Car Hire Putney

With its leafy commons, riverside paths and deep historical character, Putney, with its 77,000 residents, stands out as one of Greater London’s most inviting neighbourhoods for a refreshing day out. Positioned along the southern banks of the River Thames, it is easily accessible by road, with the A3 and A219 offering smooth connections across the city. The climate remains typically mild throughout the year, making a light jacket and comfortable shoes sensible choices for visitors planning to explore on foot. The best time to visit tends to be from late spring through early autumn, when the parks are lush and the walking trails are at their most inviting. Whether you’re seeking open green spaces, heritage landmarks or a peaceful break from city life, Putney’s varied charms are well worth a closer look.

Attractions In Putney

Putney offers a laid-back blend of natural beauty, historic monuments and local charm that rewards those willing to wander beyond the obvious.

Wimbledon Park

Tucked away along Home Park Road, Wimbledon Park offers a peaceful escape from the city’s faster pace, with a 4.6-star rating from over 4,300 visitors backing its appeal. This delightful green space features a picturesque lake, winding pathways perfect for easy strolls and well-maintained tennis courts that add a sporty flair to the relaxed atmosphere. Many people spending time around Fulham find themselves drawn here, enjoying both the chance to unwind and the opportunity to stay active in one of London’s most charming parks. Whether you’re up for a leisurely walk or a few hours on the golf course, Wimbledon Park makes it easy to forget the rush of the city for a while.

Garratt Park

Hidden away from the main roads, Garratt Park on Siward Road is a favourite for those who prefer a quieter, more local green space. Its newly revamped playground, with wooden climbing frames, swings and playhuts, offers plenty of fun for younger visitors, while open pitches provide a spot for ball games and casual picnicking. Though there’s no coffee shop on-site, the park’s peaceful setting and family-friendly layout make it a great option for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.

Wimbledon And Putney Commons

Covering a vast stretch along Windmill Road, Wimbledon and Putney Commons are a true sanctuary for nature lovers, recognised with a 4.7-star average from over 4,100 visitors. This sweeping area of woodlands is filled with hidden ponds, ancient trees shaped by nature and winding paths that invite hours of exploring. A favourite with walkers and dog owners coming over from Barnes, the commons offer a refreshing contrast to city life, especially when the weather is dry and the landscape bursts with colour. It’s the kind of place that rewards repeat visits, changing beautifully with the seasons.

Putney Heath

Spread across a generous expanse, Putney Heath offers a refreshing patch of wilderness where London feels like a distant memory. With wide greens perfect for picnicking or a lively ball game and winding paths that weave through pockets of untamed forest, it’s a wonderful spot for nature lovers to unwind. Along the way, visitors might stumble upon a couple of peaceful ponds or even pop into The Telegraph, a well-loved pub nestled at the heart of the heath that proudly maintains a countryside atmosphere within the city.

King George’s Park

Located off Mapleton Road, King George’s Park provides a beautiful and much-loved escape for locals and tourists alike, boasting a 4.5-star rating from nearly 2,000 visitors. Its well-maintained gardens, tranquil pond and neatly paved paths create a relaxed setting that invites leisurely walks and picnics. With dedicated playgrounds for children and tennis courts for the more energetic, it’s a welcoming space where families and individuals can slow down and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.

Wandsworth Park

Set along Putney Bridge Road, Wandsworth Park is a riverside gem celebrated for its serene beauty and the wonderful variety of wildlife it supports. Popular with those visiting from Battersea, the park offers stunning views of the Thames year-round, with four nearby barges serving as homes to herons, cormorants and a host of other bird species. Whether you’re out for a jog, a photography walk or simply looking to relax among the trees and fresh air, this green space delivers a little piece of calm at the edge of the river.

Leader’s Gardens

Tucked beside Putney Embankment, Leader’s Gardens is a peaceful spot that offers visitors a quiet escape just steps from the riverside. With the rowing area nearby, it’s not uncommon to see crews setting off while others simply relax in the park, enjoying the slower pace of the Thames. The riverside path towards Hammersmith is always a pleasure to stroll along and there’s a subtle charm here that makes it easy to forget you’re still in the middle of London.

Putney Towpath

Stretching along the banks of the Thames, the Putney Towpath is a favourite route for walkers, joggers and anyone keen to explore Putney’s scenic side. The path passes plenty of cafés and resting spots, making it easy to turn a casual outing into a full day of riverside wandering. Many visitors enjoy making a circular route by crossing the Thames at either Putney Bridge or Hammersmith Bridge, with around four miles of peaceful riverside views to enjoy along the way.

