19 Epic Things To Do in Peckham London [2024] | Peckham Area Guide
Ok, so you won’t find Peckham in your lonely planet’s guide or even in many of the best things to do in London list. Looking for things to do in Peckham London is not what people think when they think of London.
But Peckham is truly one of the most diverse parts of London, and being an actual Londoner that visits different areas in the city, not just zone 1 areas. I want to make sure you see all faces of London and not just the Instagram ones.
While planning a trip to London for a true taste of what life feels like, don’t forget to make a stop by in South East London to take in the sights and sounds of Peckham. It is a diverse neighbourhood in the South East and is considered one of its most vibrant areas, filled with lots of eye-catching places, quirky watering holes, eclectic restaurants, and cool things to do in Peckham.
Although Peckham is not as popular as Notting Hill, Shoreditch or Brixton, in recent years, it has fast become the go-to neighbourhood. This is especially true for young professional Londoners seeking cheaper rent but still wanting to be close to central London.
With these young professionals came the Peckham gentrification. This turned once disused buildings or train arches into modern multi-level event spaces like the Bussey Building Peckham, top-notch bakeries, brunch restaurants and coffee shops. There are also amazing art galleries or dance-the-night-away upscale clubs (rumoured as the best clubs in London) and trendy Peckham bars.
Best Things To Do in Peckham London | Peckham Area Guide
So, why not slide into one of the best restaurants Peckham has to offer or visit one of the rooftop bars for scenic views of London’s skyline? This really is London like you’ve never seen it. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Peckham.
1. Visit Peckham Levels
The awesome transformation of seven empty levels of a once-upon-a-time multi story car park into a creative, cultural, food and social hub, Peckham Levels gave rise to what is now drawing crowds and giving more people a reason to visit the South East London.
Peckham Levels is by far one of the finest places to visit in Peckham. Its existence gives an opportunity for talented artists and entrepreneurs to display their works. It also means that visitors can have fun whilst learning by participating in over ten different art and craft classes offered.
You can feel free to engage by booking to be a part of one of the public classes held or make a reservation for any available studio for the day, have your creative time with family or friends at Peckham Levels. Aside from arts and fun, the street food lineup is lit at Peckham Levels. Food lovers can swing by different restaurants and food stalls and try out tons of amazing dishes from independent traders.
This all happens in one 90,000 square-foot space – day or night, this place is always buzzing. Grabbing a drink and some delicious food here is one of the top things to do in Peckham London.
Location: F1-F6 Peckham Town Centre Carpark, 95A Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST
2. Skylight Peckham
Looking for what to see in Peckham? Skylight Peckham is a combination of a hip rooftop hangout offering locally sourced shared plates, creative cocktails and amazing bottomless brunch in Peckham atop of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. This is a rooftop bar in Peckham with stunning views of the London skylight that acts as a working cafe during the day and
This rooftop spot is also open year round with igloos opened on the terrace during winter in London, so if you are looking for where to eat in Peckham visit Skylight Peckham.
3. Frank’s Cafe Peckham – Bold Tendencies
Frank’s Cafe is the OG rooftop bar in Peckham with the arty venue open only during the summer months for drinks, draught beers, food and music events. If you are looking you are looking for a cool place to hang out in Peckham with epic views over South London then Frank’s Cafe in Peckham is the on the best places in Peckham to visit.
4. See the Copeland Park and Bussey Building Peckham
Being saved from demolition by a community group “Peckham Vision” and the CLF Art Café, a simple reincarnation just made things better.
This former arms manufacturing and cricket bat factory situated close to Peckham Rye rail station, just about eight minutes from London Bridge, is now the centre of a growing cultural hub. This space is now hosting live gigs, film screenings, and theatre shows right in the bubbling Rye Lane.
The CLF Art Cafe and Warehouse Lounge, the Nines bar and restaurant, Rye Wax record store, and café is a shop filled with vintage vinyl housed in the same multi-level warehouse space. “The Bussey Building” is dedicated to showcasing creativity in music, animation, film, theatre, and dance. This means it serves as the cultural and creative heart of Peckham.
Are you wondering, “what is Peckham famous for”? Well, the area is well-known for its rooftop bars, Peckhamplex and Peckham Salvage Yard – South London’s largest indoor vintage market. So, whether you want to down a couple of craft beers with your friends or rave and vibe to music banging till 06:00 in the morning, the Bussey Building Peckham is a venue for unpretentious fun.
Location: Block A, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
5. Take a Trip to Brick Brewery
Visiting Brick Brewery is amongst the fun things to do in Peckham. What once started in a humble garden shed has seen a rebirth and now lurks under the railway arches by Peckham Rye train station. Catch the nostalgic feeling on evenings and weekends as the Brick Brewery opens to serve its craft beers to tons of beer lovers.
