My list of the ten best things to do in Vauxhall gives you a prompt to explore this corner of London, which stretches across SW8 and SE11. It might be known for high-rise flats and busy transport links, but look a little closer and you’ll find plenty to enjoy. From cutting-edge art galleries to a working city farm, peaceful riverside walks and one of London’s largest flower markets, Vauxhall is full of unexpected places to eat, explore and unwind. You can browse Damien Hirst’s private collection, tuck into a big breakfast at a cosy café come theatre, or enjoy a set lunch in a Georgian mansion surrounded by antiques. It’s a neighbourhood that doesn’t shout for attention but quietly rewards anyone who takes the time to wander through it.
I had fun compiling my top ten list of the best things to do in Vauxhall, it’s in logical rather than priority order:
1. See Damien Hirst’s collection at Newport Street Gallery
2. Discover experimental art at Beaconsfield Gallery
3. Talk to the animals at Vauxhall City Farm
4. Relax in the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
5. Saunter along the Thames Path
6. Smell the roses at New Covent Garden Market
7. Play padel at Game4Padel
8. Stop for caffeine at Unique Coffee
9. Tuck into breakfast at the Tea House Theatre
10. Enjoy a set lunch at Brunswick House
My Favourite Ten Things To Do In Vauxhall
1. See Damien Hirst’s collection at Newport Street Gallery. This art gallery occupies several former industrial buildings and shows contemporary work from Damien Hirst’s collection. The gallery is calm and well-designed, entry is free, and there’s a café on site designed with Hirst’s ‘Pharmacy’ concept. It’s one of the most striking spaces in the area. Newport Street, London SE11 6AJ.
2. Discover experimental art at Beaconsfield Gallery. This independent space focuses on sound, installation and experimental art. You never quite know what you’ll find there, and that’s part of the appeal. It offers a platform for high-quality, thought-provoking work across a range of media. 22 Newport Street, London SE11 6AY.
3. Talk to the animals at Vauxhall City Farm. Here you’ll discover a collection of alpacas, sheep, goats, rabbits and chickens. With a cosy café and a peaceful community garden growing herbs and veggies, it’s a lovely place to take the kids. 165 Tyers Street, London SW8 1TP.
4. Relax in the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. In the eighteenth century, this park was known for its wild parties. Today it’s a mix of lawns, shaded paths and basketball courts. With a row of bars and eateries facing the park, it’s a social part of Vauxhall to hang out. Tyers Street, London SE11 5HL.
5. Saunter along the Thames Path. Head toward Battersea Power Station, where you’ll get amazing views of its iconic chimneys in the distance. The stretch around the Albert Embankment is dotted with riverside bars and restaurants, making it a lovely route to explore on foot. Albert Embankment, London SE1.
6. Smell the roses at New Covent Garden Market. This is the UK’s largest wholesale market for flowers, fruit and veggies. Although the market leans more towards trade buyers, you can gain access from 4 am to 10 am on weekdays. Nine Elms Lane, London, SW8 5BH.
7. Play padel at Game4Padel. If you’re new to this fast-paced sport, you can book lessons at this central Vauxhall venue. It’s also a fun place to meet up with friends, with courts for hire and drinks available on site. Vauxhall Square, London SW8 2LX.
8. Stop for caffeine at Unique Coffee. I popped in for an iced latte and almond croissant before I visited the Newport Street Gallery. It’s small, contemporary, and the service is friendly. 63 Black Prince Road, London SE11 6AB.
9. Tuck into breakfast at the Tea House Theatre. For a cosy, big British brekkie experience, pop into this café and theatre. It’s quirky and cluttered inside with an extensive tea list. They serve fry-ups, afternoon tea and Sunday roasts. 139 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5HL.
10. Enjoy a set lunch at Brunswick House. This Georgian mansion-turned-restaurant is full of salvaged chandeliers, antique mirrors and oddities, all of which are for sale from Lassco. The menu changes with the seasons, and they do a reasonably priced set lunch, which I tried and loved. 30 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2LG.
Helpful Information About Vauxhall
Vauxhall is part of the Borough of Lambeth and stretches across the SW8 and SE11 postcodes. SW8 covers the bulk of the neighbourhood, while SE11 reaches toward Kennington and the Thames. Surrounded by Nine Elms, Kennington, Battersea and Pimlico, it’s a centrally located area that often flies under the radar. Vauxhall is exceptionally well connected, with National Rail, the Victoria Line, a major bus interchange and the Thames Clippers riverboat service all operating from the station.
In recent years, it has been reshaped by significant regeneration, particularly within the Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea (VNEB) zone. New residential buildings, cultural landmarks and green spaces have emerged, bringing fresh energy to the area. Quietly central and steadily evolving, Vauxhall offers a mix of old character, community involvement and new ideas, best discovered on foot.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Newport Street Gallery Vauxhall
Breakfast At The Tea House Theatre Vauxhall
Set Lunch At Brunswick House Vauxhall
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit.