I visited hidden village in London with Georgian homes and indy shops | UK | Travel

Heading to any big city is an overwhelming experience: from the massive skyscrapers and jam-packed high streets to the loud traffic and the fast-paced energy that never seems to slow down. I live in London, and it feels as though I have to head to the countryside or the seaside to experience a slower, calmer environment for a bit of peace and relaxation.

But I no longer want to spend over two hours driving to the Cotswolds for a change of pace. Instead, I made it my mission to find quaint and charming areas within the UK’s capital. Last week, I headed to a “hidden village” called Blackheath, a neighbourhood in South London, home to an old-fashioned farmers’ market, independent shops on cobbled stones, and Georgian architecture.

Why is Blackheath a ‘village’

Blackheath, situated on the border between Lewisham and Greenwich, was once a village in its own right. It was built around the wide open heath that gave the area its name.

Before the capital spread outwards, it was a small rural community of cottages and farms. Today, although it is part of the capital, Blackheath has maintained a friendly community atmosphere, with independent shops and a slower pace, reminiscent of a traditional village.

Upon arriving at the station, it feels like stepping into a storybook, with modern and vintage shops surrounded by Victorian and Georgian buildings, most notably, the Paragon.

This is a crescent of housing full of history. According to Dominic and McKenzie Architects, “it is appropriately named as it is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture not only in Blackheath but in the whole of England.”

The trendy farmers’ market

Tucked away in Blackheath Station’s car park is an award-winning farmers’ market that has been a favourite with shoppers for more than two decades.

Blackheath Farmers’ Market describes itself as “a hive of community activity”, bringing together farmers, growers and artisan producers from across the South East. Shoppers can pick up weekly essentials including milk, Norfolk-caught brown shrimps, local honey and a range of seasonal produce.

I aimed to head to the farmers’ market just before closing, but due to train delays, I missed the last hour. However, one regular commented on the experience and said: “This place is beautiful with all the vegetables, the meat and fish stalls are a delight!

“If you love fresh bread, then it’s here where you want to get it (I have fallen in love with the sourdough from there)! There’s a cake stall which is absolutely sent from heaven! Will definitely go again and the stallholders were all lovely!”

According to London’s Farmers’ Market at Blackheath, the selection changes throughout the year, with apples and plums from August, sweetcorn in September, game in October, celery in November, and turkeys in December.

The market was named the Best Market in Lewisham at the 2025 Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards and has also featured on BBC One’s The Farmers’ Country Showdown.

It is open every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, runs for 51 weeks of the year, and closes only between Christmas and New Year. Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable bags and containers. “Well-behaved” dogs are also welcome.

Independent shops

Walking around Blackheath was a delight. Its high street is still thriving with an array of independent shops, including clothing shops, a coffee shop, a butcher, a fish and chips shop, a launderette, and a bookshop – mostly all with ‘Blackheath’ in the name.

My favourite visit was to The Bookshop on the Heath, one of London’s oldest bookshops, which opened in 1949. It is known for “its rare and fine books and for the treasures that make one’s own collection special.”

The bookshop website reads: “A wonderful collection from history, architecture, art and novels, old and new, plus much more, it is for the collector and the casual reader alike.”

I love discovering new plays, secondhand books, crime and adventure, so this was the place to be.

Another interesting find was spotting the Blackheath Vintners, a family-owned wine merchant. They not only had fine wine, but also cider, craft beers, gluten-free and alcohol-free beverages.

If you’re tired of shopping and want some peace and quiet, I recommend heading up the hill toward All Saints Drive, where you’ll find a large green space.

There you’ll spot a massive Victorian Gothic church built in the 1850s, which is incredibly beautiful and impressive. In the green area, there are several benches where you can sit, but when I visited, many families had spread a picnic blanket to relax.

I immediately spotted an Ice cream van in the distance, and grabbed a single cone with a flake and bubblegum sauce for £3.50. I was in disbelief at how chilled and calm the area was despite being in London. It was the perfect spot to think and breathe.

Celebrity hotspot

Celebrities such as Jude Law and Dominic Cooper are just a few Hollywood names who grew up in the area. Law attended John Ball Primary School, and while he no longer lives there, he still advocates for the area.

In 2025, the actor opposed converting the car park near the station into flats. He said: “I grew up in Blackheath. My junior school was across from the site where this proposed development will take place.

“This plan does not answer housing needs. Instead, this plan will put a strain on a wonderful old village that deserves our protection.”

Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler added: “Blackheath has always been a treasured area and one of London’s last intact villages. Let’s please leave it alone.”

Other notable figures connected with Blackheath include Marty Wilde, Sophie Aldred, Lee Ryan, and Richard Branson, who was born in the area.

What’s popular in Blackheath?

On a Sunday afternoon, the area remained busy and lively, most notably at the Crown Pub. Enticed by the “best Sunday roasts in the village” sign, I went in for a pint of shandy and a meal.

The pub had that classic feel and that old, traditional smell. I quickly grabbed a booth with my partner, and we both ordered a chicken roast for under £20.

You get an enormous Yorkshire pudding, two hefty portions of chicken, roast potatoes, a parsnip and some carrots. The best part of the meal was the heap of gravy.

Despite my boyfriend’s watery cola, this place was worth visiting. With open mic nights, a great menu, friendly staff and affordable prices, I can see why it is so popular. Overall, Blackheath was truly a special visit.

Being flung into an old-fashioned village in the heart of the city is something I never expected but truly appreciated. I’ll definitely be going back.