Car Hire Kennington

Kennington is a compact but culturally rich part of Greater London, home to around 15,000 residents and bordered by main roads like Kennington Park Road and Brixton Road. Positioned just south of the river, it offers quick access to some of London’s most iconic landmarks while retaining its distinct identity. The area is best visited during the warmer months, when its parks and open spaces come to life and its attractions run outdoor events and seasonal exhibitions. Packing for a day here is simple—light layers, walking shoes and perhaps a picnic blanket if you’re planning to spend time in one of its gardens. What makes Kennington particularly compelling is its blend of green space and historic landmarks, all set within easy reach of vibrant areas like Central London.

Attractions In Kennington

Despite its modest size, Kennington features an impressive range of things to see and do. Whether you’re looking to explore a centuries-old park, visit a one-of-a-kind museum or find a quiet spot along the Thames, the area offers a balanced mix of heritage and recreation. It’s a place that encourages both casual wandering and deeper dives into London’s layered history.

Kennington Park

Kennington Park is one of the area’s most cherished green spaces, known for its mature trees, colourful flower beds and peaceful atmosphere. With nearly 3,700 reviews, it’s a local favourite that offers a balanced mix of open lawns, hidden seating areas and a well-maintained flower garden that comes into its own during the spring. A popular café near the centre serves fresh pizza and coffee and beehives tucked into quiet corners attract a variety of birds. Visitors coming over from Elephant and Castle often use the park as a natural escape from the denser parts of the city. Whether for a relaxed walk, a sit in the sun or a bite to eat, the space consistently feels like an oasis amid urban life.

Kennington Park History Hut

Located within the grounds of Kennington Park itself, the History Hut offers a compact yet intriguing look into the area’s local heritage. Though modest in size, this small museum space is affectionately regarded as one of the most engaging community-led history spots in the borough. Open 24 hours, the hut is especially appreciated by those who enjoy discovering lesser-known pieces of London’s past without the formality of a traditional museum setting. It complements the park’s charm with a cultural layer that adds depth to any casual stroll through the grounds.

Pasley Park

Pasley Park may be compact but it’s rich in activity and often buzzing with life. The adventure play area draws in families, while two designated dog zones provide much-needed space for local pet owners. The park also acts as a community hub, hosting fitness sessions, gardening workshops and seasonal events that bring people together in a laid-back setting. Though seating is limited and the space tends to function more as a cut-through than a destination, it’s well maintained and generally feels safe, with only the occasional rowdy group breaking the calm. It serves as a familiar landmark on the way to Walworth Road or the nearby Kennington Tube Station.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens offers a refreshing mix of greenery, community activity and cultural programming—all set within a space that remains open day and night. The park’s open layout gives it the feel of a modern Common, with nearby Vauxhall City Farm adding to its family-friendly appeal. During the summer months, the Gardens transform into a social hotspot, hosting weekly outdoor film nights where locals gather with blankets and snacks under the stars. As the skyline around it evolves with the rise of the Nine Elms development, the contrast between tranquil lawns and high-rise silhouettes creates a distinctive atmosphere that feels both current and grounded in tradition.

Riverside Walk Gardens

A small but artfully designed green space nestled along the Thames, Riverside Walk Gardens delivers sweeping views of Vauxhall Bridge and the changing face of the opposite bank’s architecture. Sculptures by artists like Henry Moore are dotted throughout the grounds, offering moments of reflection amid the city’s energy. History is quietly woven into the setting—a lone bollard at the northern edge marks the site of the former Millbank Prison, adding context to the landscape. This stop is especially appealing to those coming in from Vauxhall, who often find it a quiet but meaningful place to pause between more crowded destinations.

The Oval

The Oval Cricket Ground stands as one of Kennington’s most celebrated landmarks, bringing with it a sense of sporting prestige and historical weight. It’s not just the venue for major matches that draws visitors but also the sense of tradition found in its elegant boardroom, detailed memorabilia displays and the iconic Test Match Centuries board. Tours of the stadium give fans the chance to explore the legacy of English cricket up close. Whether attending a live game or simply soaking in the heritage, it’s a favourite among those exploring from South Bank, especially for travellers with a passion for sport and history alike.

Garden Museum

Set within the walls of the former St Mary’s Church in Lambeth, the Garden Museum offers a distinctive combination of horticultural history and architectural charm. Exhibitions change throughout the year, covering everything from landscape design to personal gardening stories, while family-friendly touches like craft tables and a small play area keep younger visitors engaged. The museum café earns its praise—especially for its house-baked biscuits—and the 131-step climb to the tower’s viewing platform rewards visitors with a panoramic perspective of London. With its spotless facilities and thoughtfully curated shop, the museum has become a favourite for those seeking a quieter, hands-on cultural experience in Kennington.

