About Herne Hill

Herne Hill is barely five miles from central London and bordered by Dulwich, Denmark Hill/Camberwell, Brixton and Tulse Hill.

The first known reference to Herne Hill as a distinct location was in 1789. The name Herne Hill may have come from a number of sources:

It may have previously been called Heron’s Hill as the River Effra attracted a large number of herons.
George and Benjamin Herne were residents in the 17th century.
There was a nearby field called ‘Le Herne‘, (c1495), or ‘the angle or corner of land’.

Today, Herne Hill straddles the boundary between Lambeth and Southwark, and is very popular with young professionals and growing families.

Some of the roads with substantial family homes include Herne Hill itself, Half Moon Lane, Burbage Road, Winterbrook Road and Stradella Road.

An early view of Herne Hill, at the junction with Half Moon Lane. Published by D.Walther, 1823

Poet’s Corner is a conservation area and is made up of roads named after writers such as Shakespeare Road, Spenser Road, Milton Road and Chaucer Road.

Another very sought after part of Herne Hill is the ‘North Dulwich Triangle’ which is comprised of the roads contained within the triangle bordered by Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill and Red Post Hill.

Other popular roads within the North Dulwich triangle include Beckwith Road, Hollingbourne Road, Elfindale Road, Elmwood Road, Holmdene Road and Ruskin Walk.

Schools

There is an unusually high concentration of highly sought-after state and independent schools in and around Herne Hill.

If you’d like to explore, we’ve rounded-up a representative list of the top state & independent schools in and around Herne Hill.

Transport

Herne Hill Rail Station has direct trains (about 10 minutes) to Victoria, as well as to Blackfriars and St Pancras.

Brixton tube station on the Victoria line a short bus ride away on the Number 3.

Recreation

Brockwell Park

Brockwell Park encompasses panoramic views across London, Brockwell Hall, Brockwell Lido, an Old English Walled Garden, tennis courts, children playground, several lakes and a BMX track.

Photo by Loz Pycock (Flickr)

Brockwell Lido

Brockwell Lido is one of the last remaining London outdoor swimming pools. It’s Olympic-sized 50 metre pool is surrounded by an Art Deco Grade II listed building housing a state-of-the-art gym, studios and The Lido Cafe.

Photo by David Sim (Flickr)

Herne Hill Farmers' Market

Herne Hill’s farmer’s market is held on Sundays. A must for foodies.

Herne Hill Velodrome

Herne Hill Velodrome is an iconic outdoor 450 metre cycle track and only remaining venue still in use from the 1948 Olympic Games. The velodrome is just off Burbage Road, a short walk from Herne Hill station.

Photo by Photo: J H McAleely (Flickr)