London Borough of Culture 2025
Things to Do in Wandsworth
Explore Battersea, Putney, Tooting, Balham and Wandsworth Town — discover parks, markets, riverside walks, cultural venues and family-friendly attractions.
Explore by AreaWandsworth in southwest London is a borough brimming with attractions and activities for all ages. From riverside parks and historic sites to vibrant markets and lively entertainment, its neighbourhoods offer a blend of cultural venues, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun.
As the Mayor's London Borough of Culture 2025, Wandsworth is enjoying an extraordinary year of events, performances and cultural celebrations. With over 1,700 acres of green space — the most of any inner London borough — plus world-class attractions like Battersea Power Station, this is the perfect time to explore.
This guide highlights the best things to do across Battersea, Putney, Tooting, Balham, and Wandsworth Town.
Explore by Neighbourhood
Each area has its own unique character and attractions.
Battersea: Riverside Parks & Cultural Gems
Battersea is home to one of London's most iconic green spaces — Battersea Park — a 200-acre Victorian expanse along the Thames. Stroll tree-lined paths, relax by the ornamental lake, and visit the striking Peace Pagoda. Families love the park's playgrounds, the Children's Zoo (home to meerkats, monkeys and lemurs), and Go Ape's treetop adventure course.
Just east stands the famous Battersea Power Station, now transformed into one of London's most exciting destinations. Named by National Geographic as one of the world's best cultural hot spots for 2024, it has welcomed over 26 million visitors since opening in October 2022. Ride Lift 109 to the top of the iconic chimney for panoramic views, explore over 150 shops and restaurants, or catch a film at the cinema.
The Battersea Arts Centre, housed in the old town hall, hosts innovative theatre, live music, and community arts events.
Putney: Thameside Strolls & Sporting Spirit
In Putney, life revolves around the River Thames. The historic Putney Bridge marks the start of the world-famous Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race each spring — a tradition dating back to 1829. The 4.25-mile Championship Course runs from here to Mortlake, and thousands gather along Putney Embankment to cheer on the crews.
Stroll along the Thames Path for scenic views of rowing clubs and sailing schools. Green spaces abound: Wandsworth Park is a tranquil Grade II listed park, while Putney Heath and the vast Wimbledon and Putney Commons (1,180 acres combined) offer wilder expanses perfect for rambling.
For nightlife, check out The Half Moon — a renowned pub that has hosted The Rolling Stones and continues to showcase live music.
Tooting: Markets & Open-Air Fun
Tooting is one of Wandsworth's most vibrant areas, known for its bustling markets and multicultural flair. Tooting Market and Broadway Market are covered markets where you can explore food stalls, boutiques, and artisan vendors. Sample global cuisines from South Asian curries and Caribbean jerk chicken to wood-fired pizza.
Tooting's high street has earned a reputation as south London's "curry corridor". When it's time for outdoors, Tooting Bec Common (220 acres) offers jogging paths, tennis courts and ponds.
The crown jewel is Tooting Bec Lido — the UK's largest freshwater outdoor swimming pool at 91 metres long. Opened in 1906, this historic pool can hold 1,400 swimmers and attracts up to 2,500 daily visitors in summer. Check out Tooting Tram & Social for evening music nights.
Balham: Café Culture & Nightlife
Balham has a friendly village feel by day and youthful energy by night. Balham High Road is filled with independent cafés, brunch spots, and boutique shops. Hildreth Street Market is a foodie's delight with stalls selling fresh produce, artisan bread, street food, and flowers.
Families find the vibe welcoming with toy shops, ice cream parlours, and café terraces. Wandsworth Common (175 acres) and Tooting Bec Common are a short walk away.
When the sun goes down, The Bedford is a grand Victorian pub turned legendary comedy venue — famous as the launching pad for numerous British comedians. The Balham Comedy Festival in July brings top stand-up talent.
Wandsworth Town: Green Spaces & Leisure
Wandsworth Common provides a peaceful retreat with meadows and duck ponds — the Skylark Café by the bowling green is perfect for coffee. Following the River Wandle leads to King George's Park with playgrounds, sports courts, and the Wandle Trail.
