If you’re thinking of going to London for some unique experience other than the Oxford Street walking tour, you should definitely give the neighbourhood of Brockley in South-East London a go. This hidden gem of South London may not be famous for many tourists visiting the capital city, but it’s a must-visit area in Lewisham known for its greenery, Saturday market and the best preserved ballroom in the country.

The great thing about Brockley is that it’s close to central London in terms of public transportation but far from the bustle of the big city. Expect quirky cafes, lovely parks, some cool street art on side streets and excellent food considering its small size in the SE4 postcode. You can have a good time exploring this area even if you have only a few hours between your train stations in London.

Check out our choice of top 10 things to do in Brockley below along with some useful tips.

When visiting London, most tourists visit a few selected postcodes like Westminster and Camden. Shoreditch might be visited by those who dare to go a bit further. Brockley, however, does not make this list and that is why it should be part of your itinerary.

There is no problem getting there via the London Overground as it only takes a few minutes to arrive at Brockley even when coming from Central London. Once you arrive, you will feel the difference in the pace of life; you will see independent shops and cafes where baristas recognize you and where a real community spirit exists.

This area is perfectly located for people who stay somewhere in the vicinity of Lewisham, New Cross or Greenwich.

Brockley station is part of the London Overground network and has direct services to Whitechapel, Shoreditch High Street and Canada Water. The time taken varies according to origin, but is generally between 20 and 35 minutes - not too bad, considering how different it feels once you get here.

Brockley is a nice place to live for couples if you are already interested in the south east of London. Lews ham is approximately 10 minutes drive down the road and/or a short bus drive (136 or 122 buses) from here. New Cross is about 8 minutes drive through Lewisham Way and Greenwich is an easy addition if you want to make it a day trip.

The area of Brockley for most of the things to see is within walking distance, for example a 10-15 minute walk from the station, so no need to have a car at all. For those driving, you can park for free around the area and further along Malpas Road after 7 pm in the evening.

Hilly Fields has been popular with residents since 1896, and it's no surprise why. From the gently rolling slopes of grass, there are some really great views out across the City of London skyline, and plenty of room to sit and enjoy it all. If you're with the family, there are play areas and sports pitches, as well.

Best Time to Visit
While weekends are buzzing due to the regular farmers market, if you want somewhere quiet for yourself, then mornings are hard to beat, even with a coffee in your hand from one of the local cafes.

Every Saturday, the Lewisham College car park becomes one of the best food markets in south London. Prepare for the freshest seafood, cheese, coffee, and street food vendors that will make choosing something for your lunch very challenging indeed. The market operates from 10 am to 2 pm, which means you have to plan your visit around it.

Best Time to Visit Brockley Market
The market operates on Saturdays only, from 10 am to 2 pm. You will get the best opportunity to choose whatever stall you like by visiting the market early in the morning, when the lunch crowd has not yet appeared. By noon it is already crowded and some food stalls are sold out. If you are looking for the optimal time, come closer to 11:30 am.

What to Expect
From pies and pasta to award-winning teas and beers, you will be able to enjoy everything, surrounded by a central eating area with chairs.

After a morning of walking and browsing market stalls, you'll want somewhere proper to sit down and eat, and this is where Palungo comes in. Tucked away on Malpas Road, just a five-minute walk from Brockley station, Palungo serves genuine Nepali food made the way it's cooked at home, not adapted for a westernised palate.

Nepali food is still a bit of a hidden gem in the UK compared to Indian or Thai cuisine, so this is a great chance to try something different while you're exploring. The restaurant has built a loyal following among locals in Brockley, Lewisham and New Cross, and it's easy to see why once you've had a plate of their momo.

If it's your first time trying Nepali food, start with the momo platter, Nepal's answer to dumplings, served steamed, pan-fried or in a chilli style. Follow it with a thali, a balanced plate of rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables and house pickles that's often described as Nepal's soul food. The mustang aloo, a spiced potato dish tempered with mustard oil and timur pepper, is another one worth trying if you like a bit of a kick.

Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or keeping halal, there's something for you here. The chicken and mutton are sourced from a halal supplier, and there's a proper range of plant-based dishes too, so it's an easy stop for groups with different dietary needs.

Distance from Brockley Station
It's about a five-minute walk along Brockley Road, then a turn onto Malpas Road, so it's easy enough to fit into your day without going out of your way.

Right across from Crofton Park station, the Rivoli Ballroom is the last intact 1950s ballroom left in London, and it's a proper time capsule inside. It's been used as a filming location for The Avengers and Strictly Come Dancing, and these days it hosts live music events on Saturdays. Even if you're not there for an event, it's worth a look from the outside for the sheer novelty of it.

Film & TV History
The interior has barely changed since the 1950s, which is exactly why film crews keep coming back. If you're into a bit of nostalgia or unusual architecture, this one's for you.

