Balham is a vibrant and exciting district located in the south-west of London. It has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its unique charm and character. From its bustling high street to its beautiful green spaces, Balham has something for everyone. In this blog, we will be highlighting the top 8 things to do in Balham, giving visitors a chance to explore this wonderful part of London and discover its many hidden gems. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a fun day out, there is something for everyone in Balham.
Balham Common
Balham Common is a picturesque green space located in the heart of Balham. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its beautiful scenery and range of activities. The common covers over 30 acres and is home to a range of wildlife, making it the perfect spot for nature lovers.
One of the most popular activities on Balham Common is picnicking. Visitors can bring a blanket and a basket of food and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the sun. There are plenty of shaded areas and benches for those who prefer to sit and enjoy the scenery.
For those who like to stay active, Balham Common is also a great place for walking and jogging. The common has several walking paths and trails that offer a chance to explore the park and its many features. Visitors can also take advantage of the wide-open spaces for a game of frisbee or catch.
The Bedford
The Bedford is a renowned entertainment venue located in the heart of Balham. It has become a staple of the local community and a popular destination for visitors to the area. The venue is known for its live music, comedy shows, and other events, making it a hub of entertainment in the area.
One of the standout features of The Bedford is its live music scene. The venue hosts regular gigs featuring both established and up-and-coming artists across a range of genres, from indie and rock to jazz and blues. The intimate setting of the venue makes for a unique and memorable experience for music lovers.
In addition, to live music, The Bedford is also known for its comedy shows. The venue hosts regular comedy nights, featuring some of the best comedians from the UK and beyond. Comedy nights are a great way to unwind and have a laugh with friends.
The Bedford also offers a range of other events, including quiz nights, open mic nights, and spoken word events. This diverse range of offerings ensures that there is always something happening at The Bedford, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Hildreth Street Market
Hildreth Street Market is a vibrant and bustling market located in the heart of Balham. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, thanks to its wide variety of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
The market is open every day and offers a range of goods, including fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal bread, cheese, and charcuterie. Visitors can also find a range of crafts and handmade products, including jewelry, clothing, and homeware.
One of the standout features of Hildreth Street Market is the range of local specialties on offer. Visitors can sample traditional British pies, cakes, and pastries, as well as international cuisine from around the world, including Thai, Indian, and Italian.
Exhibit Balham
Exhibit Balham is a multifunctional venue located in the heart of Balham. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, thanks to its range of offerings, which include a cinema, bar, and restaurant.
The cinema at Exhibit Balham is a standout feature of the venue. It offers a range of films, from the latest blockbusters to indie and arthouse movies. The cinema is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and comfortable seating, making for a unique and enjoyable movie-watching experience.
The bar at Exhibit Balham is also a popular spot, offering a range of craft beers, cocktails, and wines. The bar has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind with friends or enjoy a pre-movie drink.
For those looking for a bite to eat, Exhibit Balham’s restaurant offers a range of delicious dishes, from burgers and pizzas to salads and sharing plates. The restaurant also has a brunch menu, making it a popular spot for a lazy weekend breakfast or brunch.
Wandsworth Common
Wandsworth Common is another beautiful green space located in Balham. It covers over 170 acres and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The park offers a range of activities and features, making it a great spot for nature lovers and those looking to stay active.
One of the most popular activities on Wandsworth Common is walking. The park has several walking trails that offer a chance to explore the park and its many features. Visitors can also take advantage of the wide-open spaces for a game of frisbee or catch.
Wandsworth Common also offers a range of sports facilities, including tennis and basketball courts, a skate park, and a bowling green. These facilities are popular with visitors of all ages and skill levels.
The park is also home to a range of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and foxes. Nature enthusiasts will love exploring the park and spotting the different species that call it home.
Balham Bowls Club
Balham Bowls Club is a unique social club located in the heart of Balham. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, thanks to its range of offerings, which include lawn bowls, a bar, and regular events.
The lawn bowls facilities at Balham Bowls Club are a standout feature of the venue. The club has several bowling greens, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced bowlers. Visitors can enjoy a game of bowls with friends or take part in one of the club’s regular tournaments.
The bar at Balham Bowls Club is also a popular spot, offering a range of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. The bar has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind after a game of bowls or catch up with friends.
