Balham, Streatham and Tooting Overview
Image courtesy of Stephen Richards
Balham, Streatham and Tooting are the best of both worlds, areas which have bustling and vibrant communities which give you that London vibe but also provide you with wonderful parks where you can get away from it all, giving you the illusion that you are in the countryside.
These areas are home to both families and young professionals who enjoy what they have to offer e.g. sleek properties, boutique shopping outlets and attractive restaurants.
Restaurants such as the Michelin-starred Chez Bruce, an array of welcoming cafes and traditional pubs provide young locals with plenty to do in the evenings, whilst central London is just across the river for a big night out.
Travel information
Image courtesy of N Chadwick
Balham, Streatham and Tooting are well served areas with an array of public transport options. In Tooting and Balham you will find Balham, Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway tube stations which are on the Northern Line, these will take you to locations such as Leicester Square and Camden Town.
You will find a national rail stations in Balham, Streatham and Tooting which will take you to places in and outside of London.
There are many buses that serve Balham, Streatham and Tooting throughout the day and night. Some of these bus routes include numbers 44, 50 and 249 which can take you to places such as Victoria, Stockwell and Clapham Common.
History
Sadiq Khan
Balham’s name appear in the Domesday Book as Belgeham. Bal refers to ’rounded enclosure’ and ham to a homestead, village or river enclosure. Streatham’s name means “the hamlet on the street”. Tooting’s name is of Anglo-Saxon origin but the meaning is disputed. It could mean the people of Tota, in which context Tota may have been a local Anglo-Saxon chieftain.
Throughout the years, many notable people have been born and/or lived in Balham, Streatham and Tooting from footballers to London Mayors.
Balham –
• Jimmy Hill, Footballer, manager and broadcaster
• John Sullivan, Writer of Only Fools and Horses
• Ainsley Harriott, TV chef
Streatham –
• Roger Moore, Actor (who played James Bond between 1973-1985)
• Jeremy Hardy, Comedian
• Eddie Izzard, Comedian and actor
Tooting –
• Sadiq Khan, Politician, Mayor of London, former Tooting MP
• Jimmy White, Snooker player
• Darren Bent, Footballer
Local attractions
There are an array of fun activities to do in Balham, Streatham and Tooting. From ice skating to swimming, you will never be bored!
Hildreth Street Market
Image courtesy of Dun.can
Not too far from Balham tube station you will find Hildreth Street and there you will find a lovely little gem, Hildreth Street Market. This street is blossoming into a paradise for foodie’s after a facelift a couple of years ago which has created a space for outdoor dining.
Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
Image courtesy of Stephen Richards
This has been the home of ice skating in London for over 80 years. Streatham ice and Leisure Centre has a full size 60x30m ice pad and seating for over 900 spectators. Don’t worry though, you don’t have to be a professional ice skater, there are plenty of programmes for all ages and abilities covering everything from Ice Skating, Ice Skating Lessons and courses, Ice Hockey etc.
Click here for more information.
Tooting Bec Lido
Image courtesy of Nick Cooper
If you are a keen swimmer, then the Tooting Bec Lido is the place to be. The Tooting Bec Lido is a fantastic open air swimming pool and the largest pool in the UK (by surface area) at 91.5 metres. If you’ve got an Instagram, it’s definitely a place you will want to snap some shots at!
Click here for more information.
Tooting Commons
Image courtesy of Simoncarlwallace
If you would love to go for a stroll and get some fresh air, the place for you is Tooting Commons. Although Tooting is known for its bustling markets and shops, Tooting Common offers a wonderful escape from all of that with its woodlands and wildlife.
Accommodation in Balham, Tooting or Streatham
If you are interested in booking a homestay in Balham, Tooting or Streatham (Zone 3), click here to apply.
