Peckham is always changing but never loses its energy. Side streets are covered in murals, market stalls sell fresh produce, and independent galleries showcase bold contemporary art. The mix of long-time residents and new businesses makes every corner feel alive.
Unlike tourist-heavy areas, Peckham is authentic and full of local character. Its culture, people, and history make it special.
Peckham is an authentic, creative, and always-changing place if you want to experience London beyond the usual tourist spots.
Where is Peckham
Peckham is in south-east London, within the London Borough of Southwark. It sits about 4 miles (6.4 km) from central London, near Camberwell, Dulwich, and New Cross.
What is the main street in Peckham?
Rye Lane is the main street in Peckham. It is a busy shopping street with markets, Afro-Caribbean stores, independent shops, and local eateries.
How to get to Peckham
- By Train: The fastest way is Southern or Thameslink trains from London Bridge, Victoria, or Blackfriars, which gets me to Peckham Rye Station in 10-15 minutes. Tickets can be booked online at National Rail or Trainline
- By Bus: Buses take longer but give a great view of the city. The 12, 36, 171, 343, and 436 all go to Peckham from different parts of London, and the usual ride from London Bridge takes about 30 minutes.
- By Car: Peckham is 4 miles from central London, but parking is limited, especially on Rye Lane. I recommend parking in Dulwich or New Cross and walking in. Find parking spots using JustPark or Parkopedia.
What to do and see in Peckham
Work out and socialize at The Yard
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Website
Address: 133 Copeland Road
Contact: train@crossfitpeckham.com
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: £
The Yard is Peckham’s go-to spot for high-intensity training and a supportive fitness community. It specialises in CrossFit and strength training, with expert coaching that ensures proper technique and progress.
The gym is spacious, well-equipped, and focused on functional movement. Instead of rows of treadmills and weight machines, expect to use barbells, kettlebells, and bodyweight exercises.
Pro tip:
If you’re new to CrossFit, start with the On-Ramp programme. It’s a beginner-friendly introduction to movements and techniques.
Watch a film at Peckhamplex Cinema
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Website
Address: 95A Rye Lane
Contact: info@peckhamplex.london
Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: £5 tickets for all movies
Peckhamplex is South London’s most affordable cinema, offering £5.99 tickets without sacrificing quality. The six-screen venue has a retro vibe, as evidenced by its simple, classic marquee signage and old-school ticket booth.
At the same time, it offers spacious seating and surround sound that enhances our movie experience.
Unlike mainstream cinemas, Peckhamplex doesn’t just show blockbusters. The lineup includes indie, foreign, and even live theatre screenings.
Pro tip:
Check the Peckhamplex website or their Facebook page for special screenings. You’ll also find Q&As with directors, live theatre broadcasts, and film festivals.
Explore contemporary art at the South London Gallery
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Website
Address: 65-67 Peckham Road
Contact: +44 20 7703 6120
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Pricing: Free
South London Gallery is one of my favourite places to see contemporary art in Peckham. The exhibitions change constantly, so no two visits ever feel the same.
One time, I walked into a room-sized installation covered in neon lights; another time, there was a series of abstract paintings so textured. Even if you’re not a big art person, there’s always something here that sparks curiosity.
They also screen independent films you won’t find in regular cinemas, and I’ve even caught a live performance blending spoken word and music in the gallery space.
Pro tip:
Don’t skip the bookshop! It’s got a great selection of indie magazines, art books, and limited-edition prints that make perfect souvenirs.
Relax in Peckham Rye Park & Common
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Address: Strakers Road
Contact: +44 20 7525 5000
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
Peckham Rye Park & Common is one of the best green spaces in South London. It’s got wide-open fields, shaded woodland trails, and plenty of space to slow down and take a breather.
The Japanese Garden is easily the most peaceful spot. Its carefully landscaped greenery and quiet benches invite you to sit and take it all in.
The lake’s where the park feels most alive—birds glide across the water every time I’ve been, and people gather for picnics.
Pro tip:
Visit early in the morning if you want to avoid crowds and catch some wildlife.
Admire the modern design of Peckham Library
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Address: 122 Peckham Hill St
Contact: +44 20 7525 2000
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: Free entry
Peckham Library isn’t just a place for books—it’s an architectural landmark. The design itself makes it stand out instantly—its bold copper-green exterior and cantilevered shape give it a futuristic feel.
Inside, it’s got open spaces for reading and community events. There are also small, glass-walled study pods on the upper floors that give you a quiet space to work while overlooking Peckham’s streets.
Pro tip:
Check the library’s events schedule on the Southwark Council website or ask at the front desk. They run book clubs, children’s storytelling sessions, and ESOL classes.
Experience live theatre at Mountview Academy
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Address: 120 Peckham Hill St
Contact: +44 20 8881 2201
Pricing: £
Mountview Academy is one of the UK’s top drama schools, and its student performances feel like watching the next big stars in action.
The performances are impressive, from classic plays to bold, modern musicals that feel just as polished as professional productions.
The main theatre seats 400, so you get the full stage experience. Meanwhile, the smaller studio spaces make some shows feel intimate.
Pro tip:
Book your tickets as early as possible, especially for musicals—they’re the first to sell out. You can check the schedule and book directly on their website.
