Car Hire East Dulwich

East Dulwich, which has a population of 12,000, offers a quiet break from busier corners of South London. Set just off the South Circular (A205) and linked by the A2216, it’s simple to reach by car, with residential parking often available near the green spaces.

Spring and early summer show the area at its best, with gardens in bloom and pavement cafés in full swing. In colder months, the streets feel cosier—historic homes and shopfronts lit against overcast skies. Dulwich Picture Gallery and the wide paths of Dulwich Park give the town its understated character, season to season. You’ll want to keep an eye on the forecast; occasional showers roll through even on sunny days. Light waterproofs and comfortable shoes tend to outlast fashion choices here, where wandering from villagey lanes to leafy commons is half the appeal. This area is not so

Attractions In East Dulwich

Shaped by parks, galleries and a strong sense of community, East Dulwich is a place where green spaces meet creative energy. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a full day, there’s always something quietly surprising to find.

Dulwich Park

While driving in from Peckham, we found ourselves circling Dulwich Park more times than planned—it’s the kind of place that draws you back with every lap. Covering over 72 acres along College Road, this historic Victorian park invites everything from casual bike rides to slow walks under the shade of its plane trees.

Boating on the lake is a popular summer treat and the renovated café always seems to hit the spot. Open daily from 7:30 am to 6 pm, it’s a local favourite in every season.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

During a visit to Herne Hill, we made time to explore Dulwich Picture Gallery—a light-filled, low-slung building that feels a world apart from London’s bigger museums.

The collection includes works by Rembrandt and Gainsborough but it’s the peaceful gardens and temporary exhibitions that keep the gallery feeling fresh. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Dulwich Woods

While coming from Honor Oak Park, we decided to take a detour through Dulwich Woods—a genuine pocket of wilderness tucked off Peckarmans Wood. The crunch of old leaves underfoot and the hush of towering trees create a sense of stillness you rarely find this close to central London. Managed by the Dulwich Estate, it’s open daily from 8 am to 8 pm—and a great place to let dogs run free, as we discovered.

Dawson’s Hill

It’s easy to miss Dawson’s Hill if you don’t know where to look. Sitting just off Dunstans Road, this small park punches above its weight with sweeping skyline views—particularly stunning around dusk.

We stumbled upon it by accident and ended up staying long enough to watch fireworks shimmer across the horizon. Open from 7 am to 9 pm.

Sydenham Hill Wood And Cox’s Walk

Approaching from Forest Hill, we entered Sydenham Hill Wood—a dense, tangled stretch of ancient woodland where ivy clings to fallen trunks and birdsong fills the air.

It’s easy to lose track of time here, wandering the old railway paths and timber boardwalks. Open 24 hours, it feels untouched in the best possible way.

Crystal Palace Dinosaurs

A short trip from Camberwell led us to the famous Crystal Palace Dinosaurs—a collection of wonderfully bizarre Victorian sculptures set beside lakes and woodland.

They’re not quite scientifically accurate but part of the charm lies exactly in that. The park itself, open daily from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm, is sprawling enough to spend a full afternoon exploring.

Horniman Museum And Gardens

During a visit to Brockley, we planned a morning at the Horniman Museum but could have easily spent the day. Between the butterfly house, musical instrument galleries, aquarium and the panoramic views from the gardens, it’s one of those places that caters effortlessly to every age group.

Open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, it’s ideal for curious wanderers or relaxed family outings.

House Of Dreams Museum

Hidden along Melbourne Grove, the House of Dreams Museum offers an explosion of colour, mosaics and deeply personal art. It’s part museum, part memoir. We found the details both beautiful and unsettling—and completely unforgettable. Visits are by appointment or during special open days (usually Saturdays).

Herne Hill Velodrome

Behind Burbage Road, the Herne Hill Velodrome quietly keeps London’s cycling tradition alive. We caught a Learn to Ride session for young kids—the cheers and encouragement were infectious. Check the events calendar before visiting, as times vary depending on sessions.

Brockwell Lido

Not far from Tulse Hill, Brockwell Lido tempted us in for an early swim. The art deco outdoor pool holds a certain nostalgia, especially when the mist rises off the water on cooler mornings.

Open from 6:30 am most days, with weekend hours slightly shorter, it’s an ideal spot if you’re craving a refreshing plunge.

Settling Into East Dulwich

Spending time in East Dulwich often feels like being let in on a local secret. Cafés spill onto Lordship Lane with places like Blue Brick Café serving vegan brunches and cafés like Kanella & Co offering a Mediterranean twist. Accommodation stays modest and personal—you’ll find cosy options like The East Dulwich Hotel for an easy overnight stay, while budget-minded visitors can head a little toward Brixton for more choices. The town moves at its own, quietly confident pace—easy to settle into and hard to leave in a hurry.