From quirky museums and award-winning food markets to music festivals and performance art, Lewisham has plenty to impress curious visitors.
Explore its best bits with these top 10 picks of things to do in Lewisham, which was named the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture for 2022.
1. Explore the quirky Horniman Museum and Gardens
Discover an eclectic collection of anthropology, natural history and musical instruments at the Horniman Museum and Gardens. Don’t miss the gigantic stuffed walrus, arguably the museum's star attraction. One of south London’s hidden gems, the Horniman Museum is free to visit and has a lovely cafe, as well as beautiful gardens with a view of the London skyline.
2. Buy top local produce at Brockley Market
Treat yourself to an array of delicious seasonal street food and produce at Brockley Market. Held in a car park, this local favourite is an award-winning weekend market and one of London’s best spots for locally sourced produce from artisan and small producers.
3. Go for a wander in Beckenham Place Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of central London with a leisurely stroll in 96-hectare Beckenham Place Park, the largest green space in Lewisham. Featuring ancient woodland, London's first purpose-built swimming lake and a gorgeous Georgian mansion with artist studios and a cafe, the park is a lovely place to while away an afternoon in south London.
4. Get your culture fix at The Albany
Grab tickets to a dance, music, theatre or spoken-word performance at The Albany, a performing arts centre in Deptford with a history stretching back to the 19th century. Driven by the cultural diversity and creative mix of south-east London, The Albany has emerged as a leading hub for artists, communities and creative enterprises.
5. Borrow a book from the phone box library
The ubiquitous red phone box is slowly becoming obsolete... or is it? Not in Lewisham. Head to the corner of Tyrwhitt Road on Loampit Hill to find a rather unique London gem: a red phone box turned miniature library. Pop in, take any book you fancy and leave one behind.
6. Sample south London beers at Lewisham's breweries
Get a taste of south London at one of the Lewisham borough's many local craft beer breweries. Top picks include Little Faith and Villages in Deptford, or you can try out the best brews from south London and beyond at London Beer Dispensary in Crofton Park.
7. Get creative at Lewisham Arthouse
Tap into your artsy side at Lewisham Arthouse, an artist-run cooperative set inside a former Carnegie library. See exhibited works from local artists or create your own during one of the art centre's hands-on workshops.
8. See an exhibition at Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art
Head to Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art for free, world-class contemporary art exhibitions in south London. Located in New Cross, Goldsmiths CCA is housed in a Grade II-listed Victorian bathhouse reimagined by Turner Prize-winning architectural collective Assemble.
9. Shop under the arches at Deptford Market Yard
Explore Deptford Market Yard’s host of independent shops, restaurants and cafes, housed beneath the arches at Deptford station. Check out the record shops, artisan florists, Little Nan's cocktail bar, seasonal British restaurant Dirty Apron and more, including design studios, a beauty salon and a yoga studio.
10. Watch a play at Broadway Theatre in Catford
Catch a play or a comedy show at Catford's Grade-II listed, art deco Broadway Theatre. The theatre was built in 1932 and plays host to all kinds of performances from comedy and plays to awards nights and film screenings.
