Welcome to Wandsworth, a vibrant and exciting neighbourhood in southwest London. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting the city, there’s always something new and interesting to discover here. From beautiful parks and museums to shopping centers and breweries, Wandsworth has it all. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the top 10 best things to do in Wandsworth that will keep you entertained for hours on end. So grab your walking shoes and let’s get started!
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Wandsworth
1. Visit Battersea Park
Battersea Park is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Wandsworth. This beautiful park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of London city life. The lush greenery, stunning flower beds, and tranquil lakes offer an idyllic setting to relax or enjoy some outdoor activities.
One of the highlights of Battersea Park is the London Peace Pagoda. Built-in 1985 by monks and nuns from the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist order, this awe-inspiring structure stands at over 33 meters high and serves as a symbol of peace and unity.
For those looking for more outdoor fun, there’s also a boating lake where visitors can rent rowboats or pedalos to explore the water. Children will love visiting the on-site zoo which has animals like meerkats, monkeys, and even wallabies!
If you’re feeling competitive, why not head over to the mini-golf course? It’s great fun for all ages and skill levels! Whether you’re practising your swing or just enjoying some friendly competition with family or friends – it’s always an enjoyable activity.
Battersea Park has something for everyone: whether you want to relax in nature or have some active fun with family/friends – this place won’t disappoint!
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2. Visit the De Morgan Foundation
Are you a fan of beautiful and intricate ceramics? Then look no further than the De Morgan Foundation in Wandsworth. Here, you can discover the artwork of William De Morgan, an English ceramicist who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The museum houses an extensive collection of his work, from stunning tiles to intricately designed vases. The pieces are not only beautiful but also tell stories through their designs.
De Morgan’s use of bold colours and patterns makes his pieces stand out among other ceramics from that time period. You’ll be amazed at how well-preserved these pieces are despite being created over a hundred years ago.
In addition to viewing the artwork on display, visitors can also learn about De Morgan’s life and legacy through interactive exhibits. It’s truly a unique experience for anyone interested in art or history.
So next time you’re looking for something different to do in Wandsworth, consider visiting the De Morgan Foundation and immersing yourself in the world of William De Morgan’s beautiful ceramics!
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3. Explore Wandsworth Common
Wandsworth Common is one of the largest green spaces in South London, covering an area of 69 hectares. It’s a perfect place for those who are looking for some peace and serenity away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The park offers numerous activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, picnicking or even bird watching. The beautiful scenery is also an excellent backdrop to take stunning photos while having fun with your friends or family.
Sports enthusiasts will be delighted to know that there are several sports facilities available on the common too! Whether you’re into cricket, football or tennis – there’s something for everyone here!
Moreover, Wandsworth Common has many cafes nearby where you can stop after your walk or bike ride for some refreshments. You’ll find plenty of options including independent coffee shops and high-street chains.
Wandsworth Common is a must-visit tourist attraction if you’re in the area. With its natural beauty and sporting opportunities – it’s no wonder why locals love this park so much!
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4. Go shopping at Southside Shopping Centre
For shopaholics, a visit to the Southside Shopping Centre is a must-do activity when in Wandsworth. With over 150 stores to choose from, including popular brands like Marks & Spencer, H&M, and Next, there’s something for everyone here.
The shopping centre offers a variety of fashion outlets where you can find trendy clothing and accessories at affordable prices. You could also treat yourself to some new beauty products or grab some household essentials. Whatever it may be that you’re looking for; Southside Shopping Centre has got you covered.
After all that shopping, make sure you stop by one of the many restaurants here for a quick bite or even indulge in an elaborate meal with friends and family. From fast food joints to sophisticated eateries – there’s no shortage of food options here.
What sets this mall apart is its accessibility via public transport – both train and bus stations are within walking distance making it easy to get there from anywhere in London!
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5. Visit the Wandsworth Prison Museum
Wandsworth Prison Museum provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the history of one of London’s oldest prisons. Built-in 1851, Wandsworth has seen its fair share of notorious criminals, including serial killer Peter Sutcliffe (the Yorkshire Ripper) and Ronnie Biggs (one of the robbers involved in the Great Train Robbery).
The museum is housed within an old prison gatehouse and features exhibit such as prisoners’ uniforms, contraband items confiscated from inmates, and information about famous escape attempts. Visitors can also step inside a recreated cell to experience what life was like for inmates.
One particularly interesting exhibit is a replica gallows used for public hangings until 1868 when executions were moved behind closed doors. It’s a chilling reminder of how much our justice system has evolved over time.
Wandsworth Prison Museum is an intriguing destination that sheds light on both the darker side of human nature and the evolution of our justice system over time.
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6. Take a walk along the River Thames
The River Thames is not just any river, it’s a symbol of London and has played an important role throughout history. Taking a walk along the River Thames in Wandsworth allows you to experience some of its charm and beauty.
