Car Hire Vauxhall

Vauxhall is one of Greater London’s most surprising areas, a riverbank neighbourhood of 14,000 where historic landmarks, green parks, street cuisine, museums and new architecture coexist in unexpected harmony. It’s located just south of the Thames and is easily accessible by road via the A202 or A3204, making it an appealing destination for travellers seeking a mix of urban bustle and cultural depth. The greatest time to visit is late spring to early autumn, when the gardens are in blossom and there are more events in the outdoor spaces. Its close connection to the heart of London adds to its attractiveness, allowing visitors to see major sights without losing sight of the local charm. The environment is mild but unpredictable, so bring clothes, an umbrella and excellent walking shoes.

Attractions In Vauxhall

Vauxhall has a laid-back charm that emerges gradually as you walk through streets lined with statues and street food. It’s the type of place where a simple stroll can lead to a secret garden, a centuries-old landmark or a cultural centre concealed behind an inconspicuous building.

Lambeth Bridge

Lambeth Bridge, which connects Vauxhall and Westminster across the Thames, serves as both a practical bridge and a spectacular visual landmark. Built in the 1930s to replace an earlier suspension bridge, the red paint represents ties to the House of Lords. It is notably popular on New Year’s Eve, when thousands congregate to get a good view of the London Eye. Strollers coming in from Kennington frequently recommend it as a tranquil and scenic area for walking and photographs. It is open all year and is a valuable piece of London history that you may explore at your leisure.

Lambeth Basaveshwara Statue

Set against the Albert Embankment, this beautiful statue of Basavanna, a 12th-century philosopher and poet, provides both cultural depth and tranquil introspection. Basavanna’s significance extends well beyond India and seeing his likeness in Vauxhall sends a powerful message about community, conversation and respect. The statue itself is immaculately maintained and the surrounding area provides a tranquil setting for walking, contemplation or simply breathing in the fresh river air. It’s a monument that connects continents and eras most tangibly.

Lambeth Palace

Lambeth Palace, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s official London residence, has watched over the Thames for nearly 800 years. Its gothic towers and red-brick façade are just the beginning – behind the gates is a magnificent garden that is open to the public on the first Friday of each month from May to September. A favourite among those seeking a quieter, more deliberate outing in Stockwell and beyond, the palace grounds offer unexpected access to a space that feels both sacred and secret. If you’re lucky, you may also get to peek inside the chapel or the library and the Garden Museum next door adds another layer of depth to the visit.

St Mary’s Church And Tower, Lambeth

St Mary’s Church and Tower has stood the test of time, formerly a significant religious site in Lambeth and now home to one of the area’s most unexpectedly beautiful museums, the Garden Museum. Its location, next to Lambeth Palace and across the river from Parliament, speaks volumes about how much history has gone through these grounds. Today, the site strikes a balance between veneration and reinvention, inviting visitors not just to examine its spiritual history but also to interact with exhibitions on gardening, design and the shifting relationship between people and natural spaces. It’s the kind of area that makes you stop, just on the outskirts of the city’s noise.

Watch House

Sitting quietly along Lambeth High Street, the Watch House is easy to see — yet its significance in local history is more difficult to ignore. These simple structures were historically critical to local safety, housing fire wardens or night watchmen who patrolled the streets before organised policing existed. Though no longer in continuous use, the edifice serves as a reminder of the working-class struggles that shaped modern London. In a fast-changing borough, its presence feels steady and essential, reminding pedestrians of the everyday lives that helped shape the city.

The Beaufoy Institute

Built in the nineteenth century by the philanthropic Beaufoy family, this beautiful structure was initially a community college that provided practical education to impoverished kids. Its legacy lives on today in a gentler form, functioning as a location for guided meditation and informal community events. The building’s history can be sensed in every creaking floorboard and carved cornice but the mood is welcoming, calm and inclusive. It’s only open once a week on Thursdays from 7 PM to 9 PM, yet it’s a significant part of Vauxhall’s social story.

