My Ten Things To Do In Peckham List gives you all the highlights of this vibrant South East London Neighbourhood in SE15. My list includes Copeland Park, Bussey Building, Peckham Levels, Bold Tendencies, Peckham Rye Park and more. I wrote this article in April 2019 and have updated it with pictures and new information for you.
10 Things To Do In Peckham:
1. Explore Peckham’s cultural quarter at Copeland Park and Bussey Building
2. Meet the creative community in the car park at Peckham Levels
3. See outdoor art on the Bold Tendencies rooftop
4. Watch an arthouse movie at the Peckhamplex
5. Enjoy the amenities at Peckham Rye Park and Common
6. Stroll along the Surrey Canal Walk
7. Eat, drink and shop along Bellenden Road
8. Dine at one of Peckham’s renowned restaurants
9. Buy something from one of the markets or arcades
10. Borrow a book, CD or DVD from Peckham Library
My Favourite Ten Things To Do In Peckham
1. Copeland Park and Bussey Building: This former industrial Victorian warehouse, owned by George Gibson Bussey to manufacture sporting goods, is now a place for creativity. You will find a beer garden, rooftop bar, rooftop film club, the CLF Art Café, Copeland Gallery and a few restaurants and shops here. The Peckham Salvage Yard by Hackney Flea Market is hosted a few times throughout the year. Located at 133 Rye Lane SE15 4ST.
2. Peckham Levels: This disused car park was transformed to house creative businesses and help the community. You eat street food, watch a gig and more. Located at 95A Rye Lane SE15 4ST.
3. Bold Tendencies: On top of a multi-storey car park is a public space where you will find outdoor sculptures by artists. Check out live events and grab a bite to eat at Frank’s Cafe while you admire the views. Located at 7th-10th Floors Multi-Storey Car Park, 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST. You may also want to pop along to the South London Gallery on Peckham Road to see more art. The Main Gallery has a free exhibition, and you will also find the South London Louie Café, a gift shop and gardens. A little further down Peckham Road on the opposite side is The Fire Station, where you can also see free art exhibitions.
4. Peckhamplex: This is a licensed cinema showing a great choice of films, from arthouse movies to blockbuster movies. Located at 95a Rye Lane SE15 4ST.
5. Peckham Rye Park and Common: This park is stunning; it has many excellent amenities, including the Community Wild Life Garden, Japanese Garden, Bowling Green, Skatepark, Outdoor Gym, Play Area and Café. The Common is a piece of flat land which is perfect for walking your dog or sitting down on the grass to relax.
6. Surrey Canal Walk: This filled-in canal runs from behind the Peckham Library to the entrance of Burgess Park. It covers approximately 1.1km with a walking and cycling path where you can escape urban life and enjoy nature.
7. Bellenden Road: This is a lovely street with a village vibe. Shop for groceries at the General Store. Treat yourself to something adorable at the lifestyle and fashion boutique Form SE15 or D.A.Y. Buy mid-century modern furniture from Frost. Eat a lovely lunch or dinner at The Begging Bowl (Thai), Artusi (Pasta), Ganapati (South Indian), Made of Dough (Pizza), Lovely House (Dim Sum) or Uva (Portuguese).
8. Peckham Restaurants: There are many fantastic restaurants and eateries located in the area, such as Coal Rooms (Charcoal-Cooked), Levan (Contemporary European), Kudu (South African), Mr Bao (Bao Buns), Voodoo Ray’s (Pizza) and Manze (Eel, Pie and Mash).
9. Shopping: For lovely things, shop at Market; it’s a co-working space with shops, drinks and food on Rye Lane in front of The Bussey Building. There are plenty of bargain and discount shops in the area, plus independent stores selling veg, cooking utensils and afro hair products. Check out Holdrons Arcade, 135A Rye Lane, Rye Lane Market is at 48 Rye Lane SE15 5BY, and Sky Shopping City is at 137-139 Rye Lane SE15 4ST.
10. Peckham Library: I’ve decided to mention the library because there aren’t many libraries remaining. This one has some significant collections, including the borough’s largest selection of African music CDs and graphic novels. The building won a Stirling Prize for Architecture in 2000. Located at 122 Peckham Hill Street SE15 5JR.
Watch My Peckham Video
Helpful Information About Peckham
Travel to Peckham via Queens Road Peckham (Overground and Southern Trains) or Peckham Rye (Overground or Southern, Southeastern and Thameslink Trains). Peckham is an area that has many contrasts. Bellenden Road has a village feel, while Rye Lane is more urban. It’s an interesting part of London to explore, particularly the good restaurants. There are also quite a few bars if you want a night out.
If you want to explore the area, you may be interested in these articles:
Best Things To Do In Peckham:
Ten Reasons To Visit Bellenden Road
Best Places To Eat In Peckham:
Levan European Restaurant Peckham
Mr Bao Tiwanese Restaurant Peckham
The Begging Bowl Thai Restaurant Bellenden Road Peckham
Artusi Italian Restaurant Bellenden Road Peckham
Ganapati South Indian Restaurant Bellenden Road Peckham
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London
