Wander through delectable Dulwich, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were a few miles further outside of London in leafy Surrey or Kent. With its abundance of greenery and a charming array of independent shops, this area of South London has a classic village feel that has made it one of the most sought-after places to live in London.
Nestled in Southwark, Dulwich is divided into four distinctive neighborhoods: Dulwich Village, East Dulwich, West Dulwich, and North Dulwich. Each offers its own unique personality and living experience, so it's important to explore what makes each one special.
At Whereshome, we understand how overwhelming it can be to decide where to settle among the many fantastic options in the UK. This comprehensive guide to living in Dulwich will give you an in-depth look into what life is truly like in this beautiful and desirable area—written by a local for those considering making Dulwich their home.
A guide to living in East Dulwich, London
East Dulwich is the most well-known of the Dulwich neighborhoods and a popular choice among young professionals and families due to its vibrant high street and ample green spaces. As part of our guide to living in Dulwich, this area stands out for its variety of outstanding restaurants and local amenities.
Among the local favorites, Yama Momo is a top pick, offering authentic Japanese cuisine and cocktails—its black cod dish is a certified 'must-try.' For a more laid-back vibe, The Lordship Lane pub provides a family-friendly atmosphere, with an amazing Sunday roast in a picturesque outdoor setting, perfect for summer afternoons.
Residents of East Dulwich enjoy access to unique independent boutiques, a Picture House Cinema, and the convenience of an M&S Foodhall. This village-like suburb offers a wide range of housing, from flats and terraced houses to semi-detached and detached homes, making it ideal for a variety of lifestyles.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Sydenham Woods, home to beautiful woodlands and over 200 species of trees and flowering plants, offering plenty of opportunities for Sunday hikes and adventures.
A guide to living in Dulwich Village, London
The most popular and expensive part of Dulwich with mainly family houses on offer costing in excess of one million pounds. Dulwich village is a pristine and luxurious area with a characterful rural atmosphere set in a prime London location.
While Dulwich Village doesn’t boast a bustling high street like East Dulwich, residents can enjoy the Dulwich picture gallery and Dulwich Park which offers tennis, football, a children’s playground, rowing, and a cafe.
Horse riding stables, local cricket ground and Dulwich College are also common local attractions, along with the small, quaint high street containing a bakery, independent and chain restaurants, and a salon.
A guide to living in North Dulwich, London
The quietest and least desirable part of Dulwich, many don’t even include this area in the list of Dulwich neighbourhoods because of the lack of high street presence and amenities.
There is a variety of houses on offer, suiting both young professionals and families, and is only a short walk away from Dulwich Village & East Dulwich for amenities; perhaps it’s biggest selling point.
It also has a train station that is the closest for those living in Dulwich Village with services to London Victoria and London Bridge.
A guide to living in West Dulwich, London
West Dulwich Is very close to Dulwich Village and seen as a good value for money alternative to the desirable village, with a train station to boot. Due to its location, there is a lot on offer for young families with a range of playgroups and preschool options.
It has a healthy offering of converted Victorian flats, which are charming, beautiful, and spacious. Unfortunately, there are few local shops and restaurants, but residents do have a selection of cafes and a Tesco express. This part of Dulwich is also rich with greenery and perfect for runners with a variety of routes.
Now that we’ve dissected each of Dulwich’s individual neighbourhoods, let’s reunite them and consider this trendy and elegant area in its entirety. In reality, these separate suburbs aren’t a million miles apart, more a quick stroll or a short drive, so residents need not shoehorn their entire life into the above descriptions, instead, employ a little creative thinking when deciding if Dulwich as a whole is the right place to relocate to.
As you would expect from an affluent south London area, Dulwich is well equipped to educate the next generation. There are three renowned independent schools, including Dulwich College, Allyens School, and James Allens Girls School, one of the oldest schools in London, boasting the best results in the area.
There is also a selection of outstanding state secondary schools and academies, including Kingsdale, a once poor-performing school that has since been transformed into one of the hardest to get into in the area with 30M in funding to offer state of the art facilities for their students. In addition to Kingsdale, there is Charter school with two campuses in North & East Dulwich that has won the Pupil Premium Award for their high level of attainment of disadvantaged pupils.
