Living in Blackheath
Centered around one of the largest areas of open common land in the capital, Blackheath is a historic area in south-east London popular with families and commuters. Find out what living in Blackheath is like with our guide to the area.
History of the area
There are probably few more historic green spaces in the whole of London than Blackheath. Because of its size (211 acres) and elevated location, commanding excellent views of the city and the surrounding country, it has been a place of mass gatherings for more than a millennia.
Wat Tyler led the Peasants’ Revolt from Blackheath in 1381, and it was the traditional place where bands of rebels and invading armies would set up camp before marching on London. On his triumphant return from Agincourt In 1415, Henry V was met on Blackheath by a deputation of the Lord Mayor, aldermen and citizens. Charles II was welcomed with all manner of festivities at Blackheath in 1660 as he made his way to London after exile. It was also a haunt of highwaymen, being bisected by the Old Kent Road, the main stagecoach route to Kent. In more recent years it has become the starting point for the London Marathon.
The area lies in the London Boroughs of both Greenwich and Lewisham, and comprises Blackheath Village, to the south of the heath, and Blackheath Standard, to the north-east.
The property market
Blackheath has become a boom area over the last 10-15 years. The ‘bankers with babies’ effect has seen house prices in Blackheath soar beyond the London average. The elegant rows of Georgian and Victorian townhouses that line the heath are some of the most exclusive addresses in south London.
New build homes
Much of Blackheath is a conservation area, so there is little in the way of new developments in and around the Village and Standard. However, you will find some new build homes in neighbouring Kidbrooke and Lewisham. Kidbrooke Village near Kidbrooke station offers 1,2, 3 and 4-bed apartments, while Square Roots in Lewisham is a 141-apartment development due for completion in 2024.
First time buyers
It can be difficult to get on the property ladder in Blackheath, as it is such a hotspot. But there are some affordable options, especially shared ownership schemes on flats in the Kidbrooke Village development.
Renting in the area
Flats for rent in the new build developments of Lewisham and Kidbrooke come up from time to time, and start from around £1700 pcm for a 1-bed. This is just above the London average. Rentals are slightly more expensive in period properties like the Paragon on the heath, or in the Cator estate in Blackheath village.
Schools and education
Blackheath has a number of well regarded state and private schools. All Saints Church of England Primary on Blackheath Vale is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, and John Ball Primary School on Southvale Road is ‘outstanding’. Leigh Academy Blackheath on Old Dover Road is an ‘outstanding’ secondary school. The Conservatoire of Music and the Arts at the southern end of Blackheath village offers GCSE and A-Level courses in music, drama and the arts.
Transport links
Blackheath overground station is in the village. South Eastern trains stop here for regular commuter services to Charing Cross, Cannon Street and Victoria. Blackheath is in Zone 3.
Lifestyle and leisure
Dominated by such a huge expanse of open space, it is hardly surprising that Blackheath played a key role in the development of sports like golf, rugby and cricket. Today it is home to numerous sporting clubs, most notably Blackheath Rugby Club, one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world and host of the first international match in 1871. The club is now based in Charlton Road.
Culture is well served by Blackheath Halls, a 600-seat concert hall that is one of London’s oldest purpose-built venues. Classical recitals, opera, dance, jazz, folk and comedy feature on its calendar.
Popular pubs
No rollcall of pubs in Blackheath can exclude the Royal Standard in Vanbrugh Park, the inn from which the whole area north east of the heath takes its name. The Crown is the village’s main pub, a bustling former coaching inn on Tranquil Vale, serving traditional pub food and with plenty of outside seating. Microbrewery, bar and restaurant Zero Degrees caters for a younger crowd, offering craft ales and stonebaked pizzas right in the heart of the village.
Places to eat
The best restaurants in Blackheath Village include the ever popular Buenos Aires Café, specialising in Argentinean steaks and wine combinations. In Montpelier Vale you can trip from the luxurious interiors and stylish dining of the Ivy Café, to the delicious Nepalese dishes of the Everest Inn, both overlooked by All Saints Church, Blackheath’s most photographed landmark.
Where to shop
The term ‘village’ is perhaps something of a cliché when describing London’s neighbourhoods, but not in Blackheath. The triangle of roads that form Blackheath Village (The Royal Parade, Montpelier Vale and Tranquil Vale) is a truly welcoming and seductive place to shop. You will find the best in high street brands and independent boutiques, homeware shops, delis, cafés, butchers and bakers, and two thriving bookshops. It really does feel like a well-heeled market town miles from London (apart from the occasional red bus or black cab).
Felicity J Lord can help you buy, sell or rent in Blackheath
If you like what you hear about living in Blackheath, we can help you buy, sell or rent in the Blackheath area. Get in touch with the friendly team at our Blackheath branch and they will be happy to help.
