24 cute things to do in South London this weekend
Looking for things to do in South London this weekend? I’ve lived here for ten years and over that decade have spent so many evenings, weekends and bank holidays mooching around finding the best spots to go to, so you don’t have to! We’re South London’s number one fans and there’s nothing we love more than persuading people to head down over the river to check it out. So if you’re looking for the best independent places to eat, drink, and visit in South London! Incuding dog friendly things to do in South London! We’ve got you.
Here are 24 ideas of cute things to do in Crystal Palace, Herne Hill, Penge, Peckham, London Bridge, Tooting, Brixton and beyond.
1) HAVE A BOOZY LUNCH AT WESTOW HOUSE IN CRYSTAL PALACE
We have been going to Westow House for the past four years, in fact, it was one of the first spots we visited when I was thinking about moving here! So it has a really special place in my heart! They’ve just got a new Head Chef who’s totally renovated their menu and the food is deliiiiightful! Plus it’s super dog friendly, too.
4) TAKE INSTANT PICS TO MEMORIALISE THIS TIME IN YOUR LIFE AT THE RITZY IN BRIXTON (AND SEE A FILM WHILE YOU’RE THERE)
One thing we love doing while we’re at the iconic Ritzy cinema in Brixton is take instant pictures in their Photo Booth. They’re a cute way to memorialise a special time or day. You might also want to see a film while you’re there, or check out one of their free acoustic music nights!
7) DISCOVER THE BEST SMALL BRANDS AT SALAD DAYS MARKET
It can be really hard to find small brands! Especially if you’re looking for something specific and really special. That’s exactly why we set up our market - to help you connect, discover and shop with the UK’s most talented makers! We host monthly pop-ups all around South London bringing together a curated edit of fashion, homeware, jewellery, fresh flowers and more. Our events are always free, and dog friendly so they’re the perfect place to meet a group of friends.
10) DRINK IN THE BEST VIEW OF THE CITY AT FORZA WINE IN PECKHAM
There are so many reasons to go to Forza Wine… the drinks, the soft serve, and the bloody incredible view. Wind your way up a few flights of stairs to get to this mini oasis above the city, and spend a few hours staring out across it. Nothing better than a cocktail with a seriously good view. Even if you only fancy one drink, it’s worth it for the view. Book a table to watch the sun set!
2) SOAK UP THE ATMOSPHERE AT THIS PEACEFUL SECRET GARDEN IN LONDON BRIDGE
After visiting Borough Market (another incredible thing to do in South London! Don’t miss the incredible freshly made paella!) we love nothing more than mooching down Redcross Way to the secret Red Cross Gardens, to while away a few peaceful hours soaking up the atmosphere.
5) SHOP LONDON’S BEST BOUTIQUES IN PECHKAM
It’s really hard to find good independent boutiques in London. Peckham has not one, but two, of our favourite of all time! Lamp London on Maxted Road has the loveliest exterior and a divine edit of homeware from small brands. There’s always something gorgeous there to pick up! And just two minutes away is Day Boutique on Bellenden Road, run by three sissies! They have a fab edit of womenswear, and are the loveliest women ever.
8) TAKE A FRESH DIP AT THE OPEN AIR LIDO IN BROCKWELL PARK
This iconic lido has been running for almost 100 years! First opened in 1937, it was closed in 1990 but after a campaign by locals was reopened in 1994 and has been serving the community ever since. Come rain or shine, you’ll see people taking a dip. Stop in to 400 Rabbits next door to enjoy a tipple overlooking the pool afterwards. Their outside deck has a whole Tiki vibe going on.
11) PICK UP A CHEESEBOARD AT LITTLE MOUSE IN NORWOOD JUNCTION
Cheese shops are not all equal! This independently run one in Norwood Junction, just a few mins from the station, is the best of the best. They source the UK’s finest artisan cheeses including my personal fave… baron bigod. Pick up a selection of British cheese, a baguette, and a bottle of wine, lay your table with all your favourite fancy bits, and enjoy.
3) EAT THE BEST BRUNCH OF YOUR ENTIRE LIFE AT JULIETS IN TOOTING
Looking for the best independent brunch spot in South London? We’ve found it!! Look no further than Juliets Quality Foods. This place is run by the lovely Lauren and Julian (the brains behind Balham’s Milk) and has a menu full of insanely good stuff! The shrimp burger is our personal fave, and don’t forget a side of hash browns! You can also pick up bits to take home at their in-store deli. I dream about this place on the daily.
6) BAG GIANT SANDOS FROM THE ICONIC CHATSWORTH BAKEHOUSE IN CRYSTAL PALACE
Independently run Chatsworth Bakehouse popped up in lockdown, run by couple Sian and Tom. They have quickly become known for their giant queues, freshly baked pizza slices, honey pie and… GIANT SANDOS. These guys are the best in the biz, serving freshly baked delights and loads of good chat on Anerley Road. Expect queues so get their early. Totally worth the wait though.
9) TRY A NEW WINE AT UNWINED IN TOOTING MARKET
There is so much to see, do and eat in Tooting Market, it’s one of South London’s most under appreciated spots IMHO!! One of our fave places there is Unwined. Genuinely the best wine bar you’ll ever go to, their staff are so knowledgeable and always on hand with top reccos, plus it’s so reasonably priced. Divine wines without the pomp and fuss. Plus there are a million amazing other spots to eat and drink at in the market, so you can start your evening here then take a wander.
12) VISIT A COOL EXHIBITION AT THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM IN FOREST HILL
The Horniman is an incredible historic building that’s home to some super interesting (free!) exhibitions. It also has lush gardens, a mini farm and an amazing view over London so is a really lovely place to visit with kids.
13) Grab a Bahn mi from Viet Van at Crystal Palace Park Market, which is on every Sunday. Don’t miss the cheese straws from Oliver’s Bakery too
14) Immerse yourself in nature at Beddington Park. Take the pups and kids for a walk; you could even take a dip in the river there if it’s hot
15) Rent pedalos in Dulwich Park or Crystal Palace Park! They’re only a few quid and are a really fun thing to do with the whole family, especially on a sunny day
16) Drink the best cocktails of your life at Funkidory cocktail bar in Peckham. I simply cannot rate this place highly enough! The perfect date spot
17) Head to Battersea Power Station to soak up the atmosphere, shop, drink or even take a ride in their glass lift, Lift 109! At the top you get 360 degree views of the city
18) Get a new book from the book shop in Sydenham. I loved Mary Portas “Rebuild” and Naoise Dolan “Exciting Times”
19) Take a walk through the historic dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park which have been newly renovated with a 99 flake from Mister Creamy
20) Drink in the historic beauty of Beckenham Place Mansion in Beckenham Place Park. They also regularly host markets and events, plus they have multiple restaurants and cafes on site
21) Pick up delish groceries from Penge General Store! They have loads of fresh things like bread and cheese, plus a huge range of deli items from the best small producers
22) Sip some tinnies while sitting next to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich then walk up to the Royal Observatory or grab a pint at The Plume of Feathers
23) Check out the Art Deco interior at Eltham Palace, it looks absolutely gorgeous
24) Bag yourself a unique antique find over at Crystal Palace Antiques on Jasper Road in Crystal Palace; four floors of vintage and antique furniture!