Living in Peckham

About Peckham

Peckham is one of London’s most vibrant and culturally rich areas, known for its diverse community, buzzing high street and creative scene. From Victorian terraces and Georgian cottages to bars and art galleries, the area offers a unique mix of old and new. 

Locals enjoy green spaces like Peckham Rye and Burgess Park and a strong sense of community is reflected in grassroots initiatives and local events. With excellent transport links and a wide range of property types, Peckham attracts families, professionals and creatives alike.

Fact file

• In the 18th century, Peckham was a market garden town producing figs and melons.
• Thomas Tilling introduced London’s first scheduled bus service from Peckham in 1851.
• Peckham Library won the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2000.

Architecture and property

Peckham features a mix of Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and modern housing. Conservation areas like Bellenden Road attract buyers with their period charm, while Peckham North offers vibrant urban living. Nunhead provides spacious family homes and good schools. The area’s varied architecture suits a wide range of lifestyles and budgets.

Going out

Peckham’s food scene includes Peckham Bazaar, Ganapati, Mr Bao and Mamma Dough. Frank’s Bar offers rooftop cocktails with city views, while Bar Story and The Montpelier are local favourites. The CLF Art Café at the Bussey Building hosts club nights, theatre and film screenings. Peckham Plex offers affordable cinema and the South London Gallery provides cultural programming year-round.

Local amenities

Peckham Library, winner of the Stirling Prize for architecture, hosts baby and toddler reading sessions and a popular knitting club. Book lovers head to Review, a dog-friendly bookshop offering gifts and cards, and the driving force behind the Peckham Literary Festival. 

For artisan food, The General Store stocks breads, cheeses, and wines, while Persepolis is the go-to for Persian delicacies. For groceries, there's a large Asda on Rye Lane, with Morrisons and Lidl nearby. Sweet treats come from Blackbird Bakery, known for handmade pastries and breads. Fitness fans can choose Peckham Pulse, with a gym, pool and cycle studio, or The Gym, a 24-hour option on Rye Lane.

Green spaces

Peckham Rye Park and Common offer ornamental gardens, woodland, and a playground. Burgess Park features sports pitches, a BMX track, and a large playground. Nunhead Cemetery provides peaceful walks among Victorian monuments. These green spaces are central to community life and ideal for outdoor activities.