10 Cracking Things To Do In Clapham

It’s the butt of many a London-themed joke; a constant contender in the most-hated-neighbourhood-in-the-city debate; the Marmite of London, if you will. Some people love it; some people call it W*nkerville – it’s swings and roundabouts, I guess.

However, as someone who has a bit of a soft spot for this little chunk of South West London, I’m here to fight its corner and showcase that there is in fact more to Clapham than questionable nights out at Infernos, bottomless brunches, and an outrageous amount of train stations. So, here goes…

1. Take a stroll around Clapham Common

The sun is (intermittently) shining and so it would be rude not to kick off our list of the best things to do in Clapham with a visit to the gorgeous green space that is Clapham Common; the centrepiece of the area and the perfect setting to soak up some rays for approximately 3 minutes before complaining about it being too hot and having to retreat into the shade.

From a beautiful bandstand and a picture-perfect pond (complete with a model yacht club) to wonderful woodland areas for your nature fix and cute cafés for your caffeine fix; there’s plenty of ways to while away an afternoon in the sunshine.

If you’re slightly more athletically inclined than me, there’s plenty of sports facilities alongside plenty of space for a friendly game of rounders and a weekly park run. You’ll find me, on the other hand, lounging on my picnic blanket with a cornetto in hand, admiring the view – each to their own and all that.

2. Have a boogie at the Clapham Grand

When in Clapham, be sure to pay a visit to Victorian-theatre-turned-music-hall-turned-all-round-entertainment-hub, the Clapham Grand. Whether you’re looking for live music, boozy bingo, stand-up comedy, sing-along movies, or just a good old fashioned knees-up; the Clapham Grand has something to entertain everybody.

With an atmosphere as gorgeous as its architecture, there’s a reason why people have been flooding through the doors of this Grade II listed building since 1900. Round up your pals and have a grand old time.

3. Catch a movie at the Clapham Picturehouse

This isn’t just a cinema, this is Clapham Picturehouse, and it’s well worth adding to your things to do in Clapham list.

Located on the iconic Venn Street (you’ll be hearing more about that later), the Picturehouse has well and truly made its mark on Clapham and has become somewhat of a local landmark since it first opened its doors (and its popcorn maker) in 1992.

Whether you fancy watching the latest blockbuster or you’re more of an indie flick fanatic, Clapham Picturehouse is the perfect place for you to kick back, relax, and get transported through the big screen.

4. Have a wander round Clapham Old Town

It’s sometimes easy to forget that there was a time when the streets of Clapham weren’t predominantly walked by posh uni grads and sleazy estate agents (a crazy thought, I know). Well don’t worry, because Clapham Old Town will help take you back in time and remind you how much historic charm this part of the city has to offer.

Take a wholesome weekend wander, admire the stunning architecture, and pop in to one of the many places there are to eat and drink along the way.

This month, Clapham Fair is back up and running in the heart of the old town so be sure to pop down and experience the very best of this south London suburb.

5. Get competitive at the Four Thieves

Now I know that this one may technically be in Battersea, but the closest station is Clapham Junction, so I’m going to let it slide.

If you’re looking for somewhere that’s going to appeal to your fun (and slightly competitive) side, look no further. Inside the second converted music hall to make this list, we have the Four Thieves: a pub that seems fairly unassuming on entry, but once up the stairs and onto the first floor, you’re greeted with a room full of so much nostalgic joy, you’ll have to stop yourself from squealing.

6. Grab a coffee in Abbeville Village

Next up, we’re heading slightly off the beaten track and towards a true hidden gem of Clapham South, Abbeville Village. This quaint little pocket of London is the perfect location for two of my favourite weekend activities: mindless mooching and people-watching.

We’re talking cutesy coffee shops, darling delicatessens, boujee boutiques, gorgeous gastro-pubs, a plethora of yummy mummy’s, and some (quite frankly) humongous houses.

Read more - Firenewsfeed