Brixton and Clapham Overview
Image courtesy of Ewan Munro
Brixton and Clapham are two of the most known areas in South London. They are popular areas to be in no matter what who you are. Both Brixton and Clapham are able to offer you great transport links which helps you get around for either your schooling/internship and to partake in all the things that London offers.
Travel information
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Brixton and Clapham are have an array of public transport which you can use to get around London. In Clapham you have 3 London Underground stations Clapham North, Clapham Common and Clapham South, all of which are on the Northern Line which can take you to London Bridge and Camden Town. In Brixton there is one Underground station, Brixton tube station which is on the Victoria line which can take you to Green Park and Finsbury Park.
Brixton, Clapham High Street and Wandsworth Road stations are the national rail options in Brixton and Clapham which can take you around and outside of London.
There are many bus routes that serve both Brixton and Clapham, some of these include the numbers 3, 35 and 133 which can take you to locations such as Trafalgar Square, Shoreditch and Liverpool Street.
History
Image Courtesy of Photobra|Adam Bielawski
The name Brixton is thought to originate from Brixistane, meaning the stone of Brixi, a Saxon lord. Clapham’s name goes back to it being first mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086) as ‘Clopeha’. The first syllable ‘clop’ is Old English for a hill. The original village developed on the side of a hill which rises on the northern side. The second syllable ‘ha’ is probably an abbreviation of ‘ham’ – another Old English word meaning homestead.
Throughout the years, many notable people from musicians to comedians have been born and/or lived in Brixton and Clapham.
Brixton –
• David Bowie, Musician
• Paul Simonon and Mick Jones of The Clash
• Clive Dunn, best known for playing Lance-Corporal Jack Jones in the British sitcom Dad’s Army.
Clapham –
• Jo Brand, Comedian
• Miriam Margolyes, Actress
• William Wilberforce – Politician, philanthropist, and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade.
Local attractions
From markets that offer produce from all around the world to wonderful greenery, Brixton and Clapham offers a lot to both residents and tourists alike!
Brixton Market
Image courtesy of DS Pugh
In the centre of Brixton, you will find Brixton Market, a lovely market which sells a wide range of foods and goods. These will be from all around the world but mostly from Africa and the Caribbean which reflects the diverse community in Brixton and its surrounding areas!
For more information click here
Clapham Common
Image courtesy of Justinc
Clapham Common provides one of the biggest green spaces in South London. It has cafes, sports courts, a model boating lake and plenty of greenery for walking, cycling, dog walking, picnicking and many more outdoor pursuits. If it’s a hot and sunny day, you best get here early to grab yourself a spot!
Brockwell Lido
Image courtesy of Steve Cadman
If you go to the Dulwich Road side of Brockwell Park you will find Brockwell Lido. A Grade-II listed building which has been restored and then expanded to include a leisure centre with an outdoor pool. Not only is it one of the best outdoor swimming pools in South London it also has a great Lido Café which serves up a fantastic brunch.
For more information click here
Clapham Picturehouse
Image courtesy of Stephen Craven
Clapham Picturehouse is a lovely old-fashion cinema. If you’d love to go out and see a film, this picturehouse is definitely one of cinemas you should choose to see one in!
To see what is currently being shown, click here
Accommodation in Brixton or Clapham
If you are interested in booking a homestay in Brixton or Clapham (Zone 2), click here to apply.