There’s a wide variety to suit all tastebuds, so don’t worry, you will find something. Serving up a wide selection of staple beers, seasonal and small run taproom exclusives, Brick Brewery spells quite a groove for visitors. If you are out and about with a large group of friends, then this is a fun place to gather for an afternoon or an evening of some drinks at happy hour.
Location: Brick Brewery, Arch 209, Blenheim Grove, London, SE15 4QL
6. Learn How Sake is Made at Kanpai London Sake Brewery & Taproom
If you are looking for some of the best craft brewed Sake in the country, then Kanpai should be at the top of your list of things to do in Peckham. This little brewery, just a short walk from Peckham Rye station will take you behind the curtain at sake brewery and give you a little glimpse into how Sake is made.
Make your way to the bar, and you will find Sake is available in a variety of ways, even on tap with Sake from other breweries, both local and international, also waiting to be tried. Fear not for anyone who might not be a fan of this Japanese staple, there are craft beer and other drink options for those who prefer something different.
If you are feeling a little peckish, they have a small Kitchen, Kanpai Kitchen, opposite the taproom that brings the flavours of Osaka to Peckham with their amazing street food. So, grab your Japanese street food snack and head back inside the taproom to enjoy it with your chosen Sake.
Location: Unit 2A.2 Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Road, Peckham, London, SE15 3SN
7. Admire Art at South London Gallery
Nicely modelled next to the Camberwell School of Art and having Goldsmiths towards the East, expect more from the beautiful world of art – South London Gallery. It has been open for over 125 years and is free to the public to venture inside and take a look at the artwork and exhibitions inside.
The South London Gallery (SLG) has gained its spot as one of the city’s most important art spaces. It has become particularly famous as one of london’s top place where emerging young British artists can showcase their unabashed works of creativity and desirable talents.
Location: 65-67 Peckham Road, London, SE5 8UH
8. Watch a Movie at Peckhamplex Cinema
There are only a handful of cinemas that can evoke quite as much fun for movie lovers. The Peckhamplex is South London’s most loved cinema. Time Out – Love London winner in 2015 and 2016, the Peckham multiplex is South London’s most loved cinema once again.
When it was recently threatened with redevelopment, two local advertising creatives even made a fake movie trailer to ‘Save the Plex’. It is a good thing that they did as this independent cinema is one of London’s most popular to visit. It seems to have done the trick because the PeckhamPlex lives on to make London moviegoers happy with its rough-and-ready charm and bargain-basement ticket prices.
The latest blockbusters show for a mere £4.99 every day of the week, so you can catch 2019 movies at 1998 prices. If you prefer the more independent films, then you’re in luck as you can find them here too – the wide variety of movie choices is amazing.
Throw in community-minded events like #BlackPantherPeckham, which screened the Marvel movie for free for 200 young people, and it’s easy to see why the old favourite is so beloved: it’s got a big heart to go with the big screens.
Location: 95A Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15 4ST
9. The Four Quarters
Situated at 187 Rye Lane in Peckham just off the High Street, The Four Quarters is a place that boasts unending sections with an incredible collection of arcade games. They also present fans of craft beer and whiskey with a treat of life.
The Four Quarters is a must-visit in Peckham. There is much more besides the drinks, like the “confession box” where you can confess the sins you have committed down in the intimate basement cocktail bar. Feel the retro that beclouds the atmosphere, knock back a fresh craft beer and bask in all the fun you can have.
10. Explore the Street Art of South London
Peckham has become known as one of the creative hubs of London and the side streets surrounding Rye Lane where you’ll see art from artists such as Stik, Remi Rough and Conor Harrington. Take your travel camera with you and get ready to snap away as you explore the little nooks and alleyways around the area. A cool feature is that local artists will even create their masterpieces on the walls for their local friends to enjoy.
Street art may not be everyone’s thing and also is not ideal for exploring when it is bucketing down outside. On those rainy days, you can visit one of the local art galleries, the Copeland Gallery or even the lovely MOCA London. Both host regular exhibitions for any contemporary art lovers looking to take in some of the new beautiful pieces.
Location: Rye Lane, London, SE15 5EY
11. Copeland Gallery Peckham
Copeland Park, located minutes from Peckham Rye station, is the area’s social and cultural heart by offering studios, workshops, and space to help creative enterprises thrive.
There is workspace for architects, graphic designers, and photographers in every type of building, from traditional industrial to neglected terraced homes. Studios and exhibit space are also available for painters, carpenters, textile makers, and ceramic makers.
12. Best Restaurant in Peckham – Peckham Bazaar
Know as one of best Peckham restaurants is Peckham Bazaar. People travel from different destinations in London to eat at this taverna-style restaurant. The charcoal grill used to rustle up sweet prawn kebabs, pork and lamb adanas, and courgette fritters makes for a unique and interesting taste.