Starting your walk at Putney Bridge, you’ll find plenty of bars and the best restaurants offering picturesque views of the river. Further up towards Battersea, you’ll come across The Ship Inn – one of the oldest pubs in London – which offers traditional British food with a modern twist.
As you continue down the riverbank, you’ll pass by several parks where families can relax on benches or take part in outdoor activities such as cycling and jogging. If you’re lucky enough to be there during the summer months, make sure to check out events such as open-air concerts and festivals that are held near the riverbank.
Towards Wandsworth Bridge Road lies The Cat’s Back – another popular pub with locals who enjoy their craft beers whilst enjoying spectacular views overlooking Hammersmith Bridge.
Whether taking a stroll or riding your bike along this route, there are also several small gardens dotted around for those seeking peace and tranquillity away from busy city life. Don’t forget to bring your camera as photo opportunities abound around every bend!
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7. Visit the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building
The Royal Victoria Patriotic Building is a stunning Grade II listed building that has an interesting history. It was built in 1859 as a hospital for soldiers returning from the Crimean War, and it served this purpose until the early 1880s.
After this time, the building was used for various purposes, including as a school and later as offices for the Ministry of Defence. However, since 1983 it has been restored and turned into a unique wedding venue and events space.
The building boasts beautiful architecture with its grand entrance hall, sweeping staircase and ornate ballroom. The surrounding gardens are also picturesque, making it a perfect spot for photo opportunities or outdoor weddings during warmer months.
While visiting Wandsworth, if you have any upcoming nuptials to plan or simply want to attend an event at a historic landmark then don’t miss out on visiting The Royal Victoria Patriotic Building!
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8. See a show at Theatre 503
Theatre 503 is a hidden gem in the heart of Battersea. This small independent theatre has gained a reputation for showcasing innovative and thought-provoking productions that push boundaries and challenge audiences.
Walking into Theatre 503, you’ll immediately notice its intimate setting, which allows for an up-close and personal experience with the performers. The stage design is minimalistic yet effective, allowing the focus to remain on the actors’ performances.
What sets Theatre 503 apart from other London theatres is its commitment to producing new plays from emerging writers. They provide a platform for fresh talent to showcase their work and bring new voices into the industry.
Despite being small in size, Theatre 503 has produced many successful shows that have gone on to receive critical acclaim and transfer to larger venues. So if you’re looking for something different than mainstream West End shows, make sure to check out what’s playing at Theatre 503 – you might just discover your new favourite playwright or actor!
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9. Visit the Sambrook’s Brewery Heritage Centre
If you’re a beer lover, then Sambrook’s Brewery Heritage Centre is a must-visit place in Wandsworth. Established in 1878, Sambrook’s Brewery has been brewing traditional English beers for over 140 years.
The brewery offers tours and tastings to visitors who want to try their award-winning beers and learn about the history of the brewery. The tours take you through the brewing process, from selecting ingredients to bottling and packaging.
During the tour, you also get to see vintage equipment used in the early days of production. The knowledgeable guides explain how each piece works and its significance in creating great-tasting beer.
After the tour, it’s time for tasting! You can sample different types of beer in their taproom while enjoying views of the historic brewhouse building. Their popular beers include Junction Ale, Lavender Hill Pale Ale, and Battersea Rye Brown Ale among others.
Visiting Sambrook’s Brewery Heritage Centre is an excellent way to experience Wandsworth’s rich history with craft brewing while indulging your taste buds with some delicious beer samples!
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10. Take a tour of Young’s Brewery
If you’re a beer enthusiast, then taking a tour of the Young’s Brewery is definitely one of the best things to do in Wandsworth. Established in 1831, Young’s Brewery has a long and rich history that is worth exploring.
During the brewery tour, you’ll get an opportunity to learn about the beer-making process and see how their traditional ales are brewed. The knowledgeable guides will take you through each step of the process from milling to fermentation. You’ll also get to know more about the different types of hops and malts used in brewing.
But what makes this tour stand out is that it offers visitors a chance to sample some of their beers straight from the barrel! From classic bitters like Special London Ale to hoppy pale ale like American Pale Ale, there’s something for everyone.
The ambience at Young’s Brewery Heritage Centre is fantastic too. You can enjoy your pint sitting on one of their comfortable chairs while admiring the beautiful views overlooking Wandsworth Common.
Taking a brewery tour at Young’s Brewery is an excellent way to spend your time in Wandsworth if you love craft beer or want insight into some fascinating British brewing history!
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Conclusion
Wandsworth is a wonderful place to visit and explore. From its beautiful parks and river walks to its fascinating museums and historic buildings, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant borough of London.
Whether you’re looking for a day out with the family or a romantic weekend getaway, Wandsworth has plenty of exciting things to see and do. So why not plan your next adventure today? Visit Battersea Park, take a walk along the River Thames or explore some of the area’s unique cultural attractions.
With so much to offer visitors, it’s no wonder that Wandsworth is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience everything this amazing part of London has to offer!
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