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Discover Lewisham

From al fresco dining to open water swimming to parties in the park - there are lots of reasons to Discover Lewisham this summer.

There's plenty happening in Lewisham all year round but summer is always a particularly special time in the borough. The good weather sees café-culture and festivals adding to an already vibrant local scene which is bursting with fantastic restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and award-winning parks. Here are some top tips for making the most of the sunshine in Lewisham.

Please note this is not an exhaustive list. If you have a recommendation, please get in touch.  

Discover al fresco dining

Fresh air, fine food and sunshine in Lewisham is an unbeatable combination. Whether you fancy pancakes, pasta or paella - Lewisham’s eateries have you covered.

Babur (Honor Oak Park)

Gourmet Indian dishes in a smart, contemporary dining room with exposed bricks and modern art.
119 Brockley Rise, London SE23 1JP 

Parlez Local (Brockley)

Casual Brockley eatery with patio dining serving all-day breakfast and Indian dinners, plus cocktails and wine.
16 Coulgate Street, SE4 2RW

Sharkbait And Swim (Deptford)

Based in the heart of Deptford, Sharkbait And Swim is an independent seafood focussed restaurant.
Arch 11, 4 Deptford Market Yard, SE8 4BX

Sapore Vero (Hither Green)

Traditional Italian restaurant and pizzeria offering a varied menu of food and drink indoors and on their terrace.
19 Staplehurst Road, SE13 5ND

Wanderlust Eatery (Catford)

Unique local cafe with courtyard featuring an all-day menu of global eats, plus vegan options, drinks and desserts.
88 Verdant Lane, SE6 1LF

Discover sunny beer gardens

What better way to while away a lazy sunny (or not-so-sunny) afternoon in Lewisham than in a beer garden. Whether you want a relaxed setting for your drinks and food, a day party vibe, or something in between – the borough’s pubs and bars cater for all. Please drink responsibly.

The Dolphin (Sydenham)

A welcoming pub offering a great menu, well-stocked bar and a large tranquil landscaped garden.
121 Sydenham Road, SE26 5HB

Fox and Firkin (Lewisham)

Vibrant pub with great live music and fresh pizzas made on site plus a large partially-covered beer garden featuring a train carriage and lots of cosy corners.
316 Lewisham High Steet, SE13 6JZ

The Honor Oak Pub (Honor Oak/ Forest Hill)

Airy pub with skylit dining area and outdoor deck. Enjoy their cask ales and seasonal British menu.
1 St German's Rd, London SE23 1JG

Perry Hill Pub (Catford)

Family friendly pub serving Sunday roasts, classic plates, BBQ and wine in its wood-panelled space and extensive garden.
78-80 Perry Hill, SE6 4EY

Blythe Hill Tavern (Forest Hill)

The Blythe Hill Tavern is an award-winning, traditional Victorian corner pub where you will always find a warm welcome and a great selection of real ales on tap.
319 Stanstead Road, SE23 1JB 

Skehans (Telegraph Hill)

Time Out recently voted Skehans the best pub in London. Head down for live music, great Thai food and its beautiful hidden garden – or just for the craic.
1 Kitto Road, SE14 5SN

Discover the great outdoors

Lewisham is home to 47 award-winning parks and green spaces offering lots of opportunities to get out and about, whether you’re looking for a refreshing dip, pristine picnic patch, or a riverside bike ride.

Climb the three peaks

This five mile ‘green-chain’ walking route connects the hilly open spaces around Brockley – namely Blythe Hill Fields, Hilly Fields and One Tree Hill - with plenty of opportunities to grab food or drinks from local businesses along the way.

Mudlarking in Deptford Creek

Book in for a free guided walk at low tide to find out the history of this fantastic local space and see what treasures you can uncover.
14 Creekside, Deptford, London SE8 4SA

Get to know Beckenham Place Park

Covering almost 100 hectares, Lewisham’s largest green space is home to ancient woodland, diverse wildlife and a swimming lake. Whether you fancy a walk, swim, cycle or to find a quiet space to admire nature – there’s something for all. Homestead Café does great coffee and pizza if you need some fuel for all that exploring.
Beckenham, BR3 1SY

Cycle the Waterlink Way

Get on your bike and follow the river south from Deptford Creek to Lower Sydenham, along the leafy Waterlink Way for a peaceful and mainly traffic-free cycle.

