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Living in Dulwich

A leafy enclave in South London, Dulwich blends village charm with urban convenience. With top-tier schools, green spaces and a thriving food scene, it’s a favourite among families and professionals.

About Dulwich

Dulwich is made up of three distinct areas, East, West and Dulwich Village, each with its own character. Dulwich Village is peaceful and refined, known for its proximity to Dulwich College and its English country village feel. 

East Dulwich is vibrant and family-friendly, packed with independent shops, cafés and a buzzing market. West Dulwich is quieter and residential, with elegant homes and essential amenities. Together, they offer a tranquil escape from the bustle of nearby Brixton, Camberwell, and Peckham.

Fact file

  • Dulwich was first recorded in 767, when King Edgar granted the land to Earl Aelfheah; its name means “meadow where the dill grows.”
  • The tollgate on College Road is the last remaining one in London, in use since 1789.
  • Dawson’s Heights in East Dulwich, designed by Kate Macintosh, is considered one of the UK’s most remarkable postwar housing estates.

Architecture and property

Dulwich offers a rich mix of architectural styles, from grand Victorian and Edwardian homes to Arts & Crafts and award-winning mid-century designs. Dulwich Village features period properties and Grade-II-listed pubs, while East Dulwich’s compact terraces are popular with young families. West Dulwich boasts larger homes near Dulwich College, many with loft conversions and generous gardens.

Going out

Dulwich is a haven for food lovers. East Dulwich’s Lordship Lane is home to Franklins and Yama Momo, while the Crown & Greyhound in the Village offers gastropub fare and boutique stays. Pubs like East Dulwich Tavern and The Rosendale serve seasonal menus and cocktails. Cultural highlights include Dulwich Picture Gallery, East Dulwich Picturehouse and Northcross Road Market.

Local amenities

The Dulwich Picture Gallery, designed by Sir John Soane, is home to an impressive collection of old masters and hosts a lively programme of events, exhibitions and workshops, along with an excellent café. On Fridays and Saturdays, Northcross Road Market in East Dulwich offers a fantastic range of food, drink and craft stalls. 

For film lovers, East Dulwich Picturehouse on Lordship Lane screens the latest releases across three screens. Art enthusiasts will also enjoy the striking murals dotted around East Dulwich, many of which form part of the Dulwich Outdoor Gallery created by international street artists responding to old masters housed in the Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Green spaces

Dulwich is rich in greenery. Dulwich Park features a boating lake, tennis courts, and bike hire. Horniman Gardens offers a museum, aquarium, butterfly house and farmers’ market. Brockwell Park has a lido and hilltop café, while Sydenham Hill Woods is a wildlife haven with woodland trails and a bat roost in a disused railway tunnel.

Education

Education is a cornerstone of Dulwich’s appeal. Dulwich College, James Allen’s Girls’ School and Alleyn’s offer top-tier private education. State schools like Dulwich Village Infants’ School, Dulwich Hamlet Junior School, and The Charter School are also highly regarded, making the area ideal for families.

Transport

Dulwich is well-connected by rail, with East, West and North Dulwich stations offering services into central London. While there’s no tube, nearby Brixton and Elephant & Castle provide access to the Victoria, Northern and Bakerloo lines. 

Bus routes are extensive, especially in East Dulwich. Cycling is popular, with Quietway 7 and Cycle Superhighway 6 offering safe routes. Gatwick and Heathrow are easily accessible and Eurostar services are just 21 minutes away via Herne Hill.