My ten things to do near Clapham Common, London SW4, begins with exploring the stunning and expansive charms of Clapham Common itself. Enjoying a leisurely breakfast or brunch at one of the adorable eateries will set you up for the day. Let’s not forget the first-class restaurants and pubs for lunch and dinner. A venture into the Saturday Venn Street Market is a must to purchase premium food produce. Nearby is Trude’s, a grocery store selling a curated selection of edible delights for top-notch food producers. For a dose of creativity, head to Studio Voltaire for thought-provoking art, Omnibus Theatre for contemporary storytelling and Clapham Picturehouse for mainstream and cult films. Stepping into the past, the Clapham Orangery offers a serene glimpse into historic architectural beauty. There’s so much to do in the area that my list only scratches the surface. (This article was first published in July 2019; I’ve updated it with new information, images and a video).
Ten Things To Do Near Clapham Common List:
1. Discover the charms of Clapham Common
2. Indulge in a decadent breakfast or brunch
3. Experience a delightful lunch or dinner
4. Explore Venn Street Market
5. Immerse yourself in art at Studio Voltaire
6. Experience the Omnibus Theatre
7. Enjoy a movie at Clapham Picturehouse
8. Marvel at the Clapham Orangery
9. Visit Jekyll and Wild for beautiful botanicals
10. Savour the flavours from Trude’s grocery store
My Favourite Ten Things To Do Near Clapham Common
1. Discover the charms of Clapham Common. The 85 hectares of Clapham Common is a haven for fitness and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy various activities, from walking and cycling to playing team sports like football and cricket. Don’t miss the kids’ paddling pool, picturesque ponds and the historic Victorian bandstand. Get involved in gardening at Bandstand Beds community space. Delve into the history of Holy Trinity Church, known for its ties with William Wilberforce and The Clapham Sect. Culminate your visit with a delightful meal at Pear Tree Café or The Terrace by Megan’s.
2. Indulge in a decadent breakfast or brunch. Clapham offers a plethora of cosy neighbourhood eateries, serving delectable dishes and excellent coffee. My favourites include Minnow for its modern European flair and Brickwood with its Antipodean vibe. Explore all-day brunch at Bobo and Wild, or create your brunch board at Willows. Common pairs award-winning locally roasted coffee from Assembly with organic cakes and pastries for a delicious experience.
3. Experience a delightful lunch or dinner. Explore a variety of culinary adventures, from the fresh pasta at Lina Stores to the homely Georgian dishes at The Georgian. Trinity offers Michelin-star modern European cuisine, while Eco seduces pizza lovers. No. 32 The Old Town caters to diverse palates, offering everything from plant-based options to steak. Also, check out pubs like The Windmill, The Rookery, The Belle Vue and The Tim Bobbin for their food.
4. Explore Venn Street Market. Every Saturday, from 10 am to 3 pm, Venn Street Market vendors offer various goods, including fresh produce, meat and flowers. Situated on a pedestrian-friendly street with cafés and eateries, it’s a lovely spot to spend your day.
5. Immerse yourself in art at Studio Voltaire. Visit this intimate gallery, renowned for its captivating art exhibitions that are free to explore. Studio Voltaire, located at Nelsons Row SW4 7JR, supports emerging artists and offers a gift shop, café and a serene garden.
6. Experience the Omnibus Theatre. Venture to 1 Clapham Common North Side, SW4 0QW, and immerse yourself in contemporary storytelling. This theatre is dedicated to giving a platform to underrepresented voices through engaging performances with reasonably priced tickets.
7. Enjoy a movie at Clapham Picturehouse. Located at 76 Venn Street, SW4 0AT, this independent arthouse cinema blends mainstream, classic and cult films, ensuring a unique cinematic experience in a modern, comfortable setting.
8. Marvel at the Clapham Orangery. Take a moment to visit the historical Clapham Orangery, an architectural beauty built in 1793 by Dr William Burg and once part of the Thornton family’s estate.
9. Visit Jekyll and Wild for beautiful botanicals. Discover a carefully curated collection of rare and classic house plants within a historic Grade II listed building at 1 The Polygon, London SW4 0JG.
10. Savour the flavours from Trude’s grocery store. Situated at 10 The Pavement, London SW4 0HY, Trude’s offers a range of fresh and premium goods from renowned suppliers like Monmouth Coffee and Neal’s Yard Dairy.
Watch My Ten Things To Do Near Clapham Common Video
Helpful Information About The Clapham Common Area
Spanning an expansive area, Clapham boasts several train and tube stations, with this guide focusing on attractions proximate to Clapham Common station. The Old Town is a must-visit hub blending historical architecture, dining options and pubs. Further explorations lead you to The Pavement, notable for its brunch venues and restaurants, all while providing scenic views of Clapham Common. Venn Street is a weekend hotspot, hosting a vibrant Saturday Market and offering a variety of eateries and a cinema. Clapham High Street stands as a general shopping destination, while a short distance away, Northcote Road in Battersea, situated near Clapham Junction station, presents a charming array of coffee shops, dining spots, fashion stores and the distinctive Northcote Antiques Market. I hope you enjoy your visit!
While you are in the area, these articles may be of interest:
Best Things To Do In Clapham Common:
Clapham Common Helpful Area Guide
Best Places To Eat In Clapham Common:
Brunch At Pear Tree Cafe Clapham Common
Brunch At Minnow Clapham Common
Brunch At Willow Clapham Common
Brunch At Brickwood Clapham Common
Brunch At Common Overlooking Clapham Common
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit to avoid disappointment.