Living in Raynes Park

About Raynes Park

Just a short walk from Wimbledon Common and packed with excellent sporting facilities, this area offers a quieter pace of life while remaining well connected to central London. Community spirit runs deep in Raynes Park, thanks to the active Raynes Park and West Barnes Residents’ Association, established in 1928 to protect the local environment. This involvement contributes to exceptionally low crime rates, making the area a safe and welcoming place to live.

With good schools, attractive properties and a strong sense of community, Raynes Park appeals to families and young professionals looking for a quieter lifestyle on the edge of the city. Its combination of green spaces, local amenities and easy transport links makes it one of South West London’s most desirable neighbourhoods.

Fact file

• Notable Raynes Park residents include rugby star Danny Cipriani and jazz musician Tubby Hayes.
• The suburban development of Raynes Park began in 1871 with the building of the station. It's named after the Raynes family, who owned the land where the railway lies.
• Nearby Motspur Park is home of Fulham FC training ground.

Architecture and property

Unlike much of south London where the arrival of the railway led to an immediate development boom, the Raynes Park property market didn’t flourish until the end of World War I. Because development happened slowly, the area never suffered from overcrowding, a common pitfall of London property markets, and some properties feel as spacious and secluded as countryside cottages. 

This is particularly true of the large detached properties towards Wimbledon, but the Victorian and Edwardian terraced homes and 1930s houses in the area have also retained a picturesque beauty, as many boast gardens and off-street parking. Within Raynes Park, smaller areas have their own distinct architectural flavour. Just north of the station, roads like Tolverne, Lambton and Trewince offer terraced homes, while to the south, properties on Blenheim Road and Heath Drive have large gardens.

Going out

Raynes Park locals enjoy a fantastic choice of places to eat. Lime and Thyme is the go-to spot for authentic Italian pizzas, while Japanese Hashi serves some of the best sushi in South West London. For Korean cuisine, Gaya is a hidden gem with an unassuming exterior that belies its reputation for outstanding food. Thai Café 46 is perfect for a classic Thai green curry, and Hatay is known for its delicious Turkish dishes. For drinks, Babylon is the place to go for a great cocktail menu and a relaxed atmosphere. 

Culture thrives in Raynes Park thanks to the Lantern Arts Centre, a community institution. It hosts its own productions and offers theatre workshops for all ages, including dedicated children’s groups, making it a hub for creativity and local talent.

Local amenities

Raynes Park offers excellent everyday conveniences. A large Waitrose and a Sainsbury’s Local are both located close to the station, making grocery shopping quick and easy for commuters and residents alike.

Sport is another big part of life in Raynes Park. The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want easy access to London while enjoying plenty of recreational options. There are several golf clubs nearby, along with a local tennis club, football team and rugby club, catering to all levels from beginners to experienced players.

Green spaces

It’s almost impossible to walk anywhere in Raynes Park without stumbling across a park or common of some kind. Pockets of green space are dotted all over the area, and larger open spaces are never very far away, like the 21 hectares of Cannon Hill Common. This important conservation site is home to a 140-year-old woodland, a variety of wildlife and also boasts the only fishery within the borough of Merton. 

Slightly further afield, the vast Wimbledon Common lies to the north of Raynes Park station, and Morden Park to the south is a popular spot with an excellent Bonfire Night fireworks display. Sporty locals can make use of the cricket pitch and tennis courts at Cottenham Park or the extensive facilities at King George’s Playing Fields and Raynes Park Sports Ground.