Battersea Area Guide

Now heralded as one of London’s most popular neighbourhoods and known for its great community spirit, Battersea’s popularity among young families has earned it the nickname ‘Nappy Valley’. The area is also abuzz with young professionals, attracted here by the proximity to central London, the cafe and restaurant culture and the shopping amenities. Whether milling around Northcote Road Market or simply enjoying the green spaces, life in Battersea ticks along at a happy, upbeat pace. With so many attractions on the doorstep, excellent transport links and one of the lowest rates of council tax in London, it’s no wonder that house hunters are turning their attention to Battersea.

Green Spaces

Battersea, particularly the south end of the area, is often referred to as ‘between the commons’. Clapham Common provides ponds, a skate park, running track and bowling green, and borders the area to the west, while Wandsworth Common to the east is slightly smaller and offers a nature centre, as well as tennis courts and a café. To the north lies Battersea Park, which is a day out in itself, with a children’s zoo, boating lake, mini golf, Go Ape, sports pitches and many acres of nature trails to explore on foot or on one of the recumbent bikes that can be hired for use in the park.

Transport Links

Rail: Clapham Junction has trains to locations both within and outside London, including Brighton and other south coast destinations. Services take just ten minutes to Waterloo or seven minutes to Victoria. The Overground network provides links across West London, South London, Docklands, East London and Highbury and Islington. Trains from Battersea Park reach Victoria in five minutes and Queenstown Road trains get to Waterloo in seven minutes.

Tube: The Northern Line extension is forecast to see new Tube stations opening at Battersea and Nine Elms by 2020.

Bus: The area is well served by the bus network with route 19 to Finsbury Park, 37 and 39 running to Putney, 77 to Waterloo, 87 to Aldwych, 156 to Vauxhall, 44 and 170 to Victoria, 137 to Oxford Circus, 156 to Wimbledon, 319 to Sloane Square, 337 to Richmond, 345 to South Kensington and 452 to Kensal Rise.

Cycle: There are several Santander Cycles docking stations across Battersea.

Helicopter: Whether for business or pleasure, the excitement of helicopter travel is hard to beat. The London Heliport is based in Battersea and can make all the arrangements necessary, whatever type of trip you’re looking for.

Getting away: City Airport is 45 minutes away by road, while Gatwick Airport is about an hour by road, but 30 minutes by train.

Education

Battersea has a large number of schools within its borders. There are 12 primaries, which are a mixture of state and independent, including Belleville Primary, Honeywell Junior School and the Catholic Sacred Heart Primary. The independent L’Ecole du Parc offers a French educational programme for one to five year old children. For older children, there is a choice of eight independent schools, as well as two state secondaries.

Local Amenities

• Battersea is well served for independent boutiques, especially around Northcote Road and Lavender Hill. Browse for clothing ideas at Fabrics Galore or pick up something for the house from Braemar Antiques. The Hive Honey Shop has all manner of honey related products and can offer advice to budding beekeepers.
• Not to be missed is Northcote Road Market, which has stalls selling everything from fruit and veg, meat, cheese and flowers, to antiques, clothes and art.
• Northcote Road is known for its chi chi children’s boutiques, including Trotters and JoJo Maman Bébé.
• Department stores are also present, with Debenhams and Marks & Spencer right by the railway station. Grocery shopping is taken care of by a 24 hour Asda superstore, a large Waitrose and Sainsbury’s Local.
• Latchmere Leisure Centre offers a swimming pool, gym and creche, and Battersea Sports Centre has an indoor sports hall for badminton, netball and basketball, as well as outdoor courts.
• The Lavender Print School has a range of courses for adults and children in print techniques and bookbinding.
• Battersea Library has a wide range of books available, as well as a study space and activities for kids.

Going Out

Eating: Northcote Road is where many head on a local night out, with the Italian family-run Numero Uno a steadfast choice, alongside charming sherry and tapas restaurant and bar Rosita & the Sherry Bar and popular gastro pub Bolingbroke. For a British steak house combined with a delightfully old fashioned gin palace, head for Lost & Co. Gordon Ramsay’s London House venture on Battersea Square offers classic European cuisine in an intimate venue. Franco Manco Sourdough Pizza located on Northcote Road, Battesea is also popular with locals in and around the area.

Drinking: One of the oldest venues in the area is The Four Thieves, which has regular comedy, music and quiz nights. The Northcote has a quirky interior and offers some more unusual evenings, with themes such as chocolate making, board games and gin tasting. If beer is your priority, you’ll find an excellent selection at the Duke of Battersea.

Culture: The Affordable Art Fair takes place every year in Battersea Park, showcasing the work of thousands of artists.

Theatre: Battersea Arts Centre took over the Town Hall in 1979 and has been providing theatre, art, comedy, music, kids’ clubs and more ever since.

Music: The Clapham Grand, an ex-music hall, is known for its live music, but also runs club and comedy nights, as well as book slams where authors read extracts from their books. The Battersea Barge is a floating venue offering everything from disco nights to cabaret shows and is also available to hire.