A Quick Guide to Camberwell

A Place You’ve Probably Been Through But Never Stopped At

Camberwell is one of those London neighbourhoods that people either adore with the fervour of a cult member or dismiss with a vague wave of the hand, as if brushing off an annoying fly. Situated in South London, it sits between the more gentrified climes of Dulwich and the rougher edges of Peckham, forever suspended in a state of “up-and-coming” that never quite resolves.

A Brief History: From Green Pastures to Art Students

Like most of London, Camberwell was once a charming little village, all rolling fields and fresh air, before the Victorians showed up and decided to cram as many people as possible into terraces. The name “Camberwell” supposedly derives from “Well of the Britons” or “Cripple Well,” referencing local healing springs. Whether the water actually cured anything or just made you feel special after drinking it remains unverified.

By the 19th century, Camberwell had become a middle-class suburb, full of respectable gentlemen and their parlour rooms. But as London grew, wealthier residents drifted towards leafier suburbs, and Camberwell became a more working-class, immigrant-heavy area. Today, it’s a mix of historic Georgian houses, brutalist estates, and new-build flats for people who think Peckham is too mainstream.

Who Lives Here?

Camberwell is, in a word, eclectic. It’s home to a blend of:

Art students and creatives – Thanks to Camberwell College of Arts, you’re never more than ten feet away from someone wearing a tote bag with an ironic slogan.
Long-term locals – Families who have lived here for generations, fiercely protective of its character (and its fried chicken shops).
Young professionals – Those priced out of Brixton but not yet ready for the suburbs.
Hipster parents – The ones who drink oat milk and talk earnestly about urban gardening while their child wears a beanie.
People who meant to move to Peckham but ended up here instead – Often confused, occasionally delighted.

What’s There to Do?

Camberwell may not be the first name that springs to mind for a day out, but it has its hidden treasures.

1. Burgess Park

One of South London’s biggest parks, Burgess Park was created after WWII by flattening entire streets. Now, it has a lake, BBQ areas, tennis courts, and a BMX track that makes you wish you were more daring as a child. In summer, it’s full of picnic-goers, runners, and that one guy who insists on playing music through his phone speaker.

2. Camberwell Green

More of a glorified roundabout than a proper park, Camberwell Green is where you’ll find locals sunbathing, arguing, or eating takeaway jerk chicken on a bench. It’s also home to a Saturday farmers’ market, where you can buy organic olives and pretend you live in a different part of London.

3. South London Gallery

A free contemporary art gallery showcasing exhibitions that range from thought-provoking to utterly baffling. You’ll either come away feeling intellectually enriched or convinced that you, too, could be an artist if you just arranged some twigs in an interesting way.

4. Ruskin Park

Named after Victorian art critic John Ruskin (who lived nearby), this is a lovely spot with a bandstand, a pond, and views over central London. A great place for dog-watching, reading a novel you’ll never finish, or wondering how much the people in the big houses nearby paid for their mortgages.

5. Camberwell College of Arts

While you can’t exactly “visit” the art school unless you enrol (or sneak in, which we obviously don’t endorse), its presence defines the area. The students here dress in ways that suggest they know something you don’t, and their end-of-year exhibitions are always worth a look.

Where to Eat and Drink

Camberwell’s food scene is quietly excellent. It lacks the pretentiousness of Shoreditch but still delivers some serious culinary gems.

Best for a Casual Meal

Silk Road – A legendary Xinjiang restaurant serving hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, and dumplings that will ruin you for all other dumplings. Cheap, cheerful, and often packed.
Theo’s – A Neapolitan pizza joint with the kind of chewy, charred crust that makes pizza purists swoon.
Falafel & Shawarma – An unassuming takeaway on Camberwell Church Street that does some of the best falafel in London.

Best for a Pint

The Hermit’s Cave – A proper, no-nonsense pub. Dark wood, decent beer, and no fuss.
Stormbird – A craft beer haven for people who like their IPAs hoppy and their conversations about brewing lengthy.
The Crooked Well – More gastro than pub, this is the place to go if you like your pint accompanied by a well-cooked duck breast.

Best for a Fancy-ish Dinner

Camberwell Arms – Often named one of London’s best pubs, this place does refined but unpretentious food, with a menu that changes so often you’ll never get attached to anything.
Nandine – A Kurdish restaurant serving incredible mezze and grilled meats. Feels like a hidden gem, but the queues suggest otherwise.

Famous Residents: Past and Present

Camberwell has had its fair share of notable residents, spanning artists, writers, musicians, and the occasional eccentric.

Past Residents

John Ruskin (1819–1900) – Victorian art critic and all-around intellectual heavyweight.
Robert Browning (1812–1889) – Poet famous for My Last Duchess, possibly the patron saint of brooding types.
Chris Morris (b. 1962) – The satirical genius behind Brass Eye.
Syd Barrett (1946–2006) – Pink Floyd’s original frontman before things got too psychedelic.
Muriel Spark (1918–2006) – Author of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, master of sharp, biting prose.

Present-Day & Recent Residents

Florence Welch (b. 1986) – Of Florence + The Machine fame, probably writing lyrics about heartbreak in Ruskin Park.
Stormzy (b. 1993) – The grime superstar went to school here.
Emma Thompson (b. 1959) & Greg Wise (b. 1966) – Oscar-winning actress and her actor husband.
Jenny Agutter (b. 1952) – Call the Midwife and Walkabout actress.

Transport: How to Get There (and Why You Can’t Leave Easily)

Camberwell has everything except a Tube station, which means getting here requires a bit of effort.

Buses: Camberwell is a major bus hub, with routes heading in all directions.
Trains: Denmark Hill and Loughborough Junction are the nearest stations, offering Overground and Thameslink services. Expect frequent delays.
Cycling: Plenty of cycle lanes, but also plenty of potholes. Proceed with caution.

Camberwell’s Personality in a Nutshell

Camberwell is the friend who seems a bit scruffy but has a secret talent for throwing incredible dinner parties. It’s a place where life happens in all its chaotic, brilliant, frustrating glory.

So, if you haven’t been, go. And if you have been, you probably already know why people keep coming back.