Clapham Old Town
If you're looking for real village atmosphere within a fifteen minute commute of the city, then look no further than Clapham Old Town.
At first glance this area - characterised by a wealth of stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture - seems more like a traditional market town than a London suburb. The Old Town is a small network of streets on the north-east corner of the Common and at its centre is a tree-lined piazza with chic bars and restaurants: perfect for relaxed, alfresco dining.
As the name suggests, this is the place where the Clapham we know today (surrounding the vast, 220 acre expanse of Clapham Common on all sides) first began. Originally a Saxon village known as “Clopp Ham” - the village by the small hill - the area gradually become more popular and by the late 18th century it provided a fashionable place for Londoners escaping the dirt and noise of the city.
Living here you’ll not only enjoy great transport links, you’ll have access to the open, green spaces of Clapham Common: great for sports, Sunday walks or just chilling out with a picnic in the summer.
Shopping and Leisure
This is a small shopping area but it includes a traditional butcher, a dry cleaner and a small ‘local’ supermarket, together with a couple of fashion and interior design stores. When you’re done with shopping you can grab a coffee in one of the many cafes and restaurants around the Polygon.
Nearby Clapham High Street offers a wider range of shops, including a massive Sainsbury’s supermarket.
If you enjoy keeping fit then there’s no better place to run, walk or play sports than Clapham Common, where you’ll find many like-minded residents participating in games of tennis and football or taking part in pilates classes.
While evenings out in Clapham High Street and Clapham South tend to be young and lively, there’s a much more relaxed vibe in the Old Town. Try the quirky Prince of Wales pub on the Polygon for craft beers and ciders, or enjoy a sophisticated meal at celebrity chef Adam Byatt’s acclaimed Trinity Restaurant.
Transport connections
Clapham High Street tube station, on the Northern Line, offers direct access to both the West End and the City. An overground train from nearby Clapham High Street will get you to Gatwick in less than an hour. You can also travel north to Highbury and Islington from here, or pick up a rail connection from Clapham Junction. Bus services include the 88 to Camden Town via Oxford Circus, the 417 travelling south to Crystal Palace and the N137, which travels to Oxford Circus via Chelsea and Battersea.
In brief
Contact Winchester White to view our fantastic portfolio of rental properties in and around Clapham Old Town. Whether you’re a young professional in search of a quick commute to central London or a family looking for quality housing and good schools, this area has everything you need for a relaxed London lifestyle, just minutes away from the City.