My list of the ten best things to do in Ladywell, London SE13, gives you an idea of what this charming corner of Lewisham has in store. Ladywell sits between Brockley, Crofton Park and Lewisham itself. Known for its village feel, generous green spaces and some lovely cafés, eateries and independent shops. The main shopping strip, Ladywell Road, received a significant facelift in 2013 with wider pavements, new trees and short-stay parking bays to encourage browsing. You’ll find everything you need for daily life from coffee shops to butchers, green grocers and delis. Ladywell Fields and Hilly Fields provide a welcome expanse of greenery, making the area popular with dog walkers, young families and anyone seeking a slower pace while staying well-connected to central London.
Here’s my favourite things to do in Ladywell list, in a logical rather than priority order:
1. Wander through Ladywell Fields
2. Enjoy the views at Hilly Fields
3. Connect with nature in the Therapeutic Garden
4. Start your day at Oscar’s Café
5. Treat yourself to lunch or dinner at Wilson’s
6. Get your pizza fix at Mamma Dough
7. Book Sunday lunch at The Ladywell Tavern
8. Find great gifts at Gently Ladywell
9. Stock up on deli delights at The Larder
10. Shop sustainably at Plenty SE13
My Favourite Ten Best Things To Do In Ladywell
1. Wander through Ladywell Fields. You’ll appreciate this long stretch of green space beside the station, made up of three fields running along the River Ravensbourne and linking Ladywell with Catford. The park has tennis courts, a skate park, children’s play areas, cycle routes and plenty of space for riverside walks or summer picnics. You’ll find Good Hope Café not far from the entrance on Ladyfield Road, serving refreshments with outdoor seating.
2. Enjoy the views at Hilly Fields. This is a beautiful public park with wide-ranging views across London’s skyline. Opened in 1896 after a successful campaign led by Octavia Hill, it remains popular for its walking trails, playground, tennis courts and orchard. A small café serves baguettes, toasties and ice cream, making it a perfect spot to relax. Hilly Fields Crescent, Adelaide Avenue, Montague Avenue and Eastern Road border the park.
3. Connect with nature in the Therapeutic Garden. Within the grounds of St Mary the Virgin Lewisham church, you’ll find serene grounds designed to nurture mental wellbeing through the restorative act of gardening. It features perennial beds, wildflower meadows, an orchard and raised vegetable plots with places to sit. 346 Lewisham High Street, London SE13 6LE.
4. Start your day at Oscar’s Café. A friendly neighbourhood spot loved for its excellent coffee, warm service and tasty food. With a calm atmosphere and a sunny garden, it’s a popular place for breakfast, brunch or an unhurried coffee. The menu ranges from breakfast bagels and kimcheese toasties to fish finger sandwiches, pastries and sweet treats. I tried the posh tomatoes on toast with a latte, simple but delicious. 48 Ladywell Road, London SE13 7UZ.
5. Treat yourself to lunch or dinner at Wilson’s. A relaxed bistro celebrated for its locally sourced menu and carefully chosen wine list. The cooking is simple yet packed with flavour. I tried savoury profiteroles filled with goat’s cheese, mushrooms on toast and a crumble with ice cream and strawberries. With its cosy atmosphere, Wilson’s is ideal for a date night or a laid-back meal with friends. 77 Ladywell Road, London SE13 7JA.
6. Get your pizza fix at Mamma Dough. A much-loved South London sourdough pizzeria known for fresh, hand-made dough and bold toppings. The menu ranges from classics like Margherita to inventive creations such as The Gorgfather with Parma ham and figs, alongside tasty vegetarian and vegan options. Pair your pizza with a craft beer. 40 Ladywell Road, London SE13 7UZ.
7. Book Sunday lunch at The Ladywell Tavern. A popular with locals, serving generous roasts with all the trimmings. Options include 60-day dry-aged beef, slow-roasted porchetta, herb-fed chicken, or a vegetarian or vegan wellington, each plated with crispy roast potatoes, seasonal veg, Yorkshire pudding (where applicable), and lashings of gravy. 80 Ladywell Road, London SE13 7HS.
8. Find great gifts at Gently Ladywell. If you’re looking for lovely things for a friend or yourself, you’ll enjoy browsing this super cute store. They stock everything from greeting cards, adorable gifts for kids, home accessories, scented candles, tableware and beauty products at 46 Ladywell Road, London SE13 7UZ.
9. Stock up on deli delights at The Larder. An award-winning deli and general store offering tempting treats along with artisan bread, British and European cheeses, charcuterie, wines, beers, and much more at 71 Ladywell Road, SE13 7JA.
10. Shop sustainably at Plenty SE13. A brilliant whole-food pantry offering sustainable, organic and health-focused essentials. From cereals, grains and pulses to pasta, nuts, dried fruit, flour and sugar, you can stock up on everyday staples and fill your containers with precisely the amount you need. London SE13 7JA.
Helpful Information About Ladywell
Ladywell sits within the borough of Lewisham in South East London. It has its own National Rail station, with trains reaching London Bridge in under 15 minutes, while nearby Lewisham Station provides DLR links to Canary Wharf and Bank. Local bus routes connect Ladywell with Brockley, Catford, Lewisham and Greenwich. The neighbourhood borders Brockley to the north, Lewisham town centre to the east and Catford to the south. Compact and walkable, Ladywell is ideal to explore on foot, with plenty of dog-friendly cafés offering outdoor seating.
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Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.