The Borough's of London||Southwark Part 3, Dulwich

Back again with part 3 of London Borough of Southwark challenge. Last time I showed you around the Borough district, this time we are going a little further a field to another place I LOVE and that is Dulwich. You may have noticed that four parts of Dulwich come under the London Borough of Southwark, in today's post I am going to explore all four, so you can get a complete overview of the district (East & West Dulwich, Dulwich Village & Dulwich).

I really hope you enjoy reading this one. Dulwich Is somewhere I always tend to venture to in the summer, and I cannot wait for this summer so I can spend lots of long hazy days sunbathing in Dulwich Park and taking in the views of the College. What's your favourite part of Dulwich and why? 







Borough Name: The London Borough of Southwark
Located: South London
Districts Include: Bankside, Bermondsey, Borough/Southwark, Crystal Palace (Parts of), Denmark Hill, Deptford (Parts of), Dulwich, Dulwich Village, East Dulwich, Elephant and Castle, Forest Hill, Herne Hill (Parts of), Honor Oak (Parts of), Kennington, Newington, Nunhead, Peckham, Peckham Rye, Rotherhithe, Surrey Quays, Sydenham (Parts of), Walworth, West Dulwich (Parts of). 
Borough's I have visited: Bermondsey, Borough/Southwark, Dulwich, Peckham.



Dulwich

The District of Dulwich/Dulwich Village/ Dulwich East & West

Dulwich is a residential district located in South London and as you know by now is mostly in the London Borough of South with parts in Lambeth too. The main constituencies are East Dulwich, West Dulwich and Dulwich Village and they lie in a valley between the districts of Camberwell, Crystal Palace, Herne Hill, Peckham and Sydenham Hill. Dulwich has 3 main train stations serving the area, West Dulwich, North Dulwich and East Dulwich with trains going to London Bridge and beyond (central) in under half an hour. 

 Dulwich was actually a part of Surrey until 1889 when the county of London was officially created. Today's Dulwich is very much in keeping with how old the Old Dulwich used to be (of course shops and buildings have changed somewhat), but there is still that middle class, educated and villagey feel to the place. It reminds me a little of the village Blackheath (also in South London) The thing I have noticed about both of these Village districts is there is a real sense of community (everyone knows each other, everyone is polite and actually stops in the street to talk to one another), and this is something I like about both this area . I personally like taking a stroll round both when I have nothing to do on a nice day.  

For those interested here is what Dulwich used to look like throughout the years.

Dulwich Village 1890-1935
Photo Credit: ideal-homes.org


East Dulwich
Photo Credit: dulwichonview.co.uk

East Dulwich Station 1868
Photo Credit: southlondonguide

Places of Interest

Dulwich College


Photo Credit: itsverysimong

Dulwich College is one of the most oldest and most well known Independent Public Boys schools/colleges in London. This in my opinion is most probably the most influential thing in Dulwich. The college was founded in 1619, and is still today one of the largest boarding schools in the UK. The school was made up for 6 houses, and today there is only 3 'The Orchard', 'Ivyholme' and 'Blew House'. Since the 19th century the college has always had a very influential sporting tradition, notably for Cricket, Rugby, Football, Hockey, Badminton, Athletics and Shooting. The school also has a tradition of debating.   


Dulwich Park/ Dulwich Common


Photo Credit: dulwichonview
Dulwich Park is located on College Road, SE21, it spans across 29 hectares and is one of the most visited green spaces in South London. 

The park itself was refurbished in 2006 and now holds Green flag status which it first won in 2007 and has continued to win each year until 2015 (The 2016 awards have yet to be held, in case you were wondering). 

As result of the refurb the park has undergone some major transformations now days it is not just a green space for dog walkers and picnic lovers there are lots of other facilities and activities on offer. Including a large childrens playarea, a cycle hire shack, a Cafe (pavillion Cafe) and The new and improved activities centre The Francis Peek Centre. 

My favourite activity in the park has to be the boating lake. I especially love taking the dog for a walk round here in the summer, my Yorkie just loves the open green space of the park. 
The nearest station to access the park is either West Dulwich or North Dulwich or you can get the P4 bus which stops at College Road or the P14 stopping at Dulwich Common. 

