixton Art Gallery and the photo exhibitions at Photofusion
• Recover from the weekend at one of Brixton’s favorite cafes: Lounge, Franco Manca, Honest Burgers, Boqueria Tapas and heaps more
• Take a dip at Brockwell Lido: one of London's few remaining outdoor pools and a community favorite
Wandsworth
Wandsworth is a district in the London borough of Wandsworth in southwest London and forms part of Inner London. It is a largely residential area and wealthier than the London average. It is a vivacious area made up by a large amount of young and middle-aged professionals and families. Wandsworth has also become a small hub to many restaurants, boutiques and pubs. The former Battersea Power Station takes over the local skyline. The London borough of Wandsworth is the largest inner London borough with a population of just under 300,000. It is a mature area full of many people and many cultures.
Transportation Connections
• Underground: Clapham South, Balham, Tooting Bec, and Tooting Broadway stations all served by the Northern line, and East Putney and Southfields stations are both served by the District line
• Rail: National Rail services available
• Bridges: Chelsea Bridge, Albert Bridge, Battersea Bridge, Wandsworth Bridge, Putney Bridge
Things to Do in Wandsworth
• Explore Battersea Park
• Check out the arts at the Battersea Arts Centre
• Decorate your own pottery at the Pottery Café
• Dine at Chez Bruce, an award-winning Michelin-starred restaurant
Putney
Putney is a district in southwest London located in the borough of Wandsworth right on the River Thames. Putney has a famous rowing heritage as well which can often be observed by looking over Putney Bridge to the river below. Leafy Putney is popular with young families and young professionals. Putney maintains a peaceful and quiet environment while still remaining in Zone 2. House prices are more and Putney boasts a “village-esque” atmosphere. It maintains a small-town feel and undeniable charm while in the middle of a bustling city that never seems to sleep.
Putney is studded with numerous pubs and cafes around the area. Also, Putney Heath is an open space combining woodland and grass, complete with its own watering hole. Putney is a great place to wind down whether you’re looking for a pint after work, a walk in the park, or a relaxing day strolling through shops. Putney is a clean, safe, and affordable place to live with good pub and nightlife options.
Transportation Connections
• Underground: East Putney and Putney Bridge stations served by the District line
• Rail: National Rail services available
• Bus: routes 14, 22, 37, 39, 74, 85, 93, 220, 265, 270, 337, 424, 430 and 485 (Mon-Sat), and night buses; 14, N22, 37, N74, 85, 93, 220
Things to Do in Putney
• Sing your heart out at the renowned Half Moon Pub, which hosts open mic nights as well as gigs from up and coming performers
• Take a cooking class at the Avenue Cookery School
• Sift through a massive collection of vinyls at Soul Brother Records
• Relax in Wandsworth Park
• Walk along the River Thames
• Walk along Putney High Street
• Watch a play at the Putney Arts Theatre
Fulham
Fulham is an area in southwest London. It lies on the north bank of the Thames, between Putney and Chelsea. It is one of the capital’s most popular residential areas and the properties are some of London’s most expensive. Once a rub-down and shabby area of London, it is now recognized and booming - busy with shops, pubs, boutiques, and restaurants for miles. Having been through many transformations in its history, Fulham is now a widely green London area with a huge variety of restaurants. Fulham is a very posh neighborhood very popular with young professionals. It offers a relaxed environment and was voted as the UK’s most desirable area in 2012.
Transportation Connections
• Underground: Putney Bridge, Parsons Green, and Fulham Broadway stations served by the District line
• Bus: routes 14, 22, 211 and 414 which head into town – there are also buses to Clapham Junction, South Kensington, and Sloane Square
Things to Do in Fulham
• Check out many of the vintage and antique shops lining Lillie Road
• Visit any of the many parks in Fulham including Bishops Park, Fulham Palace, Hurlingham Park, and the exclusive Hurlingham Club
• Visit the Union Market for organic and locally sourced food choices
• Visit the famous Slug and Lettuce pub/bar
• Get your everyday fruit and veg from the North End Market
• Stop along Wandsworth Bridge Road for a huge variety of unique home goods
• Spend the day exploring Fulham Broadway
• Shopping Centre fit with cafes, restaurant chains, a cinema, and health club
• Dine at London’s first Michelin-starred gastro pub, Harwood Arms
Wimbledon
Wimbledon is a suburban district of southwest London. Wimbledon is home to the world famous tennis championships, the London’s grandest common, and the New Wimbledon Theatre. Wimbledon is a flourishing borough rich with heritage, charm, and an almost country atmosphere even though it is only seven miles away from central London. There are many shopping and eating options available and is an area loved by Londoners.
Wimbledon is a quiet, picturesque area full of suburban charm and urban amenities. Its markets are mainly organic and boutiques are mostly locally-owned. Excellent transport links, outstanding shopping, and exceptional local schools attract an assorted crowd to Wimbledon.
