Streatham Common
Streatham Common is a large open space at the southern tip of Lambeth. It offers amazing views and has areas of woodland, grassland, wild flower meadows and a picnic area. It also contains The Rookery, a small and enchanting formal garden.
There are many different facilities available to both casual visitor and regular user at Streatham Common, including a popular café, children's playground and paddling pool. The common is also used for fairs and events during the summer and autumn.
Wildlife features include the largest areas of both acid grassland and woodland in Lambeth. The common is a popular place for walking, jogging and sports as well as being an important stop on the Capital Ring, a long-distance circular walking route that goes around Greater London.
Address: Streatham High Road, SW16
Rail: Streatham (Southern Trains), 0.2 miles (0.4km) - regular trains from Victoria, Clapham Junction and Croydon
Bus: 50, 59, 60, 109, 118, 159, 250, 333, 249 and 417 (to or from Brixton, Balham, Clapham, Croydon, Elephant and Castle, Mitcham, Thornton Heath, Waterloo and Westminster).
See a location map for Streatham Common.
Facilities
New developments on Streatham Common
A new cricket crease on the lower part of the Common, near to Streatham High Road and the playground, is now open to use, as are two football pitches which are close by. Please contact Lambeth Sports if you need more information.
History of Streatham Common
Streatham Common has a rich history stretching back as far as the Norman Conquest and Domesday Book, and boasts spectacular views across South London and to the North Downs of Surrey. It was originally owned by the Crown and then by the Church Commissioners and has been used and recognised as a common for centuries.
In 1883 it was taken over by the Metropolitan Board of Works and an Act of Parliament ensured its protection as a metropolitan common for public use and enjoyment. Most of the lower part of Streatham Common was used as allotments during the Second World War and temporary housing was placed around the perimeter.
Friends of Streatham Common
The Friends of Streatham Common represent people who use both Streatham Common and Rookery. They assist with their management and development for present and future generations. The Friends organise regular meetings as well as events on the Common and Rookery, including the popular Streatham Kite Festival and Dog Show.
To find out more or join, please go to the Friends of Streatham Common website.
Help us look after Streatham Common and the Rookery
Streatham Common is managed by Lambeth Parks and Greenspaces and comes under the Lambeth South Parks Area. It is also in the area patrolled by the Streatham South Safer Neighbourhoods Team of Lambeth Borough Police, who work in partnership with the council and the Friends of Streatham Common to ensure that both Streatham Common and the Rookery are safe and welcoming.
Responsible dog walkers are welcome but there are some parts that are dog free such as the paddling pool, children's playground and tennis court. This is for the comfort and safety of children, carers and players, and helps to protect wildlife. Dogs can be exercised off lead on most of the Common but please ensure you dispose of waste properly.
For more information on Streatham Common and the Rookery and how to help us keep them clean, green and safe, please contact us on 0207 926 9000 or email us at parks@lambeth.gov.uk.
Further information