Car Hire Hammersmith

Defined by the sweep of the Thames and threaded by the A4, Hammersmith blends riverside calm with city pace, where 95,000 people share this charming district. It is easily reached by road, whether you’re setting out from Barnes or passing through on the way to Fulham.

The area carries a sense of movement, with footbridges, flyovers and ferries all sharing space with tree-lined walks and tucked-away theatres. In warmer months, the embankment fills with walkers and cyclists. In winter, people gravitate towards heated pub terraces and evening shows. It’s a year-round place, practical to get to, easy to settle into and layered enough to revisit.

Attractions In Hammersmith

Exploring Hammersmith by car makes the town feel more open than expected. With short drives between parks, cultural venues and riverside stops, it’s easy to weave together a full day without ever feeling rushed.

Ravenscourt Park

We arrived mid-morning and parked near the Paddenswick Road entrance, where the tennis courts were already in full swing. The café queue was long but worth it. We grabbed flat whites and wandered through the walled garden while kids fed ducks nearby.

The park feels welcoming without being overly busy. It’s one of those places where you can easily lose track of time doing very little. Open from dawn until dusk.

The Design Museum

A short trip from Kensington, the Design Museum offers a clean modern structure and forward-thinking exhibitions. We didn’t expect to spend almost two hours inside but the display on rethinking household design drew us in completely. From biodegradable packaging to modular furniture, it was surprisingly hands-on.

The staff were friendly and the museum café had just enough space for a breather without feeling corporate. Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and easy to slot into the day if you’re nearby.

Stamford Bridge

We planned our route from Brompton to fit in a stop at Stamford Bridge. Even on non-match days, there’s a buzz around the stadium. Tours guide you through tunnels, changing rooms and onto the pitch. Nothing quite compares to the real thing on game night. Nearby parking is limited, so we left the car a short walk away and made our approach on foot.

Olympia Grand

Olympia is more than just a venue. From antiques shows to food expos, it hosts events that fill its enormous halls with noise, colour and queues.

We showed up for a publishing fair and ended up at a street food stall eating Moroccan flatbreads. That’s Olympia. It pulls you in one way, then surprises you another. A short drive from Acton. Most events open by 10:00 am.

Leighton House

During a visit to Notting Hill Gate, we decided to swing by Leighton House and it ended up being one of the highlights. The domed ceilings, tiled walls and sunlit atrium create an atmosphere that slows your step and quiets your thoughts.

Formerly the home of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton, the building itself is the real exhibit. We barely noticed the time passing. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Chiswick House And Gardens

Coming in from Chiswick, we followed signage to Chiswick House, a Palladian villa fronted by formal lawns and framed by symmetrical walks.

You don’t need to enter the house to appreciate the place. The gardens are extensive and carefully kept, with water features and long avenues perfect for a late afternoon stroll. The café serves lunch and cakes. Open Thursday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

The Lost Estate

The performance began in near-darkness. Tables lit by candlelight. Jazz music filling the corners. Food arriving between acts. We had no idea what to expect and left talking about it the whole way home.

The Lost Estate offers immersive theatre experiences where the line between dining and performance fades. Located on Beaumont Avenue. Book ahead. It’s worth it.

Furnivall Gardens

Not far from Rutland Grove, this riverside park is ideal if all you want is a bench, a breeze and a view. We bought a sandwich, found a spot facing the water and watched the light shift across the Thames. No major features, no big crowds. Just a space that works. Open 24 hours.

Frank Banfield Park

We took a wrong turn and ended up here and we’re glad we did. It’s not showy but it’s clearly loved. People say hello. Dogs wander off-lead and then come back without prompting.

The trees filter the light in a way that makes even a short walk feel worthwhile. Open daily from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm. A steady favourite for residents from Shepherd’s Bush.

Saint Paul’s Green

Quick stop, low expectations but Saint Paul’s Green turned out to be just what we needed. A bench in the shade, a good sandwich and the muffled sound of buses passing behind the hedges. You could miss it if you blink but when you’re nearby, it’s worth pausing. Always open.

Eating Well And Sleeping Easy In Hammersmith

Exploring Hammersmith by car is refreshingly straightforward, with manageable street parking, especially after peak hours.

We began our day with coffee at Coffee Station on King Street—a warm, independent spot with a friendly feel and simple breakfast options. Later, we stopped at Brook’s Counterpoint just off Queen Caroline Street, where the relaxed setting and quiet back tables made it easy to linger over tea and pastries. Dinner at The Gate offered a more refined contrast. Tucked away on Queen Caroline Street, this plant-based restaurant serves seasonal vegetarian dishes in a converted artist’s studio. The atmosphere was calm, the flavours memorable.

If you’re staying overnight, Hotel 65 on Shepherd’s Bush Road offers a practical base with easy walking access to both Hammersmith and Olympia. For something more central, Premier Inn Hammersmith puts you just two minutes from the station, with air-conditioned rooms and on-site dining.