Find the perfect picnic spot

A picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends or family. Head to your local park with a packed lunch or, if available, grab a takeaway from an on-site café to enjoy a mouth-watering view.

Discover outdoor entertainment

Whether you’re looking for a fete, a family-friendly day out or fancy a dance to some free live music, there's plenty of outdoor entertainment to suit residents of all ages.

Hip Hop Community Jam | Sunday 3 September, 11am - 7pm

The HipHopera Foundation and Every Person is Capable are inviting you to a free, community-led Hip Hop jam that welcomes people of all ages. Expect workshops, a dance space, DJs and uplifting live performances in the Homestead Courtyard at Beckenham Place Park.

Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 1SY

Grove Park Carnival | Sunday 3 September

Grove Park Carnival returns this year on Sunday 3rd September 2023, 11am- 5pm. Watch this space for more details.

Chinbrook Meadows, Amblecote Road, SE12

Eddie's Dog Show | Sunday 10 September, 12 - 6pm

Beckenham Place Park's ever-popular dog show returns this September. The show starts at 3pm, with registration from 12.30pm for those that wish to participate. Expect prizes for waggiest tale, cutest puppy and best tail!

Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Road, BR3 1SY

Deptford X | Friday 22 September - Sunday 1 October

2023 marks 25 years of Deptford X. This year’s free 10 day festival includes 6 new artist commissions as well as an exhibition and publication featuring works from its archives. Look forward to new work by artists Carl Gent and Holly Graham plus an intergenerational parade including Deptford Green school pupils and elders from over-60s art group, Meet Me at The Albany recreating the spirit of the 1999 Berlin Love Parade.

Takes place at venues across Deptford - check the Deptford X website for details.

Discover fabulous market finds

Explore our outdoor markets as the weather warms up! There is lots on offer across the borough from fresh affordable produce, vintage homeware and hearty lunchtime snacks.

Blackheath Farmer's Market

Takes place every Sunday from 10am to 2pm in Blackheath Station car park. A smorgasbord of seasonal, locally-sourced produce.

Blackheath, London, SE3 9LA 

Brockley Market

Bustling weekly Saturday market for local fresh produce, artisan breads and pastries, plants and flowers.

Lewisham College Carpark, SE4 1UT 

Catford Food Market

An award-winning food market which takes place on the last Sunday of each month. The emphasis is on local traders and produce.

Adenmore Road, SE6 4FD

Deptford High Street and Douglas Way Markets

Spanning Deptford High Street, Douglas Way and the junction with Giffin Way. Find fresh produce, multi-cultural foods and fabrics on the high street while Douglas Way is a treasure trove of bric-à-brac. Open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Horniman Food market 

Located on the Bandstand Terrace every Sunday. Find stalls selling everything from seasonal fruit and veg, to delicious coffee and street food, to clothing and jewellery.

Horniman Gardens, SE23 3PQ

Lewisham Market 

This busy market is open seven days a week offering a wide range of fresh fruit and veg, with great deals to be had.

Lewisham High Street, SE13 6AT 

Discover local landmarks

Trafalgar Square’s lions might have the edge in terms of tourist numbers but they’re nowhere near as close to our hearts as local landmarks like the Catford Cat. Grab your walking shoes, sense of humour and a good dose of local pride and join us for a stroll around some of Lewisham’s most iconic sites.

• Catford Cat
• Lewisham Clock tower
• Horniman walrus
• Mountsfield Park bandstand
• Hilly Fields stone circle
• Mansion House at Beckenham Place Park
• All Saints Church Blackheath
• Aspinall Road Rainbow Bridge
• Maxi Priest mural on Brockley Rise