In addition to its regular offerings, Balham Bowls Club also hosts a range of special events and promotions. These include live music performances, quiz nights, and themed parties. The club has a lively and social ambiance, making it a popular spot for those looking for a fun night out.
Tooting Bec Lido
Tooting Bec Lido is the largest freshwater pool in the UK, located in the heart of Tooting Bec. It covers an area of 90 meters by 30 meters and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
The swimming facilities at Tooting Bec Lido are a standout feature of the venue. The pool is 90 meters in length, making it a great spot for those looking to swim laps or get in a workout. There is also a separate paddling pool for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
Tooting Bec Lido also has several sunbathing areas, making it a great spot to relax and soak up the sun. Visitors can rent sun loungers and umbrellas and enjoy a day by the pool with friends or family.
One of the specific features that make Tooting Bec Lido popular is its Art Deco design, which dates back to the 1930s. The pool has retained much of its original charm and character, making it a unique and memorable destination.
The lido also has several amenities that make it popular with visitors. These include a café, changing rooms, and showers. There are also regular events and activities held at the Lido, including yoga classes and water polo tournaments.
The Devonshire:
The Devonshire is a beloved local pub located in the heart of Balham, known for its cozy atmosphere, great selection of drinks, and delicious food offerings.
The pub has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a traditional pub feel that makes it a popular spot to unwind with friends or enjoy a casual meal. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the pub has a great selection of drinks, including a range of craft beers, wines, and spirits.
The food offerings at The Devonshire are also a standout feature of the venue. The pub serves classic pub fare, including fish and chips, burgers, and pies, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. The food is freshly prepared and cooked to order, ensuring that visitors enjoy a delicious meal every time.
In addition to its regular offerings, The Devonshire hosts a range of unique events and promotions throughout the year. These include live music performances, quiz nights, and themed parties, providing a lively and social atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back for more.
Here is a list of taxi services operating in Balham, along with a brief description of each:
- 1. Addison Lee – A popular taxi service in London, Addison Lee offers a range of vehicles, including standard cars, executive cars, and people carriers. They also offer a mobile app for easy booking and tracking.
- 2. Uber – Another popular taxi service, Uber operates in Balham and offers a range of vehicles, from standard cars to luxury cars and SUVs. They also offer a mobile app for easy booking and tracking.
- 3. Balham Taxis (https://www.taxisbalham.co.uk) – A local taxi service operating in Balham, Balham Cars offers a range of vehicles, including standard cars, executive cars, and people carriers. They also offer airport transfers and 24-hour service.
- 4. Paddy’s Taxis – Another local taxi service, Paddy’s Taxis offers a range of vehicles, including standard cars and people carriers. They also offer airport transfers and 24-hour service.
- 5. Station Cars Tooting – A taxi service operating in Tooting, Station Cars offers a range of vehicles, including standard cars, executive cars, and people carriers. They also offer airport transfers and 24-hour service.
Regardless of which taxi service you choose, it’s always a good idea to check the rates and compare prices before booking. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the taxi service you choose is licensed and insured for your safety and peace of mind.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Balham is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood with plenty to offer visitors. Here are the top 8 things to do in Balham:
- 1. Visit the Balham Farmer’s Market for fresh produce and local goods.
- 2. Take a stroll through Tooting Bec Common and enjoy the greenery.
- 3. Catch a movie at the independent Balham Picturehouse cinema.
- 4. Enjoy a pint at The Bedford, a historic pub with live music and comedy.
- 5. Indulge in some delicious food at one of Balham’s many restaurants, such as The Exhibit or The Dairy.
- 6. Shop for unique gifts and vintage finds at the Balham Bowls Club Vintage Market.
- 7. Explore the rich history of Balham at the Balham Heritage Trail.
- 8. Take a yoga or fitness class at one of Balham’s many studios, such as Fierce Grace or Yogarise.
We encourage readers to explore Balham and experience its vibrant attractions for themselves. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a fun night out, Balham has something for everyone.
If you’re visiting Balham, we recommend taking advantage of the neighborhood’s excellent public transportation options, such as the tube or bus. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, as Balham can be quite rainy at times. Finally, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as Balham is a great neighborhood to explore on foot.
