Living in Herne Hill
Well we’ve all heard the tale of Spring-heeled Jack… You know? Spring-heeled Jack, the demon ghost with clawed hands and eyes like red balls of fire that was spotted in Herne Hill in 1872? Well, not to fear, nobody has seen him for ages and now the only Victorian artefacts left are the stunning buildings. Herne Hill is a small area of South London, just east of Brixton and south of Camberwell. It’s fairly laid back and residential, popular with families and professionals who work in the city.
Since the pedestrianisation of the area around the train station, a modest high-street with a few very nice spots has sprung up. And for residents who want access to somewhere livelier, Brixton is only a short distance away. The local station runs regular services into the city, as well as further afield. The local parks, such as Brockwell park and Ruskin park, offer picturesque green spaces and the tree lined residential streets make it a pretty bit of London to live in.
Transport
Tube:
The nearest station runs national rail services, rather than the underground. The nearest tube station is Brixton, which is a 19-minute walk away.
Bus:
Herne Hill to Brixton: 15 minutes, route 3
Herne Hill to East Dulwich: 20 minutes, route 37
Train:
Herne Hill to Kings Cross: 30 minutes, Thameslink service
Herne Hill to Victoria: 22 minutes, South-eastern service
Herne Hill to Westminster: 20 minutes, Thameslink service and Circle or District line
Herne Hill to Cannon Street: 32 minutes, Thameslink service and Circle or District line
Schools
The area is popular among parents, in part because of the quality and quantity of schools in the area. A local primary school with a good reputation is Judith Kerr Primary, with parents reporting that it has proven a safe, happy, and nurturing environment for their children. Herne Hill school is a popular choice for private education for 2 to 7-year olds, praised for its commitment to learning through play, exploration, and creative thinking. A regular secondary school choice for local residents is the Charter School, a state school with a reputation for very high expectations and an ‘Outstanding’ in its most recent Ofsted report.
Average Rental Price
One bed: £1,467 pcm
Two bed: £1,757 pcm
Three bed: £2,501 pcm
Four bed: £2,929 pcm
Home.co.uk as of 11/11/2019
Council Tax
To be paid to either the London Borough of Lambeth, or Southwark County Council. See more information for Lambeth council tax here.
See more information for Southwark council tax here.
Life in Herne Hill
The multitude of independent businesses in the area give a lot of opportunity for discovery, and as it is largely out of the spotlight you may feel like a pioneer. As well as being full of exciting, esoteric leisure spots, there are also plenty of practical amenities, making Herne Hill a place for living as well as relaxing.
Culture and Leisure
Brockwell Park and Hall
This park has a lot: great views of the city, ornamental ponds and gardens, sports facilities, and it’s a site of importance for nature conservation. It’s an extremely valuable resource for the locals and is also popular among tourists. Grade II listed Brockwell Hall, built in 1813 for a glass maker, is the centrepiece of the park and now includes a café. There’s also a beautiful art-deco lido in the park for any keen swimmers.
Herne Hill market
The Sunday market at Herne Hill is a great afternoon out, whether or not you’re local to the area. This vibrant market sells vintage clothes and furniture, arts and crafts, artisanal grocery items, and provides a lot of lunch options. It fits in well to the high street, with the same commitment to independent and unique vendors.
Local Street Art
There are a number of great spots in the area for regularly commissioned street art, always of astounding quality, very much in keeping with the atmosphere of the area and respectful to the architecture.
Food and Drink
This pub is a bit of a local legend, watering the likes of poet Dylan Thomas, and hosting the likes of U2 (band). An inn since the 17th century, the Half Moon has earned its place in the town, and is now a popular and bustling pub, hotel, and restaurant, serving elevated British pub classics, as well Italian and Jamaican food.
This is a cocktail bar/pop-up restaurant with a medical twist. Their fun, theatrical cocktails, such as their ‘bag for life’ served in an IV fluid bag, are a great addition to an otherwise pleasant bar experience. They also host various chefs and eateries, keeping the place unique and exciting. They also offer daytime options, including bottomless brunch and great coffee.
With a menu that changes daily, Llewelyn’s is one to return to. The cooking there is fresh and pretty, whilst still staying hearty. The simple, modern décor makes for a classy choice of date night, but their lunch menu is a great option for something more casual too. It’s a relaxed venue, with a village feel that fits right into Herne Hill.
Is Herne Hill for you?
Though small, Herne Hill packs a lot in. There’s a strong community in the area, who really care about the place they live. The independently run businesses add to this sentiment, creating an area in the city where it may actually be possible to recognise people in the street. It’s gaining popularity but is still just out of view for many prospective movers.
