Living in South West London – SW Postcodes

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What’s it like to live in SW London? If you’re thinking of buying a house here, you’ll want as much information as you can get about all the important things, like the best places to eat and drink, schools in the area, and transport links.
 

History of South West London

There have been settlements south of the Thames for a long time. Clapham, for example, was mentioned in the Domesday Book, and it’s believed that there was an Iron Age fort in Wimbledon. As with most of London, the south west developed with the industrial revolution, becoming busy hubs for commuters and workers.
 

Culture in South West London

South west London is one of the greenest areas of the city, and it’s perfect for buyers who want to experience a slice of countryside life. Richmond Park is a favourite for families who go there for horse riding, deer spotting and rambling. Other impressive green spaces in the area include Wimbledon Common, where you might spot a Womble. Don’t miss Tooting Bec Lido, which is the biggest freshwater swimming pool in the country.

You’ll also find some of the most iconic London attractions in this part of the city. South West London is home to the fantastic V&A, a must-visit for lovers of art and design, as well as the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington.
 

Food & Drink in South West London

From Michelin-starred fine dining to cheap and cheerful bites to eat, there’s something for everyone in SW London. If brunch is your thing, you’ll find a plethora of places to go in the area – try The Dairy in Clapham or Fresh Ground in Battersea for relaxed weekend eating.

Clapham is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, Trinity, where you can try haute cuisine for an affordable price if you opt for their lunchtime deal.

There are also plenty of choices for a drink, whether you’re looking for a casual afternoon pint, or a big night out. You’ll find a great choice of gastropubs in the area, including The Prince Albert in Battersea and The Falcon in Clapham, just a short hop from pretty Clapham Common.
 

Shopping in South West London

South West London is great if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of central London’s main shopping streets, and swap it for a more unique retail experience. Streatham, Brixton, Vauxhall and Clapham are all gems for independent shopping, and you can find a great array of clothing shops, homeware and local grocery stores. Wimbledon Village champions small stores rather than big supermarket shopping, and there you’ll find independent bakeries, butchers and grocers.

You also can’t mention shopping in SW London without giving a nod to South Kensington. There, you can find some of the city’s most exclusive shopping destinations, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
 

Schools in South West London

South west London is particularly popular with families, due to its open green spaces and good schools. The London Oratory School in Fulham is one of the UK’s oldest state-funded Catholic schools, and caters to boys aged 7-18 and girls aged 16-18. Ofsted rate it as ‘Outstanding’. Dunraven School in Streatham is another well-regarded school, also rated ‘Outstanding’.

There are also excellent primary schools in the area. Wimbledon Park Primary School is rated by Ofsted as ‘Outstanding’, and has a focus on personal development of its pupils. St Boniface RC Primary School in Tooting is also rated ‘Outstanding’, and has an active PTA with lots of family-focused events throughout the year.
 

Transport in South West London

The tube doesn’t cover south west London as extensively as north London, so if you want to be close to an underground station, you should carefully consider where you buy a house. Wimbledon is on the District line, and Tooting is on the Northern line. However, there’s more to transport in London than the tube!

Clapham and Battersea are both well-connected. Despite the name, Clapham Junction station is actually situated in Battersea, and it’s not connected to the underground service, but it does serve as the busiest railway station in Europe. SW London is also well placed for easy motorway access, and it couldn’t be easier to get to Heathrow Airport for those times when you need to get out of the city.
 
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