10 Neighborhoods to Visit Outside Central London

August 16, 2022 | Lylis Global Travel | Europe

London is a city that is always in focus as one of the largest and most diverse cities in the world. This is due to the reach of centuries of British colonialism and tied commonwealths. The focus is even more heightened this year as Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, 70 years on the throne. Most people know London for Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street shopping, and West End theatre. All of the places we are going to visit in this article lie across the River Thames, east of the Tower of London, and west of Kensington Palace. Some neighborhoods you might be aware of, some not. But they all give you a sense of everyday London. The vibrant tech scene, the wave of semester abroad university students, the quiet streets of tree-lined row houses or social estates. This is where you’ll find a city constantly on the move, and constantly reinventing itself.

So, whether you are new to London or have been many times and are looking for new things to see and do, here are 12 neighborhoods outside of Central London that are sure to give you a fresh perspective on the city and its people.

CANARY WHARF

For decades this was home to the docklands of the West India Port company. Redeveloped in the early ‘90’s, it became a hub for restaurants, pubs, residential high-rises, and skyscrapers, becoming a nouveau financial district. An interesting piece of public art is The Traffic Light Tree, a mashup of green traffic lights shaped like a tree. You can never go wrong with doing some retail therapy at Canary Wharf Shopping Centre. Or if you ever wanted to learn how to sail, canoe, kayak or windsurf- head on over to the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre for beginning-level lessons!

How To Get There: Canary Wharf (Jubilee Line, Elizabeth Line & Docklands Railway)

WATERLOO

The neighborhood immediately south of Covent Garden and River Thames is known for the train station that bears its name. For theatre buffs, the world-renowned National Theatre and Old Vic brings out the best of Shakespeare and British theatre. Many well-known British actors have cut their teeth at these two institutions.

Tucked away underneath Waterloo Station is Leake Street. A tunnel where cool graffiti and statement art meet. What makes this street art different from other places is that it’s legal, and constantly changing. What you see today is not what you’re going to see two months from now.

Changing lanes, did you know London has a beach? You would’ve thought one has to go all the way to Dover or Brighton to experience some sand. Thames Beach is one of the four beaches that run along the river, and while one wouldn’t recommend swimming in the Thames, Londoners do sunbathe there.

Speaking of the River Thames, a unique way to see any city is through its waterways. From the London Eye Pier, you can catch a sightseeing cruise, a commuter ferry, or a speedboat tour. Each one has a different feel depending on your mood. Do you want leisurely narrated history, quick and cheap, or fast excitement with a splash?

How To Get There: Waterloo (Northern/Jubilee/Bakerloo lines)

HACKNEY

The infamous Eastender London neighborhood with an even more famous accent. This neighborhood was heavily bombed during World War II air raids (called the blitz). Hackney has now seen a renaissance in the ever-growing tech fields. In 2012, the new Queen Elizabeth Park was home to the Summer Olympic Games, hosting several events. You can still visit the park and attractions today, including climbing and sliding down The ArcelorMittal Orbit, which is both an impressive sculpture and observation tower in the Olympic Park. Continuing on the subject of nature- The Regent’s Canal is one of the best secrets of the city – a little bit of Venice in London. Starting in Regent’s Park next to the London Zoo, the canal stretches through Camden, Islington, Hackney, and ends in Limestone. End the day or start the night by barhopping in the sub-neighborhood of Shoreditch bordered by Old St, Shoreditch High St, and Great Eastern.

How to Get There: London Fields/Hackney Central/Shoreditch High/Hoxton/Hackney Wick (Overground Line)

BRIXTON

The heart of London’s Afro-Caribbean community had undergone a lot of changes in recent years. The area was a battle cry for change and social unrest amidst discrimination and economic turmoil. Songs like Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” tell the story. A must-visit is the Black Cultural Archives, the only national repository of Black history and culture in the U.K., telling the story of the then-new wave of immigrant migration that shaped the neighborhood post World War II. A walk through the Brixton Village Market will awaken the senses of smell, taste, and sound. A lively arcade dating back to the 60’s where you can still shop independently and make and create an authentic dinner from the islands.

How To Get There: Brixton (Victoria Line)

CLAPHAM

Clapham is an affluent residential area anchored by its High Street, which features sophisticated Asian and European cuisine, gourmet burger and pizza joints, and food booths at the Venn Street Market every week. Experience the laid-back vibe in cocktail bars with street-facing patios, wood-paneled pubs, and rowdy nightclubs. Clapham Common is a big public park that has jogging paths, playgrounds, cafes, and a skate park.

