Looking for a day out in a beautiful London neighbourhood where most tourists never venture? Want to experience charm, greenery and the spirit of a local community, without having to leave the capital? Get your walking shoes on because today La Gaffe is having a day out in Dulwich.

Where’s Dulwich, you may ask? Well, it’s south of the River Thames, and although it’s just seven kilometres from London Bridge station, the moment you arrive you’ll probably feel that you’ve left behind urban chaos and been transported to a small English village.

Boasting attractive Victorian houses, a marvellous picture gallery, leafy park, out-of-the-ordinary museum, well-tended golf course, small independent stores and a wide range of bars, pubs, restaurants and coffee shops, it’s a wonderful place to spend a day.

Here’s a few ideas about what to see and do when you're in this charming part of town…

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Designed by the famous British architect John Soane (whose central London home is now a museum, filled with his extraordinary possessions), this is the country’s oldest art gallery, having been established in 1817.

It has a wonderful collection of Old Masters and there are some fine temporary exhibitions too. WIthitsspace holding regular events, Dulwich Picture Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub and a must-visit if you're in the area.

Dulwich Park

Dulwich Park is a fantastic green space, beloved by locals, and the perfect place for a stroll, gentle exercise or some serious sporting activity! Established towards the end of the 19th century, it boasts around 72 acres of greenery, as well as a boating lake where you can rent a rowing boat, an ’American Garden’ (with plants hailing from ‘the other side of the pond?’) not to mention tennis courts and bikes for rent.

There’s a cafe in the park, where you can buy coffee, pastries and light bites or bring a picnic and pray that it won’t rain! Of course, the English weather is unpredictable but luckily there are lots of lovely cafes and quaint pubs nearby, in which you can seek refuge.


Dulwich Village

This is perhaps one of the most charming parts of the area - charming side streets, fashionable boutiques, small stores and quaint pubs make this a very attractive area for affluent achievers (which is why so many professionals and families choose to live here…)

In Dulwich Village, you’ll see Victorian and Edwardian architecture everywhere, not to mention some handsome Georgian townhouses. And if you wander down side streets, you'll see pretty cottages with front lawns full of English flowers that will make you sigh with delight.

Other things that make the area so charming are the endless hanging baskets (being held up by cast iron posts), traditional fingerpost signposts (a friendly way for pedestrians to navigate the area) and the cosy historic pub the Crown and Greyhound.

The Horniman Museum

Highlighting all kinds of zoological and geological exhibits, including, fossils, minerals, rocks, models, dried pressed plants, fungi, shells, and birds’ eggs, this is a treasure of a museum and has plenty to engage both adults and kids.

There’s also an aquarium and butterfly house at the Horniman Museum, not to mention a collection of over 1,300 musical instruments (laid out in a clever interactive style), And for any child, interested in ‘creepy crawlies’ don’t miss the pinned insect collection!

Horniman is free of charge to enter and they have ‘late Thursday‘ openings (check their website for details)


Dulwich Shopping

There are some fantastic small businesses in Dulwich, and it’s always good to support local merchants…
  • Village Books - this award-winning independent bookstore is the perfect place to pick up your reading matter and it also has a strong children’s section.
  • Greens Toy Store - this third generation toy shop is a wonderful place to find a gift for a child, and it also has a great stationery section (apparently people come from miles around to purchase the art blotting paper)
  • The Dulwich Trader - boasting modern country furniture, homeware and quirky pieces make this an excellent place to pick up a present
  • Dulwich Heritage Cheese - showcasing the best of British and Irish cheese, here you can pick up amazing Cheddar and Comte, not to mention charcuterie, chutneys and pastas.
  • Dalloz Contemporary - the new kid on the block (a ‘pop up art gallery’), Julia Dakloz, painter and sculptor, is aiming to exhibit twenty up-and-coming artists - with a variety of mediums - here until December 2024.
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Dulwich Eating and Drinking

And finally, eating and drinking in the area…well, there are plenty of places to sip coffee, grab a drink, or sit down and quell your hunger pans!
  • The Crown and Greyhound - this fabulous pub - with warm and welcoming staff - has a cosy interior, a large open terrace and a kitchen that serves up delicious food.
  • Rocca di Papa - serving up fresh pasta, stone baked pizza and fresh fish and meat, this stylish Italian restaurant is a fine venue for lunch or dinner.
  • Karturi - serving up traditional Georgian fare, this cosy restaurant offers fresh and flavoursome dishes, including Bjiti Makvlit (pan fried confit duck, with asparagus and a blackberry sauce) and the famous bread for which the region is known - Kachapuri.
  • Spinach - a beloved brunch spot, enjoy croissants, shakshuka, salads and organic coffee here (and if you have a hangover, we’d recommend their Bloody Mary!)
  • The Real Greek - a modern Greek restaurant giving a twist on all those classics you love - this place is great value for money, with friendly service and the atmosphere of a village taverna.


How to get to Dulwich

Dulwich is not close to an underground but is easily reached by overground (trains running every 15 minutes) both from London Bridge and Victoria stations.

There are also lots of bus running to the Village - the 37, 42, 201 and P4, as well as the 176 and 185 routes which will drop you around East Dulwich, Goose Green and Dulwich Library.

Finally, if you’re looking for a place to stay whilst in London, then why not consider La Gaffe Hotel Hampstead? Located in leafy Hampstead, our comfortable, family-run and family-owned guest accommodation. is just three minutes walk from the tube, a quick stroll both to the lush, green Heath and charming Hampstead Village, and we offer you a warm welcome and a great breakfast cappuccino…

To find out more or to book a room directly, contact us by email or phone. We’ll be glad to hear from you.