Blackheath is stylish neighborhood with a friendly charm. With over 200 acres (81 hectares) of greenery, it boasts one of the biggest areas of public land in the city. It also has boutiques, cafés and restaurants that give it a delightful village-like feel. Visit Blackheath to enjoy the outdoor attractions, community events and social scene of this London enclave.
Blackheath, the area’s namesake and windswept common, is a focal point for recreation and relaxation. Once a meeting point during the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt uprising, today it’s a great spot for jogging, picnics, kite flying and walking. Visit in July for the ONBlackheath arts, food and music festival. In November, Blackheath Fireworks welcomes thousands for London’s largest free fireworks display.
Follow pathways from the heath into Greenwich Park, one of London’s Royal Parks. A popular route is to walk to the Royal Observatory and Prime Meridian line, where superb city views await. The Ranger’s House is home to a quirky exhibition of jewelry, paintings and porcelain bequeathed by Sir Julius Wernher.
In Blackheath Village, Georgian and Victorian-era mansions line the refined shopping streets of Montpelier Row and Tranquil Vale. Browse boutiques, bookstores and independent design shops. Experience the special atmosphere of a London pub, and dine on international cuisine and pick up organic goods at a farmers market.
Check the schedule at Blackheath Halls for year-round performing arts events such as comedy, concerts, pantomimes and spoken word. Established in 1895, the venue is among London’s oldest surviving purpose-built cultural centers.
Architecture connoisseurs will want to see The Paragon, a crescent-shaped masterpiece of Regency houses connected by colonnades. Based in neighboring Eltham, the Royal Blackheath Golf Club is England’s oldest gold club.
Blackheath sits between the royal boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham, in Southeast London. Travel by overground train to Blackheath station. Get here in under 30 minutes from major transportation stations, including Cannon Street, Charing Cross and Waterloo.