Garden Museum

The Garden Museum, located within the evocative walls of St Mary’s Church, combines centuries of history with the modern beauty of a thriving cultural centre. Exhibitions change throughout the year, focusing on everything from great British gardeners to the importance of design in outdoor settings. There is a café on-site, which attracts families with play spaces and home-baked biscuits that seem like part of the experience. The museum is extremely popular with visitors from Elephant and Castle, who often include it in a day trip around Lambeth Palace or the Thames Path. If you’re up for a challenge, the 131 stairs to the tower’s viewing platform provide panoramic city views – a difficult but gratifying bonus.

The Cinema Museum

The Cinema Museum provides an interactive journey through Britain’s film past, all within a structure rich in interesting history. The property, which was once a workhouse where a young Charlie Chaplin spent part of his youth, now has mementoes, screening rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors frequently start with a brief lecture and tour, followed by a nostalgic look through the collection and a showing of pre-1970s masterpieces. Volunteers administer the area with genuine enthusiasm, giving the overall experience a friendly, homey feel. It’s less about large displays and more about atmosphere, which is precisely what makes it unforgettable.

Market Place Food Hall Vauxhall

Market Place cuisine Hall, with its lively ambience and stunning range of street cuisine, is a must-see for anyone looking to experience something new. Dozens of stalls offer everything from handmade pasta to hot exotic flavours, all inside a vibrant, well-designed community environment. The location, popular with foodies from Camberwell, offers both fast eats and a sit-down atmosphere, due to its central bar and late-night hours. This food hall combines flavour with flair, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or spending the evening.

VauxWall East Climbing Centre

VauxWall East is more than just a climbing gym – it’s a characterful urban place housed in what appears to be a repurposed school building, complete with lofty ceilings, wooden accents and a warm, nostalgic feeling. A short walk from the station, it provides a diverse range of amenities, including numerous climbing walls, gym spaces, showers, a small café and even a work-friendly front area. It’s especially popular among people who come from South Bank and appreciate a more relaxed, local vibe while getting their workout fix. While certain places may use some improvement, the pleasant personnel and clever layout make it a memorable destination for thrill enthusiasts.

Riverside Walk Gardens

This quiet patch of green sits just beside Vauxhall Bridge and offers a mix of calm, history and visual interest. It’s home to Henry Moore’s sculpture Locking Piece (1963–64) and a small plaque marks the spot where prisoners were once boarded onto ships bound for Australia — the origin of the POMS nickname. With views of the MI6 building and just a few minutes’ walk from the Tate Britain, it’s a compact but surprisingly meaningful place to pause and take in the riverside.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens lives up to its name by providing room for picnics, activities and even free outdoor film nights throughout the summer. Families, couples and lone travellers all pass through here, especially with the City Farm right next door adding to the charm. We’ve seen folks arrive from Waterloo with blankets and refreshments, ready for a quiet film evening beneath the stars. The park is always open and is one of Vauxhall’s most inclusive and dynamic green places.

Bonnington Square Pleasure Garden

Bonnington Square Pleasure Garden, nestled behind a series of inconspicuous buildings, is the type of hidden gem that rewards a little exploration. This modest, green sanctuary is ideal for anyone looking for a break from the city’s pace, with seats, swings and shady picnic areas beckoning you to slow down. A couple of cosy coffee shops nearby round out the experience, making it an ideal stop whether you’re starting your day or winding it down.

Vauxhall City Farm

This community-run farm delivers an unexpected bit of the countryside to the heart of Vauxhall, complete with goats, chickens and the opportunity to hand-feed them. It’s a major hit with families looking for a brief escape, especially those coming from Brixton and want something entertaining and hands-on without leaving the city. The café offers drinks and snacks, friendly service and convenient amenities such as wash stations and card facilities. It is open daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, except on Mondays.