To find out more info and to see what else the park has to offer please check out the Southwark Council website here


Dulwich Picture Gallery 
(London's Oldest Art Gallery) 

Photo Credit: artfund.org

Last but by certainly no means least we have the very interesting Dulwich Picture Gallery (London's oldest Art gallery). Now I will admit to you now I am not really someone who is into art or galleries, but even I have taken a trip here and found it really interesting- I think mainly because there is just so much history and culture surrounding Dulwich, its hard not to feel something for this place.  

The gallery was founded in 1811 and opened in 1817 to the public. it was designed by Regency architect Sir John Soane. It all because Sir Francis Bourgeois RA wanted a space for his collection of old masters ''for the inspection of the public''. Today however the gallery is very different, it is a modern space housing some of the UK's leading exhibitions and its permanent Baroque masterpieces. It puts on lots of public events, practical arts and community engagements. 

Admission is currently £7.00 for Adults, £6 for Senior Citizens and Free for everyone else under 18 to view the permanent collection of works. Opening times do vary so be sure to check out their website





Restaurants/Bars/Entertainment

I have been really lucky to experience some fantastic food in Dulwich. I visited a lovely little traditional Italian restaurant in my last trip, find out why it is my favourite below.

Rocca di Papa

Photo Credit: locappy
It is no surprise that this restaurant tops my list, anyone who knows me knows my love for authentic rustic sour dough pizzas cooked in real wood burn ovens and delicious crisp white wines to wash it all down with. Here you will definitely experience all of that AND MORE. Located in the heart of the village (75-79 Dulwich Village) this place attracts pretty much anyone who visits the area (They also have a restaurant South Kensington if you live a little further away from their Dulwich branch). The exterior is pretty and simple and the interior design is just as charming, there is a real authentic Italian vibe to the place. It is fresh, simple but exciting all at the same time. The whole place oozes sophistication, and if you are lucky enough to visit on a summery day expect outside to be VERY busy. Now on to the good stuff the food..

It is a well known fact that Italian's love their food, cooking and eating are both passions for Italian people, and this restaurant shares the same feelings. Their menu is so thoughtful and the dishes are simple but made with so much care. I was lucky enough to have eaten at the restaurant on my last visit,  and I opted for the sharing board to start and then had one of their rustic pizza's (all to myself) both were simply delicious. (See below). They have such a good range of foods on their menu here are some more stuff I am dying to try. I would go as far as to say that the pizza is better than some I have tasted in Rome! (Bold statement I know, but also true).

Starter: Bruschetta Classica £3.10
Main: Carbonara £8.00



If you want to try a true taste of Italy on a budget make sure you try Rocca di Papa out. For more info and to see their full menu's please visit their website here.


Best of the Rest Bars & Restaurants

1. House of Tippler, East Dulwich
Price: ££

House of Tippler is an independent Bar and Kitchen in the Eastern part of the district, serving expertly crafted cocktails, beer and fine wines served alongside traditional Tapas style dishes. 

Can be found at: 123 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HU or  book on their website.

Photo Credit: flickr.com


2. The Lordship Pub, East Dulwich
Price: ££

This Gastro Pub is also located on popular foodie street Lordship Lane, offering classic English dishes like traditional Roast Dinners on a Sunday afternoon, and warm foods to fill the heart in the winter, as well as one of best Wine menu's around. 

Photo Credit: Lordship Pub website
Can be found at: 211 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HU or book on their website.


3. Da Porcini, Dulwich
Price:£

Another fantastic Italian serving a real taste of Italy in the heart of Dulwich, with weekly specials. The charming restaurant has been serving locals for over a decade and uses only the freshest and locally sourced ingredients to make their outstanding Italian dishes, suitable for all budgets and tastes.

Can be found at: 7 Croxted Road, SE21 8SZ or book on their website.

Photo Credit: zomato


So there we have it! Just a few little ideas and things to do if you happen to be wandering near Dulwich. There are lots more great places to visit, but these are my highlights. Where else in Dulwich do you recommend?

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