For a unique night out, head over to the Moonshine Raceway. It’s a miniature racetrack hidden inside Four Thieves Pub. 2-10 people can compete at the same time. The best part? As you sit above the action, you’re using real steering wheels and pedals to race your car around the track. After a couple of pints, the tension and competitiveness can get really high!

How to Get There: Clapham Common/Clapham North (Northern)

WIMBLEDON

Home to the Super Bowl of tennis- The All-England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, where the world’s oldest tennis tournament began in 1877. During non-tournament times of the year, the Wimbledon Museum would be a great place to break down the history of the only natural grass grand slam. Don’t hesitate to partake in the long-standing tradition of having strawberries during the tournament. If you have more time, head about a mile south for Wimbledon Village, their commercial district. Stop by Gail’s, a bakery serving over thirty types of bread.

For visitors with families- The Polka Theatre is a fun, wacky alternative to the mainstream fare on the West End. Plays range from serious teen drama to “The Muppets” like playfulness.

How To Get There: Wimbledon Park (District Line)

GREENWICH

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Maritime Greenwich is a London borough located on the banks of the Thames River. It is known for its nautical history and is home to the Cutty Sark, a restored 19th-century British clipper ship. It is also home to the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College with its classical Baroque architecture. Book a tour of The Royal Observatory, which overlooks Greenwich Park, and where the Greenwich meridian line is located. If you have time, take a stroll in the park. Spend the rest of your time browsing the stalls and shops at Greenwich Market, where you can find everything from antiques to jewelry to fashion and food.

How To Get There: Greenwich (Docklands Railway), North Greenwich (Jubilee Line) – 20 minutes

HAMMERSMITH

Home to a sizable portion of London’s Polish community, Hammersmith is a riverside cultural district where the Lyric theatre hosts varied performances and the Eventim Apollo music hall, a spectacular Art Deco building that hosts rock concerts, including the early days of the legendary band Queen. Spend an evening strolling the Lower Mall. Stop in at The Blue Anchor or The Dove, which according to the Guinness Book of World Records- is the smallest bar room in the world. Later, watch rowers racing the River Thames, and launching their boats from Furnivall Gardens.

While in Hammersmith be sure to visit the beautiful gardens Ravenscourt Park. The park also hosts an open-air cinema in the Summer.

If you want to spend some time among the locals, a visit to Shepherd’s Bush Market is a treat. Here you will find stalls and vendors selling fresh produce, fabrics, household goods, and clothing. This vibrant local market has been in business since 1914 and is still going strong today. The market is located between Shepherd’s Bush Market underground station and Goldhawk Road station.

How To Get There: Hammersmith (Hammersmith & City/Circle Line), Hammersmith (District & Piccadilly Line); Shepherd’s Bush (Hammersmith & City/Circle Line),

EALING

A bustling, urban environment Walpole Park, a lush public space with flower beds and a children’s playground, is located in Ealing, a residential suburb. The exquisite Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, previously Sir John Soane’s country house and now a modern art venue is also located in the park. Restaurants in the region include modern British and Asian cuisine. It’s here where you’ll find the pub where everybody knows your name or grab the taste of the local scene without all the fuss.

How To Get There: Ealing Broadway (Elizabeth, GWR, Central, District Line)

Each corner of London has a story to tell. How can it not in a city that is over a thousand years old? This article only contained a smidgen of what you could explore outside the city center and outside your comfort zone. You must see a concert at Wembley Stadium, or a football (soccer) match at Chelsea, Tottenham, or Fulham. Walk the walk of The Beatles in St. John’s Wood or walk The Long Walk leading up to Windsor Castle.

WEMBLEY

Wembley neighborhood has much more to offer visitors beyond being home to Wembley Stadium and the England national football team, and the Football Association’s Final Cup. Directly adjacent to the stadium is the London Designer Outlet (LDO) which boasts 50 outlet stores including brands such as Converse, Nike, Gap, and H&M with discounts ranging from 30% to 70% off retail prices. After your retail therapy, when you are ready to eat there are 20 restaurants within the area with fine dining to fast food options to choose from.

How To Get There: Wembley Stadium (Jubilee Line); Wembley Park ( Bakerloo, Metropolitan Line)

More About London: London Bridge Station