The Cinema Museum

Tucked down Dugard Way, The Cinema Museum pays tribute to the golden age of film in a setting steeped in history. Housed in the former workhouse where Charlie Chaplin once lived as a child, the museum blends personal storytelling with a trove of memorabilia, vintage equipment and charmingly informal guided tours. Visitors begin with tea and biscuits, followed by a lecture and a curated look around the collection, with screenings of classic films often concluding the experience. Its nostalgic atmosphere and welcoming volunteer team have made it a consistent hit with those exploring from Waterloo, especially anyone with a passion for cinema history and community-run venues.

South-East Side Gallery

Open at all hours, the South-East Side Gallery makes an impression not through scale but through emotional weight and originality. With a constantly evolving display of local art and provocative installations, the gallery manages to balance intimacy with intensity. It’s the sort of place visitors stumble upon and remember—raw, expressive and deeply rooted in the surrounding community. Whispers of a gift shop opening soon only add to the sense that this grassroots gallery is on the cusp of something even bigger.

Lambeth Palace

Overlooking the Thames, Lambeth Palace has served as the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury for centuries. Its imposing architecture, rich historical legacy and tranquil gardens make it one of the most meaningful landmarks in the area. The interior—accessible to the public on select days—includes a historic chapel, centuries-old portraits and one of the most remarkable ecclesiastical libraries in the country. Though not as widely visited as central institutions, it’s well known among those staying in or passing through Camberwell, often seen as a hidden cultural gem just south of Westminster. Whether viewed from the riverside or explored up close, the site carries the weight of deep religious and architectural history.

War Memorial

Positioned at the edge of Kennington Park Place, this War Memorial provides a quiet and respectful space for reflection amidst the everyday movement of city life. While modest in scale, it holds emotional significance for many, honouring those lost in conflict with a simple yet dignified presence. The surrounding pathways offer a gentle walking route, inviting passers-by to pause and acknowledge the sacrifices commemorated here.

Kennington Park Shelter Memorial

Tucked near the midwestern entrance of Kennington Park, the Shelter Memorial marks a poignant chapter in local wartime history. It commemorates those affected by the bombing of a WWII air raid shelter, an event that left a lasting impact on the community. Nearby benches offer a quiet place to sit and reflect, though the hum of passing traffic never entirely fades—a reminder that this moment of history lives on within a modern city landscape.

St Mark’s Church, Kennington

St Mark’s Church is one of the four “Waterloo Churches” built in the early 19th century and its presence on Kennington Park Road adds both spiritual and architectural significance to the neighbourhood. With its classical façade, serene grounds and uplifting interior, the church has remained a place of reflection and community gathering for over two centuries. Visitors often describe it as a restorative space, with a sense of tranquillity that extends beyond its religious function. It’s regularly visited by those heading over from Stockwell, drawn by both its beauty and its history as a local landmark rooted in faith and public service.

Kennington Monument

Standing quietly near the junction of Brixton Road, the Kennington Monument may appear simple at first glance but its history runs surprisingly deep. The fluted column topped with a gilded ball is believed to commemorate a significant event or crossroads, with some suggesting its link to the site of a mid-19th-century toll road. Though no longer marked by signage or ceremony, the monument occupies a spot layered with local memory—a symbol of how urban development overlays centuries of evolution. Its placement near former public toilets and a pre-Roman intersection adds to its slightly enigmatic charm.

Osborne Water Tower House

Once a crumbling Victorian relic, the Osborne Water Tower House now stands as a striking example of architectural restoration, famously featured on the TV show Grand Designs. Originally built to serve London’s water supply needs, the tower has been transformed into a modern home with sweeping views of the capital from its upper floors. Its transformation is not just an engineering feat but a preservation of character, keeping its historical essence while embracing contemporary living. Visible from Dugard Way, it remains a quiet curiosity for passers-by and design enthusiasts alike.

VauxWall East Climbing Centre

Tucked into a converted school building just off Cabanel Place, VauxWall East offers a rock-climbing experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. The interior makes clever use of space, blending wooden structures with a bright and open layout that caters to climbers of all skill levels. In addition to its climbing walls and training areas, the centre includes useful amenities like showers, a small café workspace and even cave-like bouldering sections for those after a different kind of challenge. Though pricing runs a little higher than average, the atmosphere and variety of climbs continue to draw regulars and new visitors alike.

Bridge Command

Bridge Command delivers an experience that’s part sci-fi roleplay, part immersive theatre and entirely unforgettable. Set aboard a detailed “spacecraft” simulation, this live adventure draws participants into collaborative missions where actors, props and real-time decisions all shape the unfolding story. Guests aren’t just watching a performance—they become part of it, with ranks, story arcs and personal recognition adding depth to each visit. This type of experience has quickly earned a following, especially among those exploring from Aldwych looking for something out of the ordinary. Whether you’re into science fiction, interactive entertainment or just curious to try something new, it’s a standout in Kennington’s entertainment mix.