Dulwich hotels

Hotels in Dulwich

Now one of London's most desirable residential areas, Dulwich was a secluded village until it was absorbed into the County of London in the late 19th century. Today, this community is still famed for its grand 17th-century college, its charming Dulwich Village district, and England's oldest public art gallery, Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Dulwich College

Founded in 1619, Dulwich College is the largest independent school in the country and is noted for its beautiful impressionist-inspired painted buildings. The school was also featured in the successful British film 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (2002), and contains a special archive of the life of its founder, Edward Alleyn, a distinguished Elizabethan theatre performer.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Established in 1817, the Dulwich Picture Gallery was pioneered by the eminent Neoclassical architect Sir John Soane. The gallery houses many fascinating art exhibitions, with paintings including the 'Bagpiper and Girl', 'Salmacis and Hermaphrodite', 'A Gypsy Encampment', 'Boats in a Storm', and works from several other renowned artists such as Poussin and Rembrandt.

Dulwich Park

This 76-acre landscaped park opened to the public in 1890 and benefited from a significant restoration in the 2000s. This open space, which has earned the prestigious Green Flag Award, is ideal for summer picnics, and features a popular boating lake and outdoor gym.

Where to eat in the area

For some sophisticated French cuisine, head to the Café Rouge Dulwich Village, or enjoy some delightful Mediterranean and Italian-themed cuisine at Manuel's Restaurant and Bar. You can also enjoy a wonderful lunch at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, or head westwards to Tulse Hill and enjoy some divine snacks and cappuccinos at the Creative Aroma café before dining at the superb Tulse Hill Hotel restaurant gastropub.

Where to stay

For excellent value for money in a charismatic venue, choose the Church Street Hotel, around three kilometres from Dulwich Park, or try the elegant Tulse Hill Hotel. A little further afield, you can also consider the Windmill Clapham, a friendly boutique hotel next to the popular social space of Clapham Common.

Other local places of interest

A short bus journey from Dulwich hotels is the vibrant district of Clapham, an area acclaimed for its extensive nightlife and diverse restaurant scene. Dulwich is also close to the bustling nightlife and shopping hub of Brixton, which is the home of the Brixton Covered Market, a venue where you can find superb homemade dishes from practically every nationality on the planet. If you're hoping to visit central London, you can take a short train journey to London Bridge railway station, which is close to the famous London Dungeons and offers frequent, fast tube connections to the lively West End and other districts in the capital.