Tulse Hill is a suburb in South London, which is well surrounded by large towns such as Streatham, Brixton and Herne Hill and there never seems to be a dull moment in Tulse Hill.
Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, there’s no shortage of things to see and do around Tulse Hill. It’s easy enough to get to Central London via overground, bus or tube plus a bus. It’s fairly well connected but it is quite a small area so the activities here are mostly in the surrounding towns the neighbour Tulse Hill.
Is Tulse Hill a good area?
Like any London area it has charm but also rough edges. Most of Tulse Hill is nice, leafy, surrounded by parks, and is relatively peaceful but like many areas of London it can have its share of local crimes too. It’s definitely gentrified over recent decades to become calmer.
Is Tulse Hill a nice place to live?
Having lived in Tulse Hill for 7 years I can say it is a nice place to live. It’s green enough while boasting multiple connections to central London without feeling like you live in the city.
Here are the best things to do near Tulse Hill;
1. Take a Stroll in Brockwell Park
On the border of Tulse Hill lies the huge Brockwell Park, one of the best parks in London in my opinion. It’s a sprawling green, hilly park offering panoramic views of the London city skyline.
You can walk through the park’s well-kept flower gardens, visit the stately Brockwell Hall on the hilltop, check out the Victorian greenhouse, or just relax on the grassy slopes with a picnic and people watch. Don’t forget to visit the Brockwell Lido (outdoor pool) on a warm day for a refreshing swim or a relaxing sunbathe on a sunny day.
2. Visit the busy Brixton Village
Just a short bus ride or 20-minute walk from Tulse Hill, Brixton Village is a
Great spot for foodies with restaurants that serve cuisine from around the world. Walk through the bustling market stalls and try the different international cuisines or book a bottomless brunch if you want to get a bit more merry, it’s a good place for them here.
From mouthwatering Caribbean jerk chicken to fresh Vietnamese pho, you’ll find it all here. The homemade gelato and freshly baked pastries are another little treat worth trying.
3. Culture and views at the Horniman Museum
A 10-minute drive East from Tulse Hill is the Horniman Museum, a fantastic museum considering it’s not central London. It has lots of art, tons of lifelike stuffed animals including a giant Walrus and lots of hands-on features and exhibitions. You’ll take in world cultures and musical instruments.
Another top highlight is walking through the museum’s beautiful gardens, home to stunning plants and flowers from around the globe. There’s another top view of London’s skyline again and there are animal enclosures that houses farm animals and Alpacas along with a butterfly house you can visit.
4. Galleries, greenery and pubs in leafy Dulwich
Dulwich has to be one of the nicest areas in London. It’s pricey, beautiful and always nice for a visit. Visit the Dulwich Picture Gallery here if you’re into history and art as it is housed in a stunning Georgian building with an impressive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Gainsborough.
Check out one of the many great cafes, pubs, and restaurants in East Dulwich on Lordship Lane, or explore Dulwich Park which is also a great outdoor nature spot with lakes and gardens.
5. Get Active at Crystal Palace Park
Just a short journey south of Tulse Hill, Crystal Palace Park is another one of my favourite parks in London. It just seems to have everything; A stadium, an outdoor music area, lakes, an outdoor remote control park track, 5-a-side pitches, beach volleyball courts, great hilltop views, old architecture and a decent central cafe.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Crystal Palace ruins, a proper relic of London’s past, and stop by the park’s resident dinosaurs, which are a must-see!
6. Soak Up the Atmosphere at Herne Hill Market
Every Sunday, Herne Hill comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of its busy market. Join the locals and check out the many stalls that line a relatively small street selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, and plenty of delicious street food offerings from around the world.
You can catch some live music, lively crowds, and there’s a few good pubs and cafes to stop in along the way. Herne Hill Market is the perfect place to soak up some of the best of the South London vibes.
7. A woodland walk in Dulwich Woods
The Green Chain walk is a great walking path near Tulse Hill bordering Dulwich that’s ideal for a fresh slice of nature. It has a real forest feel and there’s a maze of walking paths that will make you feel like you’re miles outside of London.
8. Get lost in Streatham Common
Streatham Common is bigger than you think. While it might look like a giant field that hosts fairgrounds and kids’ parks, it has a large forest and gardens at the back along with a nice little cafe called The Rookery. It’s a hilly area and I think it’s brilliant for mountain bike riding with the added bonus of good views of the south, it has some stunning secluded gardens inside too.
The best pubs around Tulse Hill
The Railway Tavern in Tulse Hill – Is good for live music and sports screening and roast dinners outside
The Tulse Hill Hotel in Tulse Hill – Nice for a fancier, more pricey roast
The Florence, Herne Hill – Great for food variety and a Sunday drink outside
Knowles of Norwood, West Norwood – Large renovated pub featuring quizzes, great food and a beer garden out back
The Rosendale – Again great for a Sunday meal, food in general and has a good outdoor area for the warmer weather
The best cafes around Tulse Hill
Hive Cafe – Palace Road, a community-led, equal opportunities huge cafe with good coffee.
Butter Up, Norwood Road – Tiny but great coffee and pastries.
Sole Luna – A nice latin feel cafe with affordable meals and great service
Batch and Co, Streatham – Expensive but good coffee, good food and service
Perfect Blend, Streatham – A large cafe/bar with plenty of food and hot drink or alcoholic options
That’s a wrap up of the best things to do near Tulse Hill, from huge parks and historic landmarks to lively markets and nice cosy pubs, Tulse Hill and its surrounding areas offer plenty to do. Plus you’re only 20 minutes away from Central London on a train so you can get your city fix if you’re looking for something bigger.