Where to eat and drink in Peckham
Bussey Rooftop Bar
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Website
Address: Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane
Contact:
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Fri, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sat, 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Pricing: £
Bussey Rooftop Bar is the best spot for cocktails with a view of the London skyline. It offers a 360-degree panorama of the city, making it perfect for sunset drinks.
The bar offers a great selection of cocktails, beers, and ciders, as well as some seriously good pizzas from Share A Slice.
The pepperoni is the best-seller. It has spicy, slightly crispy pepperoni slices, gooey mozzarella, and a rich tomato base that’s got just the right tang.
Plus, there’s a feel-good factor—for every pizza sold, Share A Slice donates a meal to someone in need.
Pro tip:
Check the weather before you go—there’s a covered section, but it’s best enjoyed on a clear night.
The Begging Bowl
(@beggingbowl)Media credit: beggingbowl
Website
Address: 168 Bellenden Road
Contact: +44 20 7635 2627
Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: ££
The Begging Bowl serves some of the best Thai food in London, with a menu designed for sharing. Instead of ordering individual mains, you’ll pick a selection of small and medium plates for the table, so everyone gets to try a bit of everything.
The red curry with slow-cooked beef is hands down the best dish on the menu. The beef is tender, and the sauce has the right kick—not too mild, not too fiery. The coconut milk smooths everything out, while the Thai basil adds a fresh, peppery bite.
Pro tip:
Book ahead for weekends—it’s a popular spot, and walk-ins aren’t always guaranteed.
The Prince of Peckham
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Website
Address: 1 Clayton Road
Contact: +44 20 7635 8844
Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Pricing: ££
Prince of Peckham is a South London pub with Caribbean influences.
Their signature spatchcock jerk chicken is smoky, juicy, and perfectly spiced. It comes with classics like mac and cheese and fried plantain.
If you’re here on a weekend, the energy’s high with live DJs and a buzzing crowd. By the end of the night, you might find yourself dancing too!
Pro tip:
Grab a table upstairs if you want a more laid-back vibe. The main bar gets lively, especially on weekends, but the upstairs area has a more relaxed feel.
Kudu Collective
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Website
Address: 119 Queen’s Road
Contact: +44 20 3950 0226
Operating Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Kudu Collective brings South African flavours to Peckham with a menu that’s all about fire-cooked meats.
The first thing you have to order is the Kudu bread. It’s warm and fluffy, with a slight crunch on the crust. It’s served with whipped butter that’s either smoky, seafood-infused, or truffle-rich.
Pro tip:
Save room for dessert—their malva pudding is a must-try. It’s a warm, sticky sponge cake with a rich, caramelised flavour that’s served with creamy custard or ice cream.
Where to shop in Peckham
Holdrons Arcade & Market
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Website
Address: 135a Rye Lane
Contact: +44 20 3950 0226
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Thu, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Fri-Sat, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sun, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Holdrons Arcade is a hidden spot in Lane. Inside, you’ll find a row of tiny, independent shops selling everything from vintage clothes and handmade jewellery to custom tattoos and rare vinyl.
There’s a real community here—you can’t feel competition for each shop; instead, they show each other support. The whole space has a creative, DIY energy.
Here, Peckham Jewellers definitely stands out among the shops. It offers handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry that is perfect for gifting.
I spent ages browsing, trying on a few beautifully designed rings before settling on a sleek, handcrafted silver band with a slightly textured finish that caught the light just right.
Pro tip:
Some shops prefer cash, so bring some just in case.
Peckham Levels
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Website
Address: 95A Rye Lane
Contact: hello@peckhamlevels.org
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: £
Peckham Levels is a multi-storey creative hub inside a converted car park. It’s packed with independent shops, street food, and live music.
The space has a cool, industrial feel with colourful murals and an open-plan layout that makes it fun to explore.
You can find vintage clothing, handmade crafts, pop-up art exhibitions, local brands, and some of the best street food in Peckham.
One of the most interesting spots I came across was Sow Studio, a bespoke embroidery shop that mixes traditional hand-stitching with digital techniques.
I spent time admiring the detailed stitching on display—some were minimalist, while others were bold and textured. I ended up chatting with the owner and bought a small embroidered patch with a beautifully detailed floral design.
Pro tip:
Check the events calendar on the Peckham Levels website—they regularly host live music, film screenings, and art shows.
Gather
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Website
Address: 121 Bellenden Road
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Gather is Peckham’s go-to zero-waste shop, making it easy to shop sustainably without the plastic waste.
The shelves are filled with organic food, refillable household essentials, and eco-friendly swaps for everyday living.
I stopped by to refill some pantry staples and was surprised at the variety—from porridge oats and peanut butter to laundry liquid and shampoo.
I even picked up a bamboo toothbrush and a reusable produce bag, both small but simple swaps that I really fell in love with.
Pro tip:
Bring your own containers—but if you forget, they have jars and bottles available.
Where to stay in Peckham
The Victoria Inn
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Website
Address: 77 Choumert Road
Contact: +44 20 7639 5058
Pricing: ££
The Victoria Inn is a boutique hotel that looks like a classic British pub from the outside. But upstairs, it’s a cosy, well-designed hotel.
The rooms have vintage-style furniture, and plush bedding that makes you want to sink right in. The rooms are quiet and well-kept, and the staff are friendly.
Downstairs, the pub serves great food and a solid selection of beers, making it easy to grab a drink or a meal without leaving the building.
