Living in London isn’t necessarily synonymous with peace and quiet – in fact, it’s largely the opposite.
But there are ways to channel a village feel in the Big Smoke without moving out to the sticks.
A new list has revealed the UK’s top 20 ‘secret’ villages to live in.
Rural countryside spots are included, such a Constantine, a small village in Cornwall, with woodlands right on the doorstop, or Cilcain, which sits in a lesser-known range of Welsh hills.
But one such village is not like the others: Nunhead, in south London, nestled next to the likes of Peckham, Brockley and New Cross.
While it’s certainly not in the countryside, it’s known for its village-like vibe – and was hailed for its ‘villagey virtues of friendly pubs and friendlier neighbours.’
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Meanwhile, the list by The Times placed Malpas in Cheshire in the top spot, followed by Maenclochog in Pembrokeshire.
Here’s everything you know about London’s best ‘village’.
Things to do in Nunhead
There’s no doubt that Nunhead is surrounded by plenty of green space – it’s south London after all, which is certainly no stranger to a park or two.
For a peaceful stroll, there’s Nunhead Cemetery, which is closely bordered by the sizeable Peckham Rye Park and Common. Built in 1840, it’s one of a group of Victorian cemeteries known as the Magnificent Seven, which were constructed in a ring around the city’s outskirts.
Neighbouring the cemetery is the Nunhead Reservoir, hailed by one Redditor for its ‘stunning views,’ while the close by Telegraph Hill provides panoramic views of the city, as well as tennis courts to get your game on during the summer.
Adding to the village-like feel, there’s a thriving community of local businesses too, including the Nunhead Gardener, where there are plants aplenty on offer.
If you want to spend locally for your weekly shop, there’s a bakers, butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers in the form of Ayres the Bakers, HA Smith, FC Soper and Beaumonts. Impressive, hey?
And, you can get your caffeine fix too. Goodcup Coffee is a favourite among the locals – they serve up a mean bagel too and have recently started Goodnights, where they open on selected weeknights for cocktails.
When it comes to pubs, Nunhead is well-served by the aptly named Old Nun’s Head, Skehans, and The Ivy House. There’s also El Vermut vermouth bar, a chic Spanish spot, perfect for a date.
You’re also not far from the eternally vibrant Peckham if you fancy venturing out a little further – home to the beloved Prince of Peckham pub, Frank’s Café and, of course, the famous Peckhamplex cinema. Here, tickets are just £6, and it’s like stepping back to the 1980s.
There’s also delicious Persian food to be found at Persepolis on Peckham High Street, with a set menu option (known as the ‘full feast’) available for £30 a head.
And if you fall in love with their deliciously sweet coffee or Turkish delight, you can buy it in their shop to take home with you.
Transport links in Nunhead
Nunhead might have a village feel, but it’s still well-connected to central London. The Thameslink into Blackfriars is only four stops and takes just 17 minutes.
The area, in zone 2, is also well-served by the local bus network, with the P12 connecting Honor Oak to Brockley Rise.
House prices in Nunhead
As is the case with much of London, buying a property in Nunhead comes with a considerable price tag.
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According to data from Rightmove, over the last year, the average property was priced at £665,845.
The majority of the sales were flats, which came in at £476,975, while semi-detached homes were at the most expensive end of the spectrum at £1,019,730.
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As for renting, Foxtons places the average rental for a one-bedroom home at £415 per week, with two bedrooms and three bedrooms coming in at £600 and £635 per week respectively.
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