London Guide: Ten Things To Do In Brixton. If you love a good market, delicious street food, and live music, Brixton in South London has it all. Some of the major attractions include the historic arcades, which are now home to independent businesses. The daily Brixton Markets lining the streets near the station is another big draw. You can hang out at the Pop Brixton shipping container community on a sunny day. Or perhaps you’d rather dance the night away at one of the gig venues. Read my Ten Things To Do In Brixton List to find out more.
Sir Henry Tate Bust Outside Tate Library Brixton (he brought the sugar cube to Britain!)
Ten Things To Do In Brixton List
10 Things To Do In Brixton List:
1. Shop, drink and eat at Brixton Village and Market Row Arcades
2. Rummage around the Brixton Markets
3. Hang out at Pop Brixton, the shipping container creative community
4. Admire the Grade II* Listed Brixton Windmill
5. Celebrate the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain at the Black Cultural Archives
6. Dine at the award-winning Clink Restaurant in Brixton Prison
7. Enjoy the splendour of the Edwardian Ruskin Park
8. Rent a desk or book a table for dinner at The Department Store
9. Visit David Bowie’s childhood home
10. Dance the night away at one of the music venues
Come In Love Railway Bridge Signage
Ten Things To Do In Brixton Details
Brixton Village and Market Row: These two historic arcades date back to the 1930s. Today, they are packed full of independent shops, galleries, eateries, cafés, and bars. The stores sell a mix of household essentials, gorgeous gifts, and fabulous fashion accessories. You can sample a range of cuisines, sip an artisan coffee or a cool cocktail. Both arcades are undercover and open seven days a week which is perfect for all-year-round socialising and shopping!
Brixton Village and Market Row: Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS
Brixton Markets: Brixton is the place to visit if you love markets. Explore the streets located near Brixton Village and Market Row, which include Electric Avenue, Pope’s Road and Brixton Station Road. You will see an array of street traders selling everything from catering equipment to fresh fruit and veg. There are various themed markets hosted in the vicinity. For example, the Farmers’ Market is on Sundays from 9.30 am until 2 pm. Others range from Bakers to Flea, Retro, Vintage and Mixed Markets.
Brixton Markets: Electric Avenue, Pope’s Road and Brixton Station Road
Pop Brixton: This temporary project is a collection of shipping containers to house local independent businesses. It’s a great place to meet up with friends, thanks to the tempting street food offering and bars. Check out the website for events which include a mix of record fairs to DJ workshops. Have a look at the cute little Pop Farm, where veggies and herbs are grown on-site.
Pop Brixton: 49 Station Road, SW9 8PQ
Brixton Windmill: Wow, there is a real windmill located in Blenheim Gardens, which is just off Brixton Hill. This Grade II* Listed Windmill was built in 1816 and leased to the Ashby family, who produced stoneground wholemeal flour. The windmill has been at risk over the years, but thankfully it still stands today. It is open for guided tours from March to October, usually on the second weekend of the month; check the website for dates.
Brixton Windmill: Blenheim Gardens, SW2 5EU
Black Cultural Archives: This national heritage centre is a comprehensive archive which documents the history and cultural heritage of Black Britain. You can view exhibitions or attend one of the events. It is located in Windrush Square, which has a few benches should you want to sit down and soak up the atmosphere. The name of the square ‘Windrush’ is a nod to the Empire Windrush ship that brought the first West-Indian migrants to London in 1948.
Black Cultural Archives: Windrush Square, SW2 1EF
Clink Restaurant: Inmates will prepare you a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner as you dine in the historic Governor’s House, which dates back to 1819. This is a charity initiative which helps prisoners learn skills and engage with the public. You need to be over 18, book in advance, wear sensible clothing and go through the security check before entry, but it’s worth the effort because this restaurant has won multiple awards!
Clink Restaurant: HMP Brixton, Jebb Avenue, SW2 5XF
Ruskin Park: This large Green Flag awarded park lies between Brixton, Camberwell, and Herne Hill. It has many fabulous features, including a bandstand, pond, and formal gardens.
Ruskin Park: Denmark Hill, SE5 8EL
The Department Store: Architects Squire and Partners revived a local landmark building, the Bon March Department Store annexe, to create a collaborative workspace and hang-out place. You will find the Canova Hall Restaurant and Bar, Kaboola Café Kitchen, Volcano Coffee Roastery, Event Space, Pure Vinyl Record shop, plus a Post Office located inside. I should also mention the Morleys of Brixton department store, which I like to browse if I’m in the area. Morley & Lanceley opened in 1880 as a drapery shop; in 1927 it became Morleys of Brixton.
The Department Store: 248 Ferndale Road, SW9 8FR
David Bowie’s Childhood Home: If you’re a fan of David Bowie, you might want to visit his first home. David Robert Jones was born on 8th January 1947 and lived in the house on Stansfield Road until he was six when the family moved to Bromley.
David Bowie’s Birthplace: 40 Stansfield Road SW9 9RY
Brixton Music Venues: Brixton has a long history with music. The famous venues include the Electric Brixton, which is a club and gig venue. This was formerly The Fridge, and you will find a plaque on the building saying that Soul II Soul first gigged live at The Fridge in 1991. Music venue pubs include The Brixton Windmill and Hootananny Brixton. If you’d rather go to the cinema than a gig, head for the Ritzy, which is a restored 1911 cinema with movie screens, a café, and a bar.
Electric Brixton
Ten Things To Do In Brixton Information
This South London district lies in the Borough of Lambeth, bordering Camberwell, Stockwell, Streatham, Balham, Herne Hill, and Tulse Hill. It’s at the end of the Victoria Line, or you can reach this location by Southeastern trains. Brixton has a lively vibe, so it’s an exciting place to visit. A good time to go is at the weekend when you can meet up with friends for a bite to eat at one of the Arcades or Pop Brixton. View more images of the area on my Love Brixton Pinterest Board. To find out more about the history o have a look at the Brixton Wikipedia Page. Enjoy your visit!
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: All by Homegirl London except the one from The Clink. Thanks: Homeboy, for visiting with me.
