It’s no great secret that South West London is full of green space and there’s a fair amount of transformation going on too, as you’ll discover if you follow this stroll through the area.
While there are plenty of parks and commons to choose from, I’m starting out at Wandsworth Common, one of the oldest in London, and finishing in nearby Balham.
The Skylark Café is the only café on Wandsworth Common itself – you could get a coffee or a sweet treat from here to fortify you on your walk, or you could venture to nearby Toast Rack, an artisanal bakery on Trinity Road. The Toast Rack is also the name given to the ladder of roads on the west side of the common.
Leaving the common via the south side, you can wander down Trinity Road in the direction of Tooting Bec. Just after you pass Tooting Fire Station, you’ll find Glenburnie Road on your right. One of the new developments happening just at the end of this road is the recently launched The 1840, St George’s Garden (pictured top), a City & Country development in a Grade II listed building and former hospital. The scheme combines original character features and a modern specification and residents’ facilities include an on-site concierge, secure parking, private gardens and communal spaces.
When you reach Tooting Bec station you’ll see Tooting Bec Common straight ahead. Here you’ll find the eponymous Lido, cricket pitch and a lake. To head towards Balham, one of London’s most popular SW districts, you’ll need to walk up Balham High Road. Along the way you’ll pass Bedford House, with a living wall, cycle storage accessible to all residents and outside space for every apartment. Its proximity to both Underground and Overground services make it well connected to the rest of the city.
On your journey you will also pass Irene Studios from Telereal Trillium, easily distinguished by its Art-Deco exterior. The apartments have been designed to offer a great home working and living environment, capturing the theme of agile working. Neighbouring Irene Studios is a favourite café of mine, Apple Blue Pattiserie, where they do the most amazing hot chocolates.
As you continue into Balham you will reach Hildreth Street Market on your right, a haven for foodies set on a cobblestone pedestrian-only road. The market consistently offers variety as different stalls operate on different days. Hildreth Street also hosts many individual coffee retailers including Brickwood and Milk.
You could choose to finish your walk here and enjoy a coffee, or you could finish your loop and take the short walk back to the common to enjoy some greenery and perhaps a spot of tennis or bowls if you have the energy.
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