Sign in
  1. Home
  2. Area Guides
  3. Camberwell

Living in Camberwell

A vibrant, artsy neighbourhood in southeast London, Camberwell offers period architecture, green spaces and a thriving cultural and food scene.

About Camberwell

Camberwell is a creative and diverse community in Southwark, known for its artistic spirit and independent character. With a mix of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes, it attracts a wide range of residents and offers a strong sense of local identity. 

The area is packed with independent shops, cafés and cultural venues, and is well connected to central London. Its green spaces and rich history make it a unique place to live. Camberwell balances urban energy with a relaxed, community-focused lifestyle.

Fact file

  • Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd studied at Camberwell College of Arts.
  • The Camberwell Beauty butterfly was named in 1748.
  • Famous residents include Florence Welch, Emma Thompson and Nicholas Serota.
  • Camberwell Fair dates back to 1279 and was revived in 2015.

Architecture and property

Camberwell is known for its elegant Georgian terraces, especially on Camberwell Grove and Addington Square. Victorian and Edwardian homes are also common, alongside new builds replacing older estates. Unique landmarks include the Grade II-listed Pilgrims’ Cloisters and the William Booth Memorial College. The area offers a mix of period charm and modern living.

Going out

Camberwell’s food scene includes Silk Road for Chinese cuisine, Theo’s for sourdough pizza, and the Camberwell Arms for Sunday roasts. Wine bars, craft beer pubs and live music venues like The Joiners Arms add to the nightlife. Cultural highlights include the South London Gallery and nearby cinemas. Events like Camberwell Arts Festival and Camberwell Carnival bring the community together.

Local amenities

Camberwell is full of character and offers a great mix of independent businesses and leisure options. Art students and creatives head to Cowling & Wilcox, a warehouse-style store that stocks everything from paints to specialist materials. 

For relaxation, the Pasha Spa & Turkish Hammam Bath provides a range of treatments, including massages, scrubs and body masks, and visitors can round off their experience with a meal at the glass-enclosed Greenhouse Café, which boasts views along Camberwell Road. Cycling enthusiasts are well catered for at Seabass Cycles on Camberwell Church Street, a trusted independent bike shop offering sales, servicing, and custom builds.

Green spaces

Camberwell is located next to three beautiful green spaces. Burgess Park is one of South London’s largest parks, with meadows, sports pitches and a fishing lake. Ruskin Park offers gardens, wetlands and seasonal events like bat walks and summer fetes. Camberwell Green provides a central spot for relaxation.

Education

Camberwell offers a diverse mix of primary and secondary schools, including both state-funded and faith-based institutions. Families in the area benefit from access to well-regarded schools such as John Ruskin Primary School, Lyndhurst Primary School, Sacred Heart Catholic School, and ARK All Saints Academy. The variety of educational approaches and strong community ties make Camberwell a supportive environment for learners of all ages.

Transport

Camberwell enjoys reliable and varied transport connections, making travel across London straightforward. Denmark Hill and Loughborough Junction stations provide quick rail access to central hubs like London Bridge and Victoria. 

While the area doesn’t have a dedicated tube station, frequent bus services offer direct routes to the West End, the City and beyond. Cyclists benefit from designated bike lanes and proximity to green spaces. With strong rail and bus links, Camberwell remains a well-connected part of South London.