It’s one of the best restaurants in Peckham London with Egyptian stuffed quail served with roast aubergine and tons of other interesting men make any trip to Peckham Bazaar worthwhile. More than that, the list of organic wine is as ambitious as the food – try Peckham Bazaar today.
You can also visit other restaurants in Peckham like Prince of Peckham which is one of the best Peckham pub and Artusi which remains one of the best Italian restaurants Peckham. These are just a few of the best places to eat in Peckham.
Location: 119 Consort Rd, London SE15 3RU
13. Explore Bellenden Road
While Peckham may not be the upscale or oh-so-popular neighbourhood in London, it offers a different perspective from what people conjure about life in South London. There is the rough Rye Lane, with so much vibe and dance-till-dawn halls and clubs and late-night chicken shops.
But on the other hand is Bellenden Road which is far more complex and is rising up to become London’s unexpected food haven with tons of fancy dining, classy restaurants, cafés, and bars.
Bellenden Road is the needle-in-the-haystack area of Peckham that portrays all that the now trendy Peckham stands for. Places to shop and eat? It’s all happening here in Bellenden Road! Glamorous boutiques selling gifts, homewares, grocery shops, and convenience stores are all seen lurking this Peckham’s appeal.
14. Visit Peckham Farmers Market
Everything from fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry to chutneys, artisan bread, jams, and lots more can be seen in this market located in this diverse area of South East London. The Peckham market has been serving residents of Peckham, Dulwich and Camberwell for about 14 years now and is open every Sunday from 09:00 through 13:00.
It runs as a FARMA-certified weekly affair offering fresh, homegrown produce under a covered roof with all fairly priced produce. The Flower Power Bakery is a must-try with their delicious goods, the perfect accompaniment to a coffee or tea from one of the other vendors in the market.
Location: Peckham Square (Covered Market), Peckham High St SE15 5DT
15. Treat Yourself to Some Yoga at Yogarise
For all the yogis exploring or staying in the area, grab your yoga mat and take a walk to Yogarise, which is just off of Rye Lane. This yoga studio is set up in a cool old industrial structure, so not what normally comes to mind when you think of your typical yoga studio.
This amazing spot is a great place to head to in the morning before a fun day of exploring. Keep an eye out for the “yoga this way” sign set amongst the incredible graffiti to find your way in. What better way to start off your day than getting into a good frame of mind and going through the different poses?
Location: Units b1.1 and b1.2, The Bussey Building, 133 Copeland Road, SE15 3SN
16. Market Place London Peckham
Looking for places to shop and eat in the Peckham area? Market Place Peckham is home to 30 independent boutiques, street food vendors and is a top Peckham things to do.
The Market Place London is a mixed-use development designed for small or emerging businesses across London, it offers a selection of mixed-use spaces in unique and dynamic settings. The company aims to provide opportunities for the local community by removing impediments for start-up businesses and allowing independent businesses to begin or expand, immediately on high streets across the capital.
17. Peckham Rye Lane Market
Looking for where to go in Peckham? The Peckham Rye Lane Market is located centrally in Peckham, making it ideal for buying and selling goods ranging from basic necessities to the most fashionable items. Hosting over 54 retail and specialist businesses, this stress-free pedestrianised shopping space is easy to navigate on main street of Peckham.
18. Visit Peckham Park
Visiting Peckham Rye Park, Peckham Rye Common, and the surrounding area form a 113-acre open recreational grassland, ornamental and water gardens, as well as one lake and woodland is a top Peckham things to do. There is also a kid’s play area and an older youngsters’ adventure playground with recently completed renovations. The location has significant historical and wildlife conservation relevance.
19. Take a Trip to Peckham Library
Still wonder what to do in Peckham London? A visit to the library that won the Stirling Prize for Architecture in 2000 should be a part of your list of things to do in Peckham. It is a real standout with its design and quite the contrast against the rest of the area it finds itself in.
Peckham Library is, of course, a library, but it is also a community-building that holds so much knowledge and architectural creativity. This library is unique and is an architectural photographer’s dream, with the interior sporting different pods for meetings and learning.
The building is elevated to create a public space beneath and to remove the quiet reading space away from street-level noise. At night, it lights up and shows off its colourful north-side and bright interior colours.
Location: 122 Peckham Hill St, Peckham, London, SE15 5JR
Final Thoughts on What To Do in Peckham London
Peckham is on the up-and-up, and with it becoming a creative hub for London, there are so many things to do here that would suit a wide variety of tastes and interests. This area is full of street art to explore and also has some amazing brunch spots in Peckham for you to recharge in between exploring.
Sure this might not be the first area that comes to mind when wanting to explore London but it should be, you can also check out places near Peckham like Camberwell, Elephant and Castle, New Cross, Deptford and Brockley. So, there you go, which one of these top things to do in Peckham London are you going to do?