I was on the hunt for a charming area in London and discovered a place I’m not surprised is cherished by locals and celebs.
I visited London’s hidden village(Image: Shania King-Soyza)
Visiting any major city can be an intense experience: from the towering high-rises and crowded shopping districts to the noisy congestion and the relentless rhythm that rarely pauses. I’m a Londoner, and it often feels as if I need to escape to rural areas or coastal towns to find a more tranquil, peaceful setting for some rest and recuperation.
However, I no longer wish to spend more than two hours motoring to the Cotswolds for a different tempo. Instead, I set myself the task of discovering picturesque and delightful spots within Britain’s capital.
Last week, I visited a “hidden village” called Blackheath, a district in South London, boasting a traditional farmers’ market, independent retailers on cobblestone streets, and Georgian buildings.
Why is Blackheath a ‘village’
The neighbourhood prides itself on being a little village(Image: Shania King-Soyza)
Blackheath, located on the boundary between Lewisham and Greenwich, was formerly a village in its own right. It developed around the expansive open heath that provided the area with its name.
Before the capital expanded outwards, it was a modest rural settlement of cottages and farmland. Today, while it forms part of the capital, Blackheath has preserved a welcoming community spirit, with independent retailers and a more relaxed rhythm, evocative of a classic village.
Upon reaching the station, it feels like entering a fairy tale, with contemporary and period shops framed by Victorian and Georgian structures, most notably, the Paragon. This Georgian crescent is steeped in heritage.
Dominic and McKenzie Architects say “it is appropriately named as it is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture not only in Blackheath but in the whole of England.”
The popular farmers’ market
Nestled in Blackheath Station’s car park lies an award-winning farmers’ market that has been beloved by locals for over 20 years.
Blackheath Farmers’ Market calls itself “a hive of community activity”, uniting farmers, growers and artisan producers from throughout the South East. Visitors can purchase weekly staples including milk, Norfolk-caught brown shrimps, local honey and an array of seasonal produce.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
I planned to visit the farmers’ market shortly before it closed, but owing to train disruptions, I missed the final hour. Nevertheless, one frequent visitor shared their thoughts, commenting: “This place is beautiful with all the vegetables, the meat and fish stalls are a delight!”
“If you love fresh bread, then it’s here where you want to get it (I have fallen in love with the sourdough from there)! There’s a cake stall which is absolutely sent from heaven! Will definitely go again and the stallholders were all lovely!”
Based on information from London’s Farmers’ Market at Blackheath, the range varies with the seasons, featuring apples and plums from August, sweetcorn in September, game in October, celery in November, and turkeys in December.
The market received the Best Market in Lewisham accolade at the 2025 Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards and has previously appeared on BBC One’s The Farmers’ Country Showdown.
Operating every Sunday from 10am to 2pm, it runs for 51 weeks annually, shutting only during the Christmas to New Year period. Shoppers are advised to bring their own bags and containers. “Well-behaved” dogs are also permitted.
Visiting blackheath feels like stepping back in time(Image: Shania King-Soyza)
Local shops
Exploring Blackheath proved thoroughly enjoyable. Its high street continues to flourish with a variety of independent retailers, featuring clothing boutiques, a café, a butcher’s, a fish and chip shop, a launderette, and a bookshop — nearly all bearing ‘Blackheath’ in their title.
My highlight was visiting The Bookshop on the Heath, amongst London’s most established bookshops, which launched in 1949. It has built a reputation for rare books and the “treasures that make one’s own collection special.”
According to the bookshop’s website: “A wonderful collection from history, architecture, art and novels, old and new, plus much more, it is for the collector and the casual reader alike.”
As someone who enjoys discovering new plays, second-hand volumes, crime and adventure stories, this proved the ideal destination.
Another intriguing discovery was encountering Blackheath Vintners, a family-run wine merchant. Beyond fine wines, they also stocked cider, craft beers, gluten-free and alcohol-free options.
The area was unbelievably still and gorgeous(Image: Shania King-Soyza)
Should the hustle and bustle of shopping leave you craving some tranquillity, head up the hill towards All Saints Drive, where a sprawling green space awaits.
There you’ll encounter a striking Victorian Gothic church, constructed in the 1850s, which is nothing short of breathtaking. Throughout the green, numerous benches offer a place to rest, though during my visit, families had opted to lay out picnic blankets to unwind instead.
I quickly noticed an ice cream van nearby and treated myself to a single cone with a Flake and bubblegum sauce for £3.50. I was genuinely taken aback by how serene and peaceful the area felt, despite being firmly within London’s boundaries. It proved the ideal spot to gather one’s thoughts and take a breath.
Celebrity hotspot
Among the famous faces who grew up in the area are Hollywood names such as Jude Law and Dominic Cooper. Law attended John Ball Primary School and, though he no longer resides there, he remains a vocal supporter of the neighbourhood.
In 2025, the actor spoke out against plans to convert the car park near the station into residential flats. He said: “I grew up in Blackheath. My junior school was across from the site where this proposed development will take place.
“This plan does not answer housing needs. Instead, this plan will put a strain on a wonderful old village that deserves our protection.”
Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler added: “Blackheath has always been a treasured area and one of London’s last intact villages. Let’s please leave it alone.”
Other prominent personalities linked to Blackheath include Marty Wilde, Sophie Aldred, Lee Ryan, and Richard Branson, who was born locally.
I stopped by the popular pub with ‘the best roast dinner'(Image: Shania King-Soyza)
What’s on offer in Blackheath?
On a Sunday afternoon, the neighbourhood remained bustling and vibrant, particularly at the Crown Pub. Drawn in by the “best Sunday roasts in the village” sign, I popped in for a pint of shandy and some food.
The pub had that traditional atmosphere and that aged, classic aroma. I swiftly secured a booth with my partner, and we both ordered a chicken roast for less than £20.
You receive a massive Yorkshire pudding, two generous portions of chicken, roast potatoes, a parsnip and some carrots. The highlight of the dish was the mountain of gravy.
Despite my boyfriend’s watery cola, this establishment was worth experiencing. With open mic nights, an excellent menu, welcoming staff and reasonable prices, I can understand why it’s so well-liked. All in all, Blackheath was genuinely a remarkable visit.
Being transported into a traditional village in the centre of the city is something I never anticipated but genuinely valued. I’ll certainly be returning.