Brockley's street art scene is genuinely underrated. Coulgate Street has some brilliant murals right near the station, and Harefield Road and Brockley Road add even more colour if you fancy a wander. It's a nice way to spend half an hour with a camera, and you'll likely have the streets mostly to yourself.

6. Brockley & Ladywell Cemetery (Nature Reserve)

Once a simple Victorian cemetery, today it has turned into an official nature reserve where one can find quiet trails passing through old tombstones. This place is perfect for those who would like to have some downtime and get away from the hustle of the market and train station.

Just down the road from Telegraph Hill Park, this woodland reserve is home to over 170 species of flowering plants and runs along the old railway line connecting Brockley to New Cross Gate. Do check opening days before you head out though, as it's only accessible on certain days of the year.

8. Jack Studio Theatre

This theater is situated within the walls of a local pub and is quite popular among locals. If you would like to visit somewhere more cultural, then you should take a look at what is currently on offer.

Brockley does coffee properly, and Coulgate Street is where most of it happens.

Browns of Brockley
A solid choice for a proper latte and somewhere to sit and watch the world go by.

The Broca
Another local favourite, known for a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that goes beyond just coffee.

Little Spoon
If you fancy something sweeter, Little Spoon does gelato that's worth the short detour, especially on a warm afternoon.

If your visit lines up with summer, keep an eye out for Brockley Max, an annual nine day festival packed with live music, theatre, art and comedy, all run by the local community. It's a great way to see Brockley at its liveliest, and events are usually free or low cost.

If you're short on time, here's a simple way to fit the best of Brockley into a single afternoon.

Morning: Hilly Fields Walk
Start with a walk through Hilly Fields while it's still quiet, then grab a coffee from Browns of Brockley or The Broca on your way back towards the station.

Midday: Brockley Market Browse
In case you are visiting on a Saturday, drop by Brockley Market for some browsing and even a little bit of lunch from the food stalls.

Afternoon: Street Art & Cemetery Walk
Stroll along Coulgate Street for the street art, and take it slow on your walk around Brockley and Ladywell Cemetery.

Evening: Dinner at Palungo
Round up your day with dinner at Palungo. After such a long day of walking, there is nothing like some hot dal bhat or even a platter of momos with your friends.

Lewisham
Within easy bus journey or drive away, Lewisham boasts its own shopping complex, along with a decent choice of restaurants should you decide to make a full day of it.

New Cross & Goldsmiths
Housing the Goldsmiths University, New Cross features a more youthful vibe with a lot of bars and music places that you should definitely explore.

Greenwich (Day Trip Extension)
If you've got more time, Greenwich is easily reachable and provides additional historical sites such as maritime history, markets and Cutty Sark.

Telegraph Hill Park & Honor Oak
Both located next to Brockley, they both provide similar green areas as well as a more residential character for further exploration on foot.

Best Time of Year or Day to Visit
The weekends, especially Saturdays due to the market presence, are the most lively, but weekdays offer a much quieter visit if that suits you better.

What to Bring
Comfortable footwear is essential since much of Brockley is only accessible by foot. Some extra cash for the market stalls would also be helpful since not all traders accept cards.

Booking a Table in Advance at Palungo
Weekends and evening times do get quite busy at Palungo, and it is worth making a table reservation a few days in advance. While walk-in visitors will always be accepted whenever there is an opening, reserving avoids any unpleasant surprises.

Plan Your Brockley Day Out
Brockley might not be on every tourist map, but that's part of its charm. Spend a day here and you'll come away with a proper feel for south east London, away from the crowds but still easy to reach.

And whatever else you fit into your day, make sure a stop at Palungo is on the list. It's the perfect way to end a day of walking, with genuine Nepali flavours served in a warm, welcoming spot just minutes from the station.

Is Brockley worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you wish to experience London which most tourists overlook. There's so much to see and do in the market, parks or the food that you might need a half day or more to enjoy.

What is Brockley known for?
The Saturday market and its leafy green spaces (such as Hilly Fields) are Brockley's most publicised features, as well as an emerging food destination in south east London.

Where should I eat in Brockley?
If you're looking for something a little different from the norm in London, Palungo on Malpas Road is a place to try the real thing with handmade momo and thali, which offer the real taste of Nepal just a short walk from the station.

What are the best restaurants in Brockley?
Brockley has rapidly become a food hotspot for an area of SE4. Authentic Nepali food from handmade momo to the traditional thali is what Palungo on Malpas Road is best known for. That is also home to a decent variety of independent cafes and informal dining spots near Coulgate Street and anything that is brewing up at Brockley Market on Saturdays. Palungo is the place for Londoners to return when they want to experience something different from the norm. 

How do I get to Brockley from central London?
The easiest way is the London Overground as they run direct from Whitechapel or Shoreditch High Street to you, depending on where you start from, with a journey time of approximately 20-35 minutes.

Is Brockley Market open every day?
No, Brockley Market is only open on Saturdays 10am to 2pm so if it is a market you are interested in, make sure you plan your visit accordingly.