lifestyle
20 Things you have to do in Blackheath
Blackheath is one of South East London's most beguiling neighbourhoods — a village with a vast open heath at its heart, independent shops lining its historic parades, and a community spirit that has somehow survived the march of chain-store Britain. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, here are 20 things you simply have to do in Blackheath.
1. Visit The Bookshop on the Heath
Trading in Blackheath Village since 1949, The Bookshop on the Heath is one of London's oldest and most beloved independent bookshops. Step inside and you'll find a treasure trove of rare and fine books, signed first editions, vintage maps, prints and collectables. It's the kind of shop you can lose an afternoon in — and quite possibly emerge with a first edition you didn't know you needed. You can also visit their website to browse online.
2. Watch the geese cross the zebra crossing at the Princess of Wales pond
It's one of Blackheath's most endearing sights: a procession of geese waddling across the zebra crossing near the Princess of Wales pond on the heath, as if channelling The Beatles on the cover of Abbey Road. Bring a camera, bring your patience, and wait for the moment. It's a reminder that in Blackheath, nature and village life share the same postcode.
3. Sample a craft beer or two at The Green Goddess
Blackheath's newest and most talked-about pub, The Green Goddess on Vanbrugh Park, is a stunning conversion of a former bank into a craft beer palace. With a rotating selection of beers on tap, a stylish interior and a welcoming beer garden, it's the perfect spot to while away an afternoon. If you can, take it — and if you can't, there's always the wine list. See their website for what's on tap.
4. Put your phone down and explore Blackheath's stunning architecture
Blackheath is an architectural feast — Georgian terraces, Victorian villas, grand churches and the open heath itself. Put your phone in your pocket and simply wander. Start with our architecture guide to discover listed buildings, historic features and the stories behind them, then let the streets surprise you. The finest streets — Blackheath Park, the Cator Estate, Montpelier Row — reward a slow, curious pace.
5. Watch Charlton play
It's not strictly Blackheath, but no trip to SE3 is complete without catching a Charlton Athletic match at The Valley, just down the hill. The Addicks are a community club with a fiercely loyal following, and a Saturday afternoon at The Valley is one of English football's more authentic experiences. Check the club's website for fixtures and tickets.
6. Watch the switching on of the Christmas lights
Each November, Blackheath Village comes together for the switching on of the Christmas lights — a proper community affair with carol singers, late-night shopping, mulled wine and a festive buzz that feels a world away from Oxford Street. Check our events page closer to the season for the exact date, and arrive early to bag a spot on Tranquil Vale.
7. Visit the Sunday Farmers' Market
Blackheath Farmers' Market is a Sunday morning institution — a wonderful sprawl of stalls selling fresh produce, artisan breads, cheeses, meats and street food from local and regional producers. It's the perfect place to stock up for the week, grab a coffee, and soak up the village atmosphere. Find the next market date on our events page.
8. Watch a show at The Blackheath Halls
Blackheath Halls is a beautiful Grade II-listed concert hall and one of South East London's finest live music and performance venues. From classical concerts and opera to comedy, folk and community events, there's always something worth seeing. Browse their programme and book a ticket — the acoustics are superb.
9. Relax on the Heath
Blackheath itself — the 211 acres of open common at the neighbourhood's heart — is one of London's great green spaces. Pack a picnic, fly a kite, play frisbee, or simply lie on the grass and watch the clouds roll by. The heath has hosted everything from medieval fairs to the start of the London Marathon, but its best use is the simplest: a place to breathe.
10. Sample one of the many excellent restaurants
Blackheath punches well above its weight on the food front. From the French bistro classics at Côte Brasserie to the modern Indian flavours at Bhaiya's Kitchen, the plant-based creations at Buddha Taste, and the Argentinian steak at Buenos Aires Cafe, there's something for every palate. Browse all of our local restaurants and book a table.
11. Visit the independent fishmongers, butchers and greengrocers
One of the joys of Blackheath is its surviving parade of traditional food shops. Pick up fresh seafood at Rockpool, quality cuts from Ellis Butchers, and seasonal fruit and veg from Apple n' Orange or Blackheath Fruit and Veg. This is high-street Britain at its best — shop here and you'll never want a supermarket again.
12. Take a self-guided walking tour
The best way to discover Blackheath is on foot, and our self-guided walking tours will lead you through the heath, the village and the hidden corners you'd never find alone. Choose a heritage trail, a food walk or a social stroll — each one is a different lens on the neighbourhood. Grab your walking shoes and pick a route.
13. Discover Blackheath's famous former residents
Blackheath has been home to an extraordinary cast of characters — from astronomers and architects to writers, reformers and radicals. Our famous residents guide tells the stories of the notable men and women who lived, worked and shaped this corner of London across the centuries. You'll never look at a blue plaque the same way again.
14. Visit the galleries
Blackheath has a quietly thriving art scene. Visit The Greenwich Gallery for contemporary works, Clarendon Fine Art for collectable paintings, or Gallery White Box for a rotating programme of exhibitions — each a space run by people who care deeply about art and about Blackheath.
15. Join the conversation at the Village Square
Finally, Blackheath is a community, not just a place — and our Village Square is the digital equivalent of the village green. Share recommendations, ask for advice, post a notice or start a discussion. It's the modern way to be a good neighbour in one of London's most neighbourly villages.
16. Watch a game at Charlton Park Rugby Club
Charlton Park RFC, based at Broad Walk in Kidbrooke just beside the heath, is one of south east London's most prominent rugby union clubs — and has been since 1893. With men's, women's and mini rugby sides, a Saturday afternoon at the club is a proper community sporting occasion. Wrap up warm, grab a pint from the bar, and cheer on the Park. Check their website for fixtures and kick-off times.
17. Watch a band play at one of the local pubs
Blackheath's pubs regularly host live music, from folk and jazz to rock and blues — check our events listings for what's on near you. And on the same note of watching a live band play, keep an eye out for the music festivals that take over the heath on summer weekends, bringing big crowds and bigger sound systems to the open common. It's one of the great joys of a Blackheath summer — free music, open sky, and the whole village out on the grass.
18. Visit the funfair
Several times a year — at Easter and during the summer holidays — a traditional funfair sets up on Blackheath, transforming the common into a sea of rides, stalls, fairy lights and candy floss. The Ferris wheel against the open sky is one of the great Blackheath sights, and there's something for everyone, from the helter-skelter to the waltzers. Check our events page for the next funfair date, and bring the family.
19. Watch the London Marathon
The TCS London Marathon begins right here on Blackheath — the three colour-coded start lines (Red, Blue and Green) are laid out across the common, making our village the gathering place for the world's largest annual fundraising event. Get there early to be near the start line and you'll see the nerves, the charity shirts and the first strides of 50,000 runners setting off on a 26.2-mile journey to The Mall. Read our full London Marathon guide for everything you need to know about watching the race from Blackheath.
20. Catch a show at Mycenae House
Mycenae House, tucked away on Woodstock Avenue, is one of Blackheath's best-loved community venues — a 200-seat hall hosting everything from folk nights and jazz concerts to tribute bands and children's shows. Tickets are cheap, the atmosphere is warm, and there's always something on. Check their website for what's coming up.
Discover Blackheath is your local community directory — find businesses, events, news and hidden gems at Discover Blackheath.
What would you add?
Have we missed your favourite thing to do in Blackheath? From a hidden corner of the heath to a brilliant local shop, café, or pub we haven't mentioned — we'd love to hear your suggestions. Share your recommendations in the comments below.