Things to do in Putney
Have you ever heard someone say, “I couldn’t live in London, I’d miss the nice local pubs and pretty places to walk and exercise. The city environment isn’t for me”? Perhaps you yourself have been known to make a similar remark – if so, don’t write city life off just yet. Choose your neighbourhood carefully and living in London does not have to mean sacrificing green outdoor spaces, riverside views and a healthy combination of high street brands and smaller local businesses.
Putney is truly a unique patch of London when it comes to accommodating people who share these views. In fact, Putney is an extremely popular place to live, both for young professionals flying the nest to start ‘grown-up life’ and make their fortune in the capital and families (both young and older). When considering an area to live in, one of the important factors to consider is what there is to do in the local vicinity. Contrary to what some young graduates or students may think, there is plenty to do during week day evenings and on weekends. And no, we do not just mean walking your dog or going rowing! Here are some of the attractions that make Putney a lovely place to live.
Is Putney a town?
Once a small riverside village, Putney is now its own district of London. Although it is now far from a quaint, little village, Putney has kept its small town vibe. Situated just six miles south-west of Charing Cross, it belongs to the London Borough of Wandsworth and – compared to most boroughs – boasts a leafy and sub-urban charm. Combine its pleasant atmosphere with reasonable living and property prices (relative to other more ‘desirable’ and expensive areas) and it’s easy to see why the area has such popular appeal.
Putney Riverside Embankment is on the southern bank of the River Thames and is one of Putney’s aspects that some locals probably take for granted. This riverside setting reminds you that you are in the UK capital, whilst the sight of the Thames fosters a feeling of calm and proximity with the natural world. You have a bustling district behind you and a large expanse of water in front of you – providing scale, space and serenity in what can be an overly metallic and claustrophobic city.
Weekend fun and date night
There’s no need to sacrifice nearby options for socialising with friends and a good nightlife by living in Putney. You can start with dinner and drinks at your favourite pub then if you stay out late enough you might find yourself dancing in Le Fez Night Club. There’s no need to splash out on an Uber somewhere more central to satisfy your craving for a ‘boogie’ (if you are so inclined)! For the lovers of activities and organised fun, Putt in the Park is a great option for a weekend outing or first date idea.
Unique events
Putney is a great place to be if you enjoy sport. Of course Putney is well known for its rowing and there are over twenty rowing clubs! But there is also Putney Common Tennis Club, All Star Tennis and Putney Lawn Tennis Club. Footballers can enjoy watching and perhaps playing at Craven Cottage Stadium in Fulham. The riverside setting is beautiful for walking, bike rides and running along the Thames Path.
In terms of notable sporting events, the annual boat race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities is top of the list and you’ll be able to soak up the atmosphere from your doorstep. Wimbledon is on the same tube line, the District Line, making it easily accessible to Putney residents. For the keen cyclists amongst you, Putney features in the Ride 100 Bike Race too. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, Bishops Park Outdoor Cinema is a novel treat during the warmer months.
Shopping
Of course you can easily venture central for some retail therapy. But if you are after somewhere more local, Kings Road is a mere two mile walk away. Kings Road, Chelsea is famous for its ginormous Peter Jones (John Lewis & Partners) store, Bluebird Cafe, Anthropologie, Neal’s Yard organic beauty spa as well as more mainstream brands like Nike and Zara. There are also pop-up stores and a market outside the Saatchi Gallery every Saturday.
Lazy Sundays
When Sunday (or even Saturday) calls for brunch and a non-instant coffee, Artisan Coffee House is a quality spot. If you feel energised enough after that you could explore Richmond Park, Wandsworth Park or Putney Heath, all of which are closeby. All in all, we would say that Putney has most things covered.
James Anderson are proud to work in the charming area of Putney. We have helped thousands of Londoners to successfully buy, sell and rent properties here for more than 26 years. Today, property to rent in Putney starts from around £1400 pcm up to £3500 pcm – depending on the size and type of property you are looking for.