Best Things to do in Clapham and Battersea
Clapham and Battersea: a dynamic duo of districts nestled in the heart of southwest London. Famed for being the lifeblood of many young professionals, party enthusiasts, and our personal favourites, the wine aficionados; we wanted to spill the secrets on the best things to do in Battersea and Clapham (other than visit our Humble Grape Battersea wine bar, of course!).
First: a whistlestop tour of this lively part of London. Hugging alongside the river Thames, you’ll find Battersea, which has stunning riverside views and awe-worthy luxury apartments that overlook it. Catch the Northern line to get there, or travel in style by jumping aboard the Uber boat and live out your best James Bond speed boat fantasy. It delivers you straight to the doorstep of the mesmerising Battersea Power Station, which is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Battersea Park.
Roaming further south, you’ll stumble upon Clapham Junction, which has star status as one of the busiest train stations in the UK. It acts as the transition between Battersea and Clapham making it criminally convenient to access both districts.
Delving deeper into the centre of Clapham you’ll find everything from the buzzing high street to the luscious Clapham Common. The latter being a large, picturesque park at the heart of the area. Clapham is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife (did someone say Infernos?!) and you don’t have to panic about how you’ll get home at 2am either, as the night tube runs through all of Clapham’s five tube stations.
The Humble Grape Wine Bar in Clapham and Battersea
Our beloved Humble Grape Battersea Wine Bar can be found on the cusp between Clapham and Battersea, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary for either area. An oasis of calm amongst the hubbub of Battersea and Clapham, you’ll find it tucked on Battersea Rise, just a short walk from Clapham Junction station.
Our wine haven also has some handy services nearby that you could take advantage of during your visit: from hairdressers and barbers to nail bars and tattoo studios to dry cleaners and pharmacies – why not run some errands when you visit us?!
We’d love for you to pop by the next time you’re in the area; you can find more information about our Battersea wine bar and book a table here.
Looking for an excuse to visit? Here are some ideas:
Our top picks for your visit to Clapham and Battersea
The perfect spot for a picnic, a game of rounders with friends, or even just a walk around nature, Clapham Common is a must-see as the expansive greenery is lovely to enjoy alone or with company. A mere 10 minutes from our Humble Grape wine bar, grab one of our bottles and enjoy it here, away from London’s hustle and bustle.
Many locals see Abbeville Village as the beating heart of the area, where you’ll find bakers, supermarkets, cafes, fashion boutiques, news agents and more. They even have a street fete every year with stalls, a barbecue and live music, creating a vibrant community event.
Every Saturday between 10am and 3pm you’ll find Venn Street’s fresh food market, which is an award-winning local community market and one of the best places for lunch or brunch in Clapham. They work directly with farmers and independent producers to share locally sourced and seasonal goods, which is something us, at Humble Grape, love championing too.
Located on the north-east corner of Clapham Common, you’ll find the Old Town, which is home to some of the best restaurants and bars in Clapham. It has stunning architecture due to its long history, meaning that Clapham Old Town’s pubs are beautiful and the dream destination to while away the hours.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or your trainers are gathering dust at the back of your wardrobe, Park Run is a positive community encouraging people to walk, jog, or run a 5K in different locations around the world. Clapham Park Run takes place in Clapham Common and is a great way to see the park whilst being cheered on every step of the way.
For things to do in Battersea, get your fix of culture at Battersea Arts Centre. They host exhibitions and performances, including some boundary-pushing theatre, comedy, and dance. Most shows are available on a Pay What You Can basis, so it’s a great affordable way to get involved with the city’s art. You can even make an evening out of it by popping into Humble Grape for a pre-show drink or dinner.
7. Battersea Park & Battersea Power Station (The Riverwalk)
A perfect Sunday afternoon stroll in Battersea would have to be along the river from Battersea Power Station to Battersea Park. Begin by exploring the shops in the Power Station before making your way into the park, where you can enjoy the pretty scenery of the trees, the lake, try out the sports facilities, or even visit the children’s zoo, if you have the little ones with you.
8. Movie Night at Clapham Picture House
We love an old school Picturehouse, and this one in Clapham is great for a night at the movies. Showing the latest releases across their four screens and with a café and bar available too, you can make a whole evening of it, as you settle into their cushioned seats and get transported to another world.
9. Live Music at Venn St Records
Venn St Records plays live music every Tuesday-Sunday; from DJ sets to vintage rock and roll, you’ll find every genre is performed here. The venue is small and intimate, allowing you to really feel the energy in the room making it a fun destination following a pre-show glass of wine at Humble Grape.
10. Comedy Bandits
If you’re looking for a laugh, then head to a Comedy Bandits show at the Railway Tavern in Clapham for a performance that will make your cheeks ache. Featuring a mix of both new and established comedians, it’s also free entry on Wednesday and Thursday, so what are you waiting for?!