Quality of life:

Situated between better-known Brixton and Dulwich, Herne Hill shares characteristics with both. Currently undergoing the first stages of “gentrification”, with up-scale bars and boutiques moving in, Herne Hill promises a real mix: from old-fashioned pubs and quiet residential streets, to art-galleries and the excellent Brockwell Park. It’s popular with its residents. Better still, it’s central.

Architecture/places of interest:

Brockwell Lido on Dulwich Road is, justifiably, a legend, and there’s no better spot to observe Londoners in the spring and summer.

Constructed between 1811 and 1813, Brockwell Hall is now a Grade II listed building. The house was built for John Blades, a wealthy glass maker, and can best be described as 'free Grecian'. The cast iron verandah on the south side and the 'Raj' style bell turret on the service wing were added in Victorian times. Since 1892, the Hall has served as a refreshment/café for visitors to the stunning Brockwell Park.

Herne Hill also has London's last full-scale concrete cycling track, with a rich history of producing Olympic champions.

Between Herne Hill Road and Half Moon Lane (A215), is the post-WW1 "homes-for-heroes" Sunray Estate. Rural-looking cottages abound in a sea of trees and grass verges and the whole site is classed as an area of special architectural character.

Travel Links:

Herne Hill is particularly well-served by trains, and residents typically make use of numerous stations: Brixton, Herne Hill, Tulse Hill and West, East and North Dulwich.

Herne Hill station itself is near the junction of five main roads, between Railton Road and Milkwood Road, although there are major issues with congestion. There have also been rumours of an extension of the Victoria line towards Herne Hill, but the nearest tube station remains Brixton. The area is served by many buses, including numbers 3, 37, 68, 196, 322 and 201.

Restaurants:

3 Monkeys, Olley's, Café Provencal, Pullen's Café.

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