Transportation Connections
• Underground: Wimbledon, Wimbledon Park, and Southfields stations all served by the District line
• Rail: National Rail services available
• Bus: routes 57 (to Clapham), the 93 (to Putney), the 156 (to Vauxhall), the 164 (to Sutton) and the 493 (to Richmond); night bus services include N87 and N155 running to and from central London
Things to Do in Wimbledon
• Sunbathe, exercise, or picnic in any of Wimbledon’s leafy parks: Cannizaro Park, Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common, and Wimbledon Park
• Escape to Wimbledon Village packed with shops, boutiques, and cafes
• Shop ‘til you drop in any of Wimbledon’s top shopping areas: Wimbledon Village, Wimbledon High Street, or Centre Court
• Explore the local museums: The Windmill, The All England Lawn Tennis Club, and Southside House
• Grab drinks and dinner at Lawn Bistro, Sticks and Sushi, Fox & Grapes, or Sultan: any of Wimbledon’s top hotspots
Clapham
Clapham is a district of south London and truly offers something for everyone. Clapham boasts Clapham Common to the south, Brixton to the east, and Kennington to the north. Chic Clapham is one of south London’s most popular enclaves to reside. A vibrant high street, an expansive 220 acres of Common, a busy cultural scene, and rich nightlife keeps its residents busy at all hours.
Clapham attracts a young crowd due to the party atmosphere, great transport links, and intramural sporting options scattered around the Common. Clapham is well-suited for commuters but it has become a destination of its own due to the numerous cafes, pubs, and wine bars attracting an easy-going group that appreciates a no-fuss, approachable atmosphere.
Transportation Connections
• Underground: Clapham North, Clapham Common, Clapham South, and Clapham High Street stations all served by the Northern line
• Rail: National Rail services available via Victoria and Clapham Junction
• Bus: routes 35 (to Shoreditch), 39 (to Putney), 87 (to Aldwych), 170 (to Victoria), the 219 (to Wimbledon) and the 337 (to Richmond); night buses include the N35, the N137 and the N155
Things to Do in Clapham
• Chill out, wind down, go for a run, participate in a team sport, and take the opportunity to meet new people and socialize in Clapham Common
• In the summers, hit up the annual Common Fayre, firework displays, sporting events (including the charity run Race for Life), circuses, and funfairs
• Get fruit and veg at Abbeville and Venn Street farmers’ markets
• Explore Clapham Old Town
• Stroll along the pavements and admire the fine Victorian architecture
• Enjoy live music at Venn Street Records or Bread & Roses
• Try 409; the small but highly-rated restaurant secretly located above Clapham North pub
Wapping
Wapping is a district in east London in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is situated between the north bank of the River Thames and the ancient thoroughfare simply called The Highway. Because of its location by the river, Wapping has a strong maritime character as seen in the riverside houses and public steps.
Wapping is home to the oldest pub in London, the historic Prospect of Whitby, which dates back to around 1520. You can grab a pint there and walk across the bridge to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the King Edward VII Memorial Park and check out the riverside views.
Transportation Connections
• Underground: Tower Hill station via the Circle and District lines
• Rail: National Rail services available
Things to Do in Wapping
• Victualler Wine Bar
• The Wapping Project
• Wapping Rose Gardens
• Wilton’s Grand Music Hall
• Tobacco Dock
• Wapping Hockey Club
• St. Katherine’s dock
Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green is newly being reinvented into a diamond borough in east London. It remains as one of the most diverse and vintage boroughs in and around London. Bethnal Green comes completely alive on the weekends with people of the neighbourhood at the park or in the pubs. Since it is still up and coming, it’s a bargain hunter’s paradise.
Bethnal Green’s addition of boutiques of all kinds is rapidly assisting in its upswing. Boutique hotels and boutique firms are putting Bethnal Green on the map, but its lively and multicultural atmosphere also lend itself to a young, hip crowd. Also, Bethnal Green is quite artsy with a large graffiti scene, art galleries on practically every street, and many artists, musicians, and designers trying to make it big.
Transportation Connections
• Underground: Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, and Stepney Green stations served by the Central line
• Rail: National Rail services available
• Bus: 8, 106, 254, 309, 388, D3, and D6; night routes are N8 and N253
Things to Do in Bethnal Green
• Stroll down Columbia Road and shops
• Visit the Columbia Flower Market
• Haggerston Park and Community Orchard
• Find cheap goods at the £1 shops on Bethnal Green Road
• Stroll and admire the streets’ graffiti
The Docklands
The Docklands is an area in east and southeast London. It was once the world's largest port, but now has been redeveloped for commercial and residential use. The Docklands is an increasingly desirable place to reside and is an ever-growing business centre.
Four popular places to live in the Docklands are Canning Town, Royal Victoria, Cross Harbour, and West Ferry. Canning Town hosts the O2 and is a tremendous transport connection hub along with West Ferry, Royal Victoria is home to the Emirates Air Line gondola lifts, and Cross Harbour is generously leafy. The Docklands is a large area with plenty of restaurants, unique shops, small and large businesses, and a maritime environment.
Transportation Connections
• Underground: Jubilee line
• Rail: served primarily by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
Things to Do in the Docklands
• Walk the Greenwich Foot Tunnel; the only walkable tunnel to go underneath the River Thames
• Canada Square Park
• Canary Wharf Jazz Festival (in August)
• Lunchtime or evening picnic in Jubilee Park
• Riverside walk from Canary riverside towards Tower Bridge
• British Music Experience: Britain's interactive museum of popular music
• Catch the Emirates Air Line for great views of the Docklands, the River, and the O2
• Medieval Banquets full of contortionists, wenches, and sword fighting