London Guide: Ten Things To Do In Blackheath London. If you want to combine a weekend stroll with shopping and eating, Blackheath is worth a visit. This idyllic village lies in South East London between the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Lewisham. The sprawling Heath sits snuggly against Greenwich Park, a World Heritage Site with prestigious tourist attractions. Blackheath village is a pleasant place to enjoy a bite to eat and a leisurely browse around boutiques. If you haven’t visited before I hope my Ten Things To Do In Blackheath London list will tempt you to explore London SE3.
Blackheath Heath: Blackheath SE3
Ten Things To Do In Blackheath London List
10 Things To Do In Blackheath
1. Stroll across the Heath at Blackheath
2. Admire the beautiful All Saints’ Church
3. Visit The Wernher Collection at the Ranger’s House
4. Explore beautiful Blackheath Village
5. Shop in Blackheath
6. Dine and drink in Blackheath
7. Buy organic fruit and veg at the Blackheath Farmers’ Market
8. Seek out the Pagoda House
9. Listen to live music at Blackheath Halls
10. Cross over into Greenwich Park to see the Greenwich World Heritage Sites
Ten Things To Do In Blackheath London Details
Blackheath Heath: The Green Flag Heath at Blackheath is one of the biggest areas of common land in Greater London with 275 acres. Blackheath is separated from Greenwich Park by Charlton Way, spanning the boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham. The Blackheath name derives from the ‘dark soil’ rather than the black death as some may think. You are likely to come across a large-scale event such as a funfair, fireworks or charity race taking place on this land. At some points on the Heath, you are graced with a stunning view of Canary Wharf. Look out for Whitefield’s Mount which is a mound of earth where the 18th-century preacher called Whitefield made speeches. Wat Tyler made a rousing speech to rebels during the Peasant’s Revolt in 1381. Another historic memorial is the water fountain erected in 1897 by the inhabitants of Blackheath to commemorate the 60th year of the reign of Queen Victoria. The Prince of Wales Pond near the Princess of Wales Pub is a lovely spot to sit down on a bench.
Whitefield’s Mount: Blackheath SE3 Near Goffers Road
All Saints’ Church: The charming church on the Heath with its stunning spire and stonework was built in 1857/8. The architect was Benjamin Ferrey and the building has Grade 2 listed status. Today, the church is part of the Diocese of Southwark, which is the Cathedral on Bankside, near London Bridge.
All Saint’s Church: All Saints Drive, The Heath, SE3 0TH
The Wernher Collection at the Ranger’s House: This English Heritage Georgian villa lies on the boundary of Blackheath and Greenwich Park. Aside from the stunning architecture, inside you will find a collection of works of art amassed by Sir Julius Wernher who was a 19th-century businessman. This includes Renaissance paintings, Dutch Old Masters, French tapestries, medieval sculptures, jewellery and more. Visit the rose garden at the back of The Ranger’s House which takes you into Greenwich Park.
The Ranger’s House: Chesterfield Walk, SE10 3QX
Blackheath Village: This historical village dates back to the early eleventh century. You’ll find everything you’d expect in a village from a butcher (John Charles) to a baker (La Petite Boulangerie Jade), greengrocer (Village Fruit and Veg), and florist (Village Flower Shop). Then you have a collection of cafes, restaurants, and shops which makes this a wonderful place to visit at the weekend. A few streets to explore in the vicinity include Blackheath Village, Tranquil Vale, Montpelier Vale, Royal Parade and Lee Road.
Blackheath Village and Nearby Streets: SE3
Blackheath Shops: You will find plenty of interior shops including Selectric (household appliances), The Fabric Shop (curtains and upholstery), Farrow and Ball (wallpaper and paint), Fired Earth (tiles and paint), Topps Tiles (tiles), WC One (bathroom and kitchens) and John Lewis of Hungerford (kitchens). Women’s fashion boutiques range from Highstreet chains such as Oliver Bonas to Jigsaw, Whistles, Oska, Phase 8 and Sweaty Betty plus a few independents. I love the Hortus horticultural shop which sells indoor plants along with adorable gifts. Read my Hortus Home and Plant Shop Review here. Pop into The Bookshop on the Heath which opened in 1949!
Bookshop On The Heath: 74 Tranquil Vale, SE3 0BW
Blackheath Cafes, Restaurants, and Pubs: Eateries include The Ivy, Cote Brasserie, Café Rouge, Buenos Aires Café, Bianco 43, Avocado Garden, Gail’s Bakery, Montpelier’s, Madeline’s, Hand Made Food and more. You can drink and dine in one of the pubs from The Railway to the Hare and Billet, Princess of Wales or the Zerodegrees Microbrewery.
The Ivy: 43-45 Montpelier Vale, SE3 0TJ
Blackheath Farmers’ Market: The Blackheath station carpark becomes home to a cute farmers’ market every Sunday from 10 am until 2 pm. You can buy fresh fruit, veg, bread, and other delicious food. It’s not a big market but it is popular and has a family-friendly vibe.
Blackheath Farmers’ Market: Blackheath Station Carpark, SE3 9LA
Pagoda House: A short walk from the Heath is a house in the style of a Chinese Pagoda. It was built around 1760 for the fourth Earl of Cardigan as a summer house. It has been used for different purposes over the years and is now privately owned. If you love architecture allow time to walk around Blackheath where you can admire the imposing Georgian and Victorian houses. This is a wealthy neighbourhood with many of the roads classified as private.
Pagoda House: Pagoda Gardens, SE3 0RE
Blackheath Halls: This is an entertainment venue and concert hall housed in a purpose-built complex built by William Webster back in 1895. Inside you will find a 600 seat Great Hall, 160 seat Recital Room, and licensed café bar. The acoustics are said to be outstanding. You can listen to everything from folk music, classical recitals, comedy or literary events. It is owned by a subsidiary of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance. Next door is The Conservatoire, a community arts education and events space. Seek out the café with outdoor sandpit if you have kids with you.
Blackheath Halls: 23 Lee Road, SE3 9RQ
Greenwich Park World Heritage Site: When you have completed your tour of Blackheath, cross over into Greenwich Park to visit the prestigious attractions. These include The Meridian Line, The Royal Observatory, Monuments, Rose Garden and a spectacular view of London. The National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House are situated on the edge of the park.
Greenwich Park: Rose Garden, SE10 8QY
Ten Things To Do In Blackheath London Information
To explore this area of South East London you can travel to Blackheath Railway Station. When you exit, you’ll find the shops and restaurants close by which is very handy indeed. Discover more about Blackheath History on Wikipedia. Check out the Blackheath Society Website and Blackheath Village Website for more information. To see more photographs of the area see my Love Blackheath London Pinterest Board. Allow enough time to cross over into Greenwich Park on your visit. For more information read my Ten Things To Do In Greenwich article. I hope you enjoy your visit to London SE3!
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: Homeboy and Rich for accompanying me on one of the visits.