For rainy days, Southside Shopping Centre offers a cinema, bowling alley, and soft-play. History lovers enjoy the Ram Quarter — the redeveloped Young's Brewery site, with brewing equipment on display and a craft taproom.
Don't miss The Ship pub by Wandsworth Bridge — this 18th-century riverside institution offers classic fish and chips with Thames views.
London Borough of Culture 2025
Wandsworth is celebrating with a year-long programme of major events, community arts, and cultural celebrations. From Strictly Wandsworth to Battersea Park in Concert, there's something for everyone.
Seasonal Highlights & Annual Events
Mark these dates in your calendar.
The Boat Race
The world-famous Oxford vs Cambridge University Boat Race has started at Putney since 1829. Thousands gather along Putney Embankment for this historic sporting spectacle. The 4.25-mile course runs to Mortlake with riverside pubs and fan zones packed with spectators.
Wandsworth Arts Fringe
The borough bursts into creative life with pop-up performances across theatres, pubs, parks and street corners. From avant-garde theatre to live music, dance and comedy — with 180 events at 65 venues in 2025, many free or low-cost.
Wandsworth Heritage Festival
Celebrate Wandsworth's rich history with walks, talks, exhibitions and performances. Expect fascinating cemetery walks, folklore tours, storytelling and craft workshops.
Balham Comedy Festival
Summer in Balham means laughter. This week-long festival features top stand-up comedians and emerging talent at The Bedford and other local venues.
Battersea Park in Concert
A spectacular three-day open-air concert series featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, and more. Picnic in the park while enjoying world-class music under the stars.
Tootopia
Tooting throws a neighbourhood-wide party celebrating food, drink and culture with special restaurant menus, street food markets, live music, guided history walks, and family activities.
Battersea Park Fireworks
One of London's most spectacular Bonfire Night displays. Join thousands in Battersea Park for a dazzling fireworks show set to music, with food stalls, mulled wine, and a bonfire by the Thames.
Festive Winter Markets
From the twinkling Christmas lights of Northcote Road to festive stalls in Putney and Wandsworth Town. Don't miss the Winter Village at Battersea Power Station with ice skating and Christmas markets.
Chez Bruce — Award-Winning Dining
Overlooking Wandsworth Common, Chez Bruce has held a Michelin star since 1999 and was voted "Londoners' Favourite Restaurant" for eleven consecutive years. Chef Bruce Poole's French-Mediterranean cuisine focuses on seasonal produce, homemade charcuterie, and a legendary cheese board.
The restaurant occupies the site of Marco Pierre White's original Harveys — making this corner of Wandsworth a piece of culinary history.
2 Bellevue Road, SW17 7EG | 020 8672 0114
Visitor Information
Everything you need to plan your visit to Wandsworth.
Getting Here
- Northern Line: Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, Clapham South, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Balham
- District Line: East Putney, Putney Bridge
- National Rail: Clapham Junction (Europe's busiest for train traffic), Wandsworth Town, Putney, Balham, Earlsfield
- River Bus: Battersea Power Station Pier
Key Attractions
- Battersea Power Station — 150+ shops, Lift 109, cinema
- Battersea Park — 200 acres, zoo, Go Ape, Peace Pagoda
- Tooting Bec Lido — UK's largest outdoor pool (91m)
- Wimbledon & Putney Commons — 1,180 acres
- Battersea Arts Centre — Theatre & community arts
Useful Tips
- Best for families: Battersea Park Zoo, Tooting Bec Lido
- Best for foodies: Tooting Markets, Northcote Road
- Best for culture: Battersea Arts Centre, The Bedford
- Best for outdoors: Thames Path, Wandle Trail
- Cycling: Santander Cycles in Putney, Wandsworth Town & Battersea
Explore Wandsworth
Find attractions, transport links and more on the interactive map.
Your Adventure Awaits
Whether you're exploring a grand park, catching a fringe theatre show, browsing a market for street food, or simply enjoying a riverside sunset, Wandsworth offers a rich tapestry of things to do. Each area — Battersea with its iconic sights, Putney with its riverside energy, Tooting's lively streets, Balham's convivial charm, and Wandsworth Town's blend of past and present — contributes its own character to this corner of London.