Area Guides

Area facts

• Access to Central London in <20 minutes
• Home to one of the most iconic annual sporting events
• Cost-effective desk and office rates

Your guide to South West London

Cultural delights, abundant green spaces, and quick connections to the capital’s centre combine to make South West London great.

Overview
South West London is a charming area that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the City and other central areas. It’s full of green spaces, including sprawling Richmond Park, while still preserving the cultural interest and commercial prominence that makes London a wonderful place to base a business.

Despite its detachment from the busyness of Central London, the South West is still extremely well connected via various Underground lines and Overground services. It’s also much more navigable by car, something that not many areas in London can claim. Overall, South West London presents a nice change of pace from the rest of the city, perfect for those businesses who want relative calm while still being on the edge of the UK’s most important city.

Story

South West London, similarly to some other parts of the capital, is an area made up of a collection of towns and villages. From Clapham to Wandsworth, these centres were engulfed by London as it grew from the Medieval period onwards, merging into one larger urban area.

It’s an area that’s full of history, too. In the inner-most corner of the South West is Battersea Power Station, an old decommissioned coal-fired power station known as one of the largest brick buildings in the world. On the outer-most edge of the area you’ll find Hampton Court Palace, built by Henry VIII to act as his residential ‘holiday home’.

There are also plenty of green spaces, each with their own unique story. The largest of these in the South West is Richmond Park, an expansive walled garden that served as a hunting ground in the 17th century.

But, of course, the most iconic part of South West London’s story is its hosting of the annual Wimbledon Championship – arguably the most notable event in the professional tennis calendar. First held in 1877, Wimbledon has become a mainstay of British culture and is watched by millions around the world. It’s been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon’s town centre since the very first year, and is one of the most dominant cultural attractions in all of London.

Industry

South West London boasts over 1.3 million workers employed by around 95,000 businesses, making it one of the most commercially-relevant parts of London outside of the City.

However, unlike East London, which is known as a tech hub, or Midtown’s reputation as a legal centre, the South West isn’t particularly relevant for any one industry. Instead, it’s equally suitable for businesses of all sorts.

The few sectors that are notably densely represented in the region are retail, service and hospitality, and the public sector.

Transport

Even the furthest-flung parts of South West London are largely within Zone 4 of the Underground, with plenty of routes connecting to elsewhere in the capital. The area is predominantly served by the Northern and District Underground lines, with additional services via the Thameslink and Overground.

Notable Tube stations include Kennington, Earl’s Court, and Clapham High Street. You’re also spoiled for choice when it comes to National Rail services to other parts of the country, with Clapham Junction, Wimbledon, and West Brompton all providing connections.

Things to do

Culture

Richmond Park – Wimbledon – Best seen in the summer months when the town becomes internationally relevant, Wimbledon is full of culture, particularly if you’re a fan of tennis.

Shopping 

Kingston’s Ancient Market – Kingston-upon-Thames is home to a famous ancient market, dating back to the 1200s, where you can enjoy a beautifully quaint shopping experience.

Centre Court Shopping Centre – Wimbledon’s main shopping centre, Centre Court is full of shops, cafes, and restaurants to keep you busy.

Food & drink

Sticks’n’Sushi – A Boutique favourite lunch spot in Wimbledon, Sticks’n’Sushi is the perfect place to treat the team to a Friday celebration lunch.

King’s Road, Chelsea – Not a single place, but Chelsea’s main thoroughfare, King’s Road, is flanked by high-end restaurants that serve up unmissable gastronomy.