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Living and renting in London is known for being a busy and exciting urban hub. However, you can sometimes find yourself craving green spaces and a slower pace. Often described as a ‘slice of countryside in London’, Dulwich is the perfect place to go to enjoy nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. So whether you want to go boating in Dulwich Park or eat like a local in Dulwich restaurants here are the ten best things to do in Dulwich.
One of the most popular things to do in Dulwich is to explore Dulwich Park. It’s the ultimate rural escape, covering 29 hectares with hidden paths, mill ponds and horse riding trails. Dulwich Park is the perfect place to spend a little time away from city life. The park’s gates open daily at 7.30am, closing times vary throughout the year.
If you want to discover more of London’s best parks, check out our blog post here.
After exploring the hidden footpaths in Dulwich Park, make sure you head to the lake for an afternoon of boating! Both pedalos and row boats are for hire in Dulwich Park, with each boat holding up to five people. The Boating Lake is open from Easter until October 31. Times are from 10.00 am until 5.00 pm, weather permitting.
If you’re looking for things to do in Dulwich this weekend, you’ll find plenty to do in Dulwich Village. The area is filled with independent shops and restaurants, as well as bakeries and florists. You’ll also find independent book shops, cafes, and historic pubs. The area is also dotted with stunning homes and leafy streets. There’s plenty to explore in the area and you could easily fill a morning mooching through Dulwich Village.
Dulwich Picture Gallery is one of the most famous in London, being the first purpose-built public art gallery in the world. The gallery is a large part of the London art scene, with high-profile exhibitions, public events, and community projects. You can enjoy breakfast at the onsite cafe and then wander round the permanent collection or any exhibitions they might have on.
Another one of our favourite things to do in Dulwich is to take a wander round North Cross Road Market. The market offers all sorts, including organic sausages, popcorn, freshly ground coffee, baked cakes, handmade jewellery and vintage clothing. The market is up and running on Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday’s 8am to 5pm.
Brockwell Lido is a much-loved local landmark with a huge range of facilities.
The pool itself is 50 meters long and the site also offers all the latest gym & fitness equipment, an extensive programme of group exercise classes such as yoga, Pilates and HIIT, as well as a cafe to warm up in after your swim! You can just turn up, but we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Belair Park is a stunning part of Dulwich, with a grand manor house and a large artificial lake. This is one of the most picturesque things to do in Dulwich, with the landscape being grade II listed. The park also offers a selection of sports pitches, including tennis courts, a football pitch, a cricket pitch and a skate park.
If you’re looking for free things to do in London, you could easily spend a day exploring the residential streets of Dulwich. If you head down any side street or residential area, you’ll find stunning houses and buildings that look like something straight from the countryside. You’ll feel like Central London is a million miles away.
If you want to live like a local, why not sample their selection of pubs. In the summer months The Crown and Greyhound has plenty of outdoor seating for you to sit in and watch the world go by. For delicious pub grub head to The Wood House, who offer a diverse menu with locally sourced, seasonal produce.
After you’ve ticked off all of our recommendations of things to do in Dulwich, head to Rocca Di Pappa for dinner. This Italian spot is a favourite with locals, featuring rustic brick walls, stripped floors and a hand-built pizza oven. They offer a delicious selection of Italian classics, as well as seafood and takeaway options.
If you want to know what it’s like to live in Dulwich, check out our neighbourhood guide to find out all the spots to go, transport links and safety ratings.
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