Car Hire Herne Hill

We reached Herne Hill by car, turning off the South Circular just past the gentle rise of Tulse Hill. This part of South London unfolds at a slower pace, with leafy streets, independent cafés and one of the city’s most cherished parks. It sits comfortably between Brixton and East Dulwich and whether you’re arriving via the A215 or A2214, the drive in gives you glimpses of old shopfronts, Victorian terraces and tree-lined roads that feel surprisingly calm for London.

Spring and summer are ideal for visiting by car when the gardens are in full colour and parking is more manageable around Brockwell Park and the quieter residential streets nearby. In winter, expect wet pavements and limited visibility, especially on narrow roads. The town takes on a quiet, tucked-away atmosphere during the colder months. If you’re visiting in July, the Lambeth Country Show is worth planning around. It brings food, live music and a strong sense of community, though roads can get busy during the event.

Attractions In Herne Hill

Herne Hill is best explored with a flexible plan. Having your own vehicle means you can reach outlying parks and hidden museums easily, then head back into the heart of town for coffee or food.

Brockwell Park

We parked along Dulwich Road and wandered into Brockwell Park through the southeastern gate. It’s one of South London’s best-loved open spaces and for good reason. Hillside views, picnic-ready lawns, tennis courts, a café and Brockwell Lido all share the space without ever feeling crowded.

The park’s highest point offers a wide skyline view that takes you by surprise. Open daily from 7:30 am until dusk.

House Of Dreams Museum

Tucked away near Melbourne Grove, the House of Dreams isn’t a museum in the usual sense. We planned a side trip here after a morning stroll through Peckham and found ourselves stepping into a private world layered with memory, grief and colour.

The home of artist Stephen Wright has become a personal shrine of mosaics, dolls, text and found objects. It’s open only on select Saturdays from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and booking ahead is essential. There’s no signage, just a quiet doorway and a note on the bell.

Brockwell Park Walled Garden

Inside the wider Brockwell Park grounds is this enclosed garden of winding paths and sheltered benches. We stumbled across it almost by accident after passing the Lido. It’s quiet, beautifully maintained and full of old roses, fig trees and trailing clematis. You won’t find cafés or noise here, only the soft crunch of gravel and a bench or two in the shade. Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Herne Hill Velodrome

We drove in from Tulse Hill and pulled up just outside the Velodrome’s entrance. There’s something quietly impressive about this place. Built in 1891, it’s one of the few remaining outdoor cycle tracks in the UK and still hosts regular sessions for all levels.

On race days, the buzz is palpable. On others, the only sounds are tyres on tarmac and shouts of encouragement from the coaches. It’s open to the public on certain days. Be sure to check ahead if you want to ride.

Ruskin Park

Coming through Camberwell, we made a short detour to Ruskin Park. The name might suggest something grand but it’s a gentle, tree-lined spot with a quiet bandstand and large grassed areas.

There’s a kiosk near the playground where we picked up coffee and watched the dogs being walked in slow, circular laps. It’s open daily from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm. You’ll find paid parking on the surrounding roads, which is convenient if you plan to stay a while.

Sunray Gardens

Just off Sunray Avenue, this compact park feels more like a well-kept local secret. There are no cafés or sports areas, only a central pond, neat planting and benches dotted in the shade.

We arrived early, just after 8:00 am and had the place nearly to ourselves. It’s a lovely spot for reflection or a breather between other stops in the area. Free roadside parking was easy enough on a weekday morning. Closing time is 9:30 pm daily.

Dulwich Park

Dulwich Park is larger and more polished. The wide carriageways that run through it feel grand and drivers can use the small public car park near College Road.

We came in from Clapham and arrived just as the café opened. A warm croissant in hand, we watched kids queue for pedalos while joggers looped past with dogs in tow. The gardens are formal in layout but the mood is relaxed. Open daily from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.

The Sexby Garden

This rose garden within Peckham Rye Park is like stepping into a postcard. You’ll hear the fountains before you see them. Set within an ornate walled space, the pathways are lined with lavender, pergolas and thick greenery.

We sat under the vine arch with iced coffee and stayed longer than planned. A short drive from central Herne Hill gets you there quickly. Parking is limited near Strakers Road, so arriving early helps.

Brockwell Park Miniature Railway

We didn’t plan to stop here but when we heard the distant chug and saw the tiny steam engine pass by, we couldn’t resist. The miniature railway operates on Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and runs a short route through the park.

Ideal for kids and let’s be honest, adults too. We parked near Norwood Road and walked five minutes to the station. The return ride takes less than ten minutes but was oddly memorable.

Myatt’s Fields Park

After a morning drive from Stockwell, we pulled up near Calais Street and wandered into Myatt’s Fields Park. It’s a good balance of Victorian layout and local energy, with a community greenhouse, a bandstand and a café that punches well above its weight.

The pancakes were excellent. On warmer days, you’ll find laptop workers at picnic benches and yoga sessions near the meadow. No fixed hours listed but it tends to open early and close at dusk.

Spending Time In Herne Hill

If you’re arriving by car, Herne Hill makes it easy to explore at your own pace. There’s decent roadside parking and the main attractions are all close together. We had lunch at Llewelyn’s on Railton Road, a warm and relaxed spot serving seasonal dishes that feel both polished and unfussy. On Sundays, Herne Hill Market brings in stalls like Sweet Carolina with homemade bakes, though their main café is now just beyond the neighbourhood in West Norwood.

The Half Moon remains a solid choice if you’re staying overnight—a Grade II-listed pub with boutique rooms and on-site parking. For something casual, Bunhead Bakery across the road offers excellent Palestinian pastries to go. Smaller B&Bs near Kennington also cater well to drivers looking for quieter accommodation nearby. Whether you’re passing through or making it a base, Herne Hill has everything within reach.