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Love London Awards Dulwich and East Dulwich

Dulwich area guide

Discover the very best of East and West Dulwich, plus amazing restaurants, pubs, bars and things to do

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Things To Do Editors
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Despite its proximity to central London (West Dulwich is only 13 minutes by train to Victoria), Dulwich is one of those places that doesn’t look like it belongs in London. But that’s not to say there aren’t numerous reasons to drop down south and go exploring. The Village is filled with white wooden signposts, gravel driveways, multi-million-pound period houses and loads of greenery. In fact, you’re pretty much surrounded by parks; at the centre is Dulwich Park that links all the areas together, but there's also Belair Park and Brockwell Park not too far. Then, of course, you have Dulwich College, one of the city’s oldest public schools, and all their open spaces, too. Adding to the countryside feel are all the independent shops, restaurants, pubs and bars. East Dulwich, the home of the lengthy Lordship Lane, is slightly busier, with buses connecting you to central London, Peckham and the rest of south London. 

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Things to do in Dulwich

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Dulwich Picture Gallery

  • 5 out of 5 stars

This bijou gallery displays a small but outstanding collection of work by Old Masters and temporary exhibitions.

House of Dreams

House of Dreams

Artist Stephen Wright has covered this home in kitschy mosaics proving that one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Brockwell Lido

Brockwell Lido

The 50-metre pool is surrounded by art deco Grade II-listed buildings that house the Lido Café and exercise studios.

Dulwich College

Dulwich College

Basically London's answer to Hogwarts, it's worth checking out just to peep its Venetian-inspired architecture.

Bars and pubs in Dulwich

Rosendale

Rosendale

  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4

The Rosendale is the only food-focused pub to serve West Dulwich; perhaps it’s the lack of competition that has caused standards to slip despite this handsome...

East Dulwich Tavern

East Dulwich Tavern

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4

Like all good local pubs, the East Dulwich Tavern varies greatly depending on when you visit. On a week night you might wander into a film club or a quiz; at...

The Crown and Greyhound

The Crown and Greyhound

  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4

The Crown & Greyhound – a venerable pile of a pub in Dulwich Village, and ‘The Dog’ to locals – was closed for renovations for so long it feels like a miracle...

The Bishop

The Bishop

  • price 1 of 4

Welcome to the Bishop on Lordship Lane, famous for our resident hound, Clarence. We specialize in seasonal british home cooked pub fare, quality local and...

Restaurants in Dulwich

Franklins

Franklins

  • 3 out of 5 stars

An East Dulwich establishment with a commitment to careful sourcing and an adventurous menu. 

Yama Momo

Yama Momo

  • 3 out of 5 stars

This local spot ditches Japanese authenticity in favour of eccentric presentation and flavour-fiddling. 

Platform 1

Platform 1

  • price 3 of 4

Described as 'permanent pop-up', this spot is dedicated to developing new culinary talent with an ever-changing menu.

Cafe G

Cafe G

This East Dulwich café and kitchen was the brainchild of two local residents that's popular for breakfasts and lunches.

Hotels near Dulwich

The Lilac Door

The Lilac Door

Located in London, The Lilac Door is a family-run bed and breakfast located 1 km from Dulwich Picture Gallery and 2.6 km from Crystal Palace Park. The property...

Premier Inn London Brixton

Premier Inn London Brixton

Located 2 minutes' walk from Brixton Village Market and The Ritzy cinema, Premier Inn London Brixton offers an on-site restaurant and free WiFi. Brixton Tube...

Rooms at The Tulse Hill Hotel

Rooms at The Tulse Hill Hotel

This handsome old nineteenth-century hostelry was refurbished in 2014 and has since won various plaudits as a ‘gourmet bolthole’ in a somewhat un-gourmet part...

The perfect weekend in Dulwich

Visit: Dulwich Picture Gallery

Visit: Dulwich Picture Gallery

  • 5 out of 5 stars

Check out the art in this gallery, designed by Sir John Soane in 1811, and grab a coffee in the appealing café.    

Eat: Franklins

Eat: Franklins

  • 3 out of 5 stars

Indulge in this neighbourhood destination that has stood the test of time. They even offer roasts on a Sunday.    

Drink: The Crown and Greyhound

Drink: The Crown and Greyhound

  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4

When the sun is shining, there's nothing better than grabbing a pint and perching outside this pub.