Streatham Mini Guide
Where is Streatham?
Streatham is a borough in the south of London and was once the home of Britain’s longest shopping street and its first supermarket. Today, despite much retail decline, the borough is still thriving with inner London commuters living in the leafy streets. It’s close enough to the centre of London and also good for escapes into the Sussex countryside.
How Easy is it to get to?
By plane, the closest you’ll get is Gatwick Airport and then a quick journey by car up the A23. By train, access is via London’s Charing Cross or to Clapham Junction and changing there. By road, the easiest way to Streatham is to follow the M25 or the South Circular and use the A23. Around Streatham, the tube or public bus are the most convenient methods of travel.
What is There to see When I’m in Streatham?
For a good place to picnic and to find out about the industrial heritage of London, visit Park Hill, the stately home of Sir Henry Tate. He was the head of the sugar refining dynasty and his patronage includes the Tate Gallery in London. The borough was also home to the mineral water spa that first encouraged visitors here in the 18th century. These have long since disappeared under the urban cover but a plaque indicates their origin.
Where’s Easy to Reach From Streatham?
There are great links to the West End from there and over the decades many actors and actresses have made their home there. If staying in Streatham, catching a performance is a great way to spend the evening. Getting out of the urban area you can head down the A23 to any of the towns and villages on the way to
Brighton crossing the North and South Downs on the way.