The Clooper Guide To Dulwich
Dulwich is a distinctive, idyllic little village: charming, well-maintained and incredibly close in proximity to Central London. You’ll be hard pressed to believe you’re still in London, and not in the rural countryside!
Dulwich has been protected by its governors for over 400 years, resulting in a village decorated with gorgeous Victorian and Edwardian properties. The area has a rich, old-fashioned feel, perfect for those looking for more of a vintage vibe. While Dulwich is certainly more exclusive with its lack of new houses, it’s worth the wait for that perfect olde worlde home.
VINTAGE ARCHITECTURE
As previously stated, Dulwich is a pristine conservation area. Due to this, many of the buildings have been around since the pre-war, Edwardian, Victorian and Tudor periods. There are hefty homes available for family and single occupants alike, as well as mansions and rose cottages. Flat conversions and shares are also available. Dulwich is esteemed, also, for its schools. Not only are they academically excellent, but they also boast themselves an impressive architecture. Dulwich College has even been the subject of multiple popular paintings, as well as the location for many Hollywood films. This quaint little village is certainly a pleasure on the eyes. Not only this, but its location means you’re enjoying all of these views while only being a little under 20 minutes from London Bridge!
DULWICH PARK
This park is a 72 acre stretch of meadow nestled in the centre of the village. It boasts a boating lake, bowling green, visitor centre, tennis courts and bicycle hire. However, those more interested in competitive cycling would do well to check out Herne Hill Velodrome. Herne Hill Velodrome is a cycling centre with a 450m outdoor track, games area, MTB and cyclocross facilities.
Dulwich Park is also the location of one of the events for the Dulwich Festival, the Dulwich Park fair. Dulwich itself is a very community-oriented area. The community there is a proud and joyful one, so their festival often includes events that exhibit their skills. Just a few events in this popular festival include:
- Artists open house.
- Bird watching and spotting events.
- Choir nights.
- Childrens art competitions.
- Flash fiction competitions.
- Much more. See the link here for more examples of what you could get up to in Dulwichs annual festival.
CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
A prime jewel of Dulwich is its Dulwich Picture Gallery, the worlds first purpose-built public art gallery, founded all the way back in 1811. Many have dubbed it the ‘most beautiful small art gallery in the world’; living in Dulwich, this could be right at your doorstep.
Another historic and deeply valued cultural building is the Belair House. Established in 1785, Belair House is home to a brasserie-style restaurant with a lovely outdoor space, as well as a private hire floor that caters to weddings and private parties. The community is a close one in Dulwich, so many often gather here for their special occasions and weekend nights alike. Another thing that brings locals closer is Dulwich Festival, mentioned earlier, where they celebrate themselves and one another with various events. Not only this but the building is also surrounded by the luxuriant Belair Park, providing its customers with lovely leafy views.
AMENITIES
As with most of the locations in our area guides, Dulwich is home to a bustling high street. Locals often congregate together here to enjoy its many shops and restaurants. As well as your usual chains, you can expect to find:
- Multiple independently owned stores including eccentric art shops, book shops and homeware shops.
- Dulwich Farmers Market is open every Saturday and offers fresh and local-favoured produce. Organic bread, meat, cheeses, fudge, juice and more are available every week.
- Dulwich has its own library, popular with multiple visitors every week.
- Gyms are available, as well as a golf course boasting city views and a sports club where members can enjoy swimming, tennis and badminton.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Check out our other area guides here.