Putney Embankment

Putney Embankment offers one of the most pleasant riverside spots for a leisurely stroll or simply sitting back and taking in the surroundings. Often recommended by those familiar with Chelsea, it provides a front-row seat to the life of the river, with rowers passing by and plenty of benches to stop and watch the world go by. Whether you’re planning a relaxed morning walk or looking for a scenic place to pause during a busy day, the embankment never disappoints.

Putney War Memorial

Standing quietly in the heart of Putney, the War Memorial is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by local residents during times of conflict. This dignified monument offers a place for reflection and remembrance, where visitors and the local community alike can pause to honour those who gave their lives. Though modest in size, its historical weight and emotional significance make it an important landmark within the neighbourhood.

Exodus

Blending almost seamlessly into the riverside landscape, the Exodus sculpture along Putney Embankment rewards those who take the time to look more closely. From a distance, the pieces can appear understated but as you approach, the craftsmanship and emotion behind the work become immediately apparent. Offering a moment of quiet reflection amid the bustle of riverside life, the sculptures add an unexpected depth to a simple stroll by the Thames.

Putney Bridge

Spanning the Thames with an easy grace, Putney Bridge is one of the area’s most recognisable and frequently visited landmarks, holding a strong 4.5-star average from nearly 2,000 visitors. Often mentioned by those exploring from Hammersmith, the bridge connects the lively riverside areas on both banks, linking parks, cafés and bustling transport hubs. Whether you’re crossing on foot to catch a glimpse of the changing river scene or pausing to explore the local shops and eateries nearby, the bridge forms a vibrant gateway into Putney’s character.

Fred Russell Blue Plaque

Located close to the river at Pier Stop P, the Fred Russell Blue Plaque pays tribute to one of Britain’s most influential ventriloquists. Russell is often credited with pioneering the modern style of ventriloquism and this plaque marks his important connection to Putney’s cultural history. Like many blue plaques across London, it serves as a small but meaningful reminder of the creative talents who have helped shape the city’s rich and varied character.

Caesar’s Well

Hidden within a circle of tall pines, Caesar’s Well offers visitors a glimpse into a more mystical side of London’s history. This beautiful natural spring, easily reached with a short walk from the nearby car park, is considered one of the key points along the sacred triangle of London ley lines. It’s a spot that attracts both history enthusiasts and those looking for a quiet moment of reflection, particularly those already exploring Wimbledon and its surrounding green spaces.

Caesar’s Camp

Despite its grand-sounding name, Caesar’s Camp isn’t a historical encampment but rather a local green space dominated today by a golf course. Although the folk tales of ancient activity add a layer of intrigue, visitors will find it more appealing to explore the nearby forests, where natural beauty takes centre stage. Even without deep historical roots, the area remains a pleasant place for a quiet walk away from the busier parts of the city.

Five Mile Stone

Situated on Putney Common, the Five Mile Stone is a modest but meaningful reminder of the days when milestones played a crucial role in navigation and travel. This historic marker signalled the distance from central London, helping weary travellers measure their journeys long before the era of modern transport. Although easy to overlook, it offers an interesting glimpse into Putney’s past as a key point along the city’s expanding road networks.

Royal Victoria Patriotic Building

Rising dramatically along John Archer Way, the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building is one of Putney’s most distinctive landmarks, a grand Gothic structure that immediately captures attention. Originally built to house the orphaned daughters of soldiers lost in the Crimean War, the building today has found new life hosting arts spaces, craft workshops and lively events. Those exploring from Clapham often make a point of visiting, drawn by its beautiful yet slightly eerie architecture and the surprising number of creative enterprises that now call it home.

Hartley’s Obelisk

Hartley’s Obelisk stands as one of Putney’s quirkiest tributes, dedicated with tongue firmly in cheek to a local figure affectionately known as Big Dave Hartley. While the story behind the monument might raise a smile, it has nonetheless become a beloved landmark, blending humour with the town’s more traditional sense of history. Its light-hearted spirit adds a memorable and distinctly human touch to Putney’s collection of historic sites.

Roehampton Mounting Block

Set quietly beside Cemetery East Lodge on Kingston Road, the Roehampton Mounting Block is a small but charming reminder of a very different time. Once used by riders to mount their horses before setting off down the lanes, this simple stone now sits somewhat humorously next to a busy dual carriageway and a modern bus stop. Though easy to overlook, it captures a moment in Putney’s past when life moved at a much slower, more measured pace.

Buddhapadipa Temple

Tucked away on Calonne Road, the Buddhapadipa Temple is a stunning example of traditional Buddhist architecture, drawing visitors who appreciate both its spiritual atmosphere and intricate design. The temple’s welcoming environment, shaped by the warm nature of the monks, makes it a particularly peaceful stop for those exploring the area. Many travellers coming from Shepherd’s Bush find themselves charmed by the serene gardens, elegant structures and the thoughtful amenities, such as ample parking, that make visits easy and stress-free.