Blackheath

Overview

Dotted with independent shops, organic food shops and several upscale restaurants, Blackheath high street Tranquil Vale and the compact town centre form a picturesque haven from the city bustle for families and young professionals who still want a slice of fashionable London living. Everyday life here, though, largely revolves around the heath, with the Grade II-listed All Saints’ Church providing a stunning backdrop to leisurely strolls and popular local events.

From the magnificent homes overlooking the heath on St. Germans Place to the sought-after period properties lining Bennett Park there’s no shortage of coveted private residences here. With its laid-back atmosphere, centuries-spanning architecture, some of the best schools in the country and easy access to the City of London and Canary Wharf, the neighbourhood has that escapist village feel within easy reach of the city centre.

Let’s take a tour of Blackheath - from the elegant homes to the delicious deli treats.

Interesting facts

• The area has been a favourite spot for sporty types across the centuries. England’s first golf club was founded here in 1608 by King James I, while the Blackheath Rugby Club, founded in 1858, is the oldest open rugby club in the world.
• The London Marathon also began in Blackheath. It was first held in 1981 - and its scenic 26.2-mile route still starts from here.
• The neighbourhood is home to The Blackheath Society, one of the most informative societies in south-east London. With a history that stretches back to 1937, these “Guardians of the Heath” strive to protect open spaces, preserve high architectural standards and improve transport links.

Amenities

Two acute hospitals serve Blackheath, which stretches across the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Lewisham: University Hospital Lewisham -
a 12-minute bus ride from the local station - and Greenwich’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust also count 12 community sites across Lewisham.

There’s a choice of NHS and private GP surgeries and care homes for nursing, residential or dementia care in the area, while Cygnet Hospital cares for men with mental health illnesses. Residents benefit from the well-rated, private Blackheath Hospital, which spreads across two sites in the vicinity of the station, and Cinnamon luxury care homes, among others.

Attractions

Things to do

With over 275 acres of protected grounds, Blackheath today boasts one of the most extensive common lands in London, ideal for catching some sun, cycling or walking the dogs. A stone’s throw from the heath, a collection of café-delis, restaurants, pubs and wine bars bring the well-kept, modern-day Blackheath Village to life. Keep an eye out for outdoor community events, like the popular bank holiday funfairs, alongside a choice of family-friendly things to do in the area.

• The Sunday Farmers’ Market sprawls across Blackheath Station car park - it’s your one-stop shop for foodie treats such as artisan bread, local honey and seasonal favourites like cherries.
• For top-tier entertainment, look no further than the renowned Blackheath Halls, a venue and concert hall built in 1895 by William Webster. Part of Greenwich’s prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, it offers a varied year-round programme of events, including classical concerts, comedy nights and children’s theatre.

History

Through the centuries, the heath has been known as a place of incredible wealth - and great revolt. During the famous Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, an army of rebels gathered here to demand better working conditions and social change. From the 17th century onwards, most wealthy residents would have owned homes surrounding the heath, hence the preponderance of large Georgian and Victorian properties - some of which have now been converted into flats.

More recently, British designer and architect Eric Lyons left his modernist mark on the area’s rich post-war architectural fabric. He is well known for designing Span houses, a collection of bright, open-plan homes that placed focus on communal spaces to build a sense of local community. One characteristic example is The Cator Estate, an elegant combination of Victorian villas and terraced properties, largely destroyed by bombing during WWII and subsequently replaced with several mid-century Span estates.

Developments

Berkeley Homes recently completed the Forbury developments, a stylish collection of 10 villas and 14 apartments putting a modern spin on Regency style.

Education

Education in the area

A balanced education system offering a choice of state and independent primary, secondary and 16 to 18 schools allows resident families to decide what’s best for their children. John Ball Primary School, Brooklands Primary School, St Margaret’s Lee CofE Primary School, Brindishe Lee School, as well as the nearby secondary St Ursula’s Convent School in Greenwich, have all been rated “outstanding” by Ofsted.

Worship

Places of worship

The “Church on the Heath”, All Saints’ provides a spiritual retreat in the heart of the village. The neighbouring St John’s Blackheath, in Vanbrugh Park, is an Anglican church in the evangelical tradition. The Blackheath and Charlton Baptist Church and the Church of the Ascension Blackheath are also within walking distance from the heath.