Living in Putney

About Putney

With the Thames to the north and some of London’s most beautiful green spaces to the south and west, Putney retains a sense of openness and freshness rarely found so close to the capital.

The area has a well-heeled sophistication, with tennis, golf and cricket clubs alongside stylish bars where locals gather. On summer weekends, members of Putney’s many rowing clubs head to riverside pubs and cafés after mornings on the water, creating a strong sporting community that welcomes newcomers. This active lifestyle is part of what makes Putney so appealing.

Fact file

• Putney marks the start of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. The two crews set off from a concrete bollard called The University Stone on Putney Embankment.
• The two cages under Putney Bridge are part of the Victorian sewer relief system, designed to prevent overflow. A common Putney myth is that criminals were locked in these cages and left to drown when the tide came in.
• The first wooden-framed Putney Bridge between Putney and Fulham was completed in 1729 and became only the second bridge to cross the tidal Thames after London Bridge.

Architecture and property

For centuries, Putney was a rural area, visited only by wealthy Londoners seeking fresh air and outdoor pursuits. Today, affluent types remain attracted to the five or six-bedroom homes with large gardens that line streets like Castello Avenue. It may come as a surprise to locals today to learn that this leafy enclave of picturesque houses was once an important industrial location, home to a College for Civil Engineers in 1839. House hunters can choose from impressive Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian properties, 1930s mansion flats and post-war blocks of flats. Alongside this, the more recent swathes of high-end developments continue to attract young professionals and add to the variety of Putney’s property market.

Going out

One of the greatest pleasures of living in Putney is a Saturday morning coffee and a stroll along the river. Ground Coffee Society and Artisan are local favourites, serving some of the best coffee in the area. Putney also boasts fantastic riverside pubs such as The Duke’s Head and The Boathouse, both offering great views and delicious food. 

Dining options are plentiful, from authentic Japanese dishes at Sushi54 to The Dynamo on Putney Bridge Road, as well as the ever-popular Franco Manca. Locals also love The Coat and Badge and The Ship, while the riverside piazza is home to Putney Market, The Boathouse and Carluccio’s.

Putney has a thriving cultural scene. The Half Moon has been a live music institution for decades. For theatre lovers, Putney Arts Theatre is a community hub, home to Putney Theatre Company and Group 64 Youth Theatre, both known for their creative and varied productions.

Sport is a big part of life in Putney. The riverbank is lined with rowing clubs catering to all levels. Golf and cricket are also popular, with options like London Scottish Golf Club on nearby Wimbledon Common and Putney Cricket Club, which has been part of the community since 1870. With so many ways to stay active, Putney is perfect for those who love an energetic lifestyle.

Local amenities

Residents can take advantage of several supermarkets clustered around the tube and train stations, including a Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Co-operative. Putney is a haven for shoppers, whether browsing the high-end chains that line Putney High Street or exploring the Putney Exchange Shopping Centre. There’s no shortage of relaxation options in Putney, so if a walk through one of the area’s many parks won’t suffice, head to The Escape London spa for the ultimate pampering treat.

Just across Putney Bridge lies the Fulham Palace Museum, while wildlife enthusiasts can head to London’s Wetland Centre in Barnes. Putney Library is open every day except Tuesdays so locals can make the most of its free internet access, study rooms and wide selection of CDs and DVDs.

Purple Dragon in Upper Richmond Road is a private members' club for families. There are also a variety of gyms in the area, including CrossFit, F45 Training, PureGym, Putney Leisure Centre and Daley Fitness, owned by Olympian Daley Thompson.

Green spaces

Sandwiched between Putney Bridge Road and the River Thames, Wandsworth Park is the first port of call for locals seeking some outdoor space. Not only does it offer acres of grassy land perfect for picnicking and wide tree-lined paths, but more active locals can enjoy a game of mini golf at Putt in the Park. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or perfect that serve, tennis coaching for players of all levels is available at All Star Tennis Coaching. When locals really need to escape the urban environment, a visit to the vast Wimbledon Common or Richmond Park to the south west usually does the trick.