Wandsworth

WANDSWORTH

Named after the river Wandle, London’s 9th biggest borough, Wandsworth, is one of inner London’s safest and liveliest areas. This leafy corner of southwest London also boasts some of London’s most prime residential property. With good schools and wide-open spaces, Wandsworth is one of London’s most liveable boroughs.

The area is a magnet for top-earning professionals, families and celebrities, actors and TV presenters. Wandsworth Common spans around 170-acres and is only a stone’s throw from Battersea and Clapham, so close to all the action, yet a peaceful place in its own right. Trendy shopping areas, independent boutiques, vibrant gastropubs and world-class eateries attract full-time residents.

The borough remains a notable lively community spirit and villagley feel, from excellent Victorian residential brick properties to smart Edwardian housing and stylish new developments.

There’s plenty of history and heritage, too, with some exciting local developments transformed into a new pedestrian quarter, with a micro-brewery, brewing museum, shops, restaurants and homes. Today, the borough is already a trendy shopping district destination, with the famously Bellevue Road area brimming with independent shops and artisan businesses from delicatessens, florists, and cafés.

You can browse art galleries and interior design stores peppered along Old York Road. Or head to the Southside Shopping Centre for high street chain stores and restaurants such as Debenhams, Wagamama, Gap and Next, plus a Cineworld multiplex cinema.

Pub lovers have a field day here and pack into Wandsworth’s vibrant pubs, such as the hugely popular 18th-century pub, The Ship, on the river or the atmospheric Harvey’s pub with its upstairs theatre and down-to-earth vibe. The Hope gastropub, known for its real ales and craft beers, is a massive hit due to its prime location on the edge of Wandsworth Common.

Foodies flock to the market that sets up on the forecourt of Wandsworth Town Station, selling seasonal fruit and veg, meats and artisan treats. But there are plenty of fantastic restaurants in the borough, such as Michelin Starred restaurant Chez Bruce, a local landmark and renowned for the quality of its food.

The borough scores highly for plenty of green spaces to stroll around, such as Wandsworth and Clapham Commons and King George’s Park and Wandsworth Park. Wandsworth Common even has a lake where the public can fish (with a permit), tennis courts, a bowling green, a fitness trail and an adventure playground specially designed for children with disabilities. Wandsworth is also home to excellent state primary and secondary schools, many OFSTED outstanding. Notable primary schools include St Michael’s CofE, Sheringdale, and Bellville Wix Academy.

Secondary schools include Ashcroft Technology, Chestnut Grove, and Harris Academy Battersea. Private schools in the area include The Roche School, Wandsworth Preparatory and Hurlingham, and if you’re looking for further education, check out St Francis Xavier RC and South Thames College.

The borough is only a 15-minute rail journey from central London and has excellent transport links via Wandsworth Common Railway Station plus Balham and Tooting Bec tube stations; both served by the Northern Line.

The pier at Wandsworth Riverside allows commuters to make the journey by boat to Chelsea Harbour in 12 minutes, Embankment in 39 minutes, London Bridge in 45 minutes, and Canary Wharf in just under an hour. So it’s no surprise that professional couples and families flock to live here.