Wandsworth: Enjoy life south of the Thames

Boasting five of London's bridges and some of its most vibrant suburbs, the borough of Wandsworth is a fantastic choice for people looking for property to rent in the capital.

From the multitude of noisy pubs in places like Balham to the rather more genteel riverside atmosphere of Putney, this is an area equipped to cater to almost every taste.

Situated in the south-west of the City of London, Wandsworth is connected to the north bank of the Thames by some of the City of London's most iconic structures.

Albert Bridge, built in 1873, connects Battersea to Chelsea, as do Battersea Bridge - which was completed 17 years later - and the 1937-created Chelsea Bridge.

Wandsworth Bridge - finished in 1940 - and Putney Bridge - opened in 1886 - link the area to Hammersmith and Fulham further east.

Strolling across the river is one of the most rewarding experiences London has to offer and the plethora of options on offer mean residents get the chance to do just that more than most.

In Battersea and Putney, there are all sorts of cafes and bars which have something for everyone, including the thriving cultural hub that is Battersea Arts Centre.

The former is also home to London's busiest railway station in terms of passenger interchanges - Clapham Junction - even though it takes the name of the neighbouring town.

Tooting, meanwhile, is a bustling combination of market stalls and great restaurants, serving cuisine from all corners of the globe.

Six Tube stops, eight railway stations and a well-served bus network mean this is an easy place to get around, too.

Perhaps some of the best features of Wandsworth are its parks.

Battersea Park, Wandsworth Common, as well as neighbouring Tooting Bec Common and Tooting Graveney Common are all in the area and each has its own charm.

Battersea Park is a wide open green space that was once home to the Pleasure Gardens, erected as part of the Festival of Britain in 1951.

Wandsworth Common is a similarly pleasant park, which even boasts its own tennis and bowls centre.

Described collectively as Tooting Common, Tooting Bec Common and Tooting Graveney Common sit side by side and are home to a stadium and a superb outdoor swimming pool.

A melting pot of different age groups, nationalities and cultures, the borough of Wandsworth really does have something for everyone.

Parents can be reassured that the area is full of good schools, while partygoers will never run out of places to hang out.

Keen exercisers can get out in the parks, while lovers of the riverside lifestyle can soak up the best places London has to offer on the River Thames.

Posted by Chris Price

Published 31st August, 2011

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