Area Guide – Peckham

Peckham Overview

Peckham is one of South East London’s most exciting neighbourhoods, known for its creative energy, diverse community, and excellent connectivity. Over the past decade, the area has transformed from a once overlooked district into a vibrant cultural hub, attracting artists, professionals, families, and first-time buyers who value character and convenience.

Peckham

Peckham

 

Peckham blends Victorian terraces, warehouse conversions, new build apartments, and family homes with an independent food scene, community-focused events, and a lively arts culture centred around Rye Lane, Peckham Levels, and the Bussey Building. Its strong local identity makes it one of London’s most distinctive and desirable SE postcodes.

Peckham Property Market

Peckham’s housing market has grown steadily in popularity as buyers continue to look south of the river for well connected, characterful neighbourhoods.

You will find:

  • Victorian and Edwardian terraced streets
  • Traditional maisonettes and period conversions
  • Larger family homes around Bellenden Road
  • New build developments close to Rye Lane
  • Stylish warehouse and loft-style conversions
  • More affordable flats around Nunhead and north Peckham

Despite rising demand, Peckham still offers relative value compared with neighbouring East Dulwich and Camberwell. Its strong rental market, proximity to central London, and wide buyer appeal also make it attractive for investors.

5 Things Peckham Residents Love

Peckham market stall

Peckham market stall

 

  • One of London’s most creative and independent food scenes
  • Excellent transport connections with fast links to London Bridge, Victoria and Canada Water
  • A strong sense of community supported by markets, arts spaces, and local events
  • Popular green spaces including Peckham Rye Park and Burgess Park
  • A diverse mix of shops, cafés and small independent businesses

The Peckham Lifestyle

Peckham is known for its lively cultural scene, but day-to-day life has a friendly, neighbourhood feel. Residents enjoy relaxed brunch spots, family-run shops, rooftop bars, and independent cinemas, alongside quiet residential streets and green parks.

Peckham night life

Peckham night life

 

You can spend the weekend at a craft market, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, explore the latest exhibition in a warehouse space, or wander through the landscaped gardens at Peckham Rye Park. With a wide demographic and strong community spirit, there is always something to do close to home.

Things to Do in Peckham

Peckham Rye Park and Common

A large and much loved green space with ornamental gardens, open lawns, woodland and sports facilities. Ideal for running, dog walking, picnics and family days out.

Peckham Levels

A multi-storey creative hub filled with independent eateries, studios, wellness spaces and pop-up events. Popular with both locals and visitors.

The Bussey Building

Part of the wider Copeland Park creative district, the Bussey Building is now home to an evolving mix of studios, independent businesses, fitness spaces and community-led events. Rather than a single arts venue, it forms the heart of a lively multi-purpose campus where you’ll find makers, galleries, workshops, markets and seasonal pop-ups. Its rooftop remains a popular spot during the warmer months, and the building continues to play a central role in Peckham’s cultural and creative identity.

Frank’s Café

Open seasonally on the rooftop of Peckham Levels, Frank’s Café offers panoramic views over London. Known for sunset drinks and a relaxed summer atmosphere.

Rye Lane

The centre of Peckham’s daily life with food shops, street traders, local boutiques, fruit markets, fabric shops and cafés. Lively and full of character.

The South London Gallery

Just outside the Peckham border, this respected gallery hosts changing exhibitions, workshops and community projects.

Burgess Park

Another large nearby space with lakes, gardens, sports courts and long flat paths ideal for cycling and running.

Restaurants, Cafés and Bars

Peckham has one of the strongest independent food scenes in South East London. Popular choices include:

Coffee lovers will find plenty of choice too, with cafés such as Old Spike Roastery, The Habit and Well & Fed offering relaxed places to work or meet friends.

Schools in Peckham

Peckham has a wide selection of nurseries, primary and secondary schools that attract families to the area. These include:

Primary Schools

Secondary Schools

Independent and Specialist Options

These are located a short distance away and frequently chosen by Peckham families.

Transport Links

Peckham is well connected to central London and key employment districts, making it particularly popular with commuters.

Peckham Rye Station (National Rail and London Overground)

Fast direct routes to:

  • London Bridge approximately 12 minutes
  • London Victoria approximately 15 minutes
  • Canada Water for Jubilee line approximately 10 minutes
  • Clapham Junction approximately 18 minutes
  • Whitechapel approximately 20 minutes
  • Shoreditch High Street approximately 25 minutes

Queen’s Road Peckham Station (London Overground)

Also provides excellent links into Canada Water, Shoreditch, Dalston and Highbury and Islington, ideal for those commuting to Canary Wharf or East London.

Bus Routes

Peckham has a reliable bus network including routes into:

  • Elephant and Castle
  • Old Kent Road
  • London Bridge
  • Waterloo
  • Camberwell
  • Dulwich
  • Lewisham

Cycling

There are safe cycle routes into the City and along the Thames Path via Rotherhithe. Many residents choose to cycle to London Bridge or Canary Wharf.

Shopping and Local Amenities

Shopping in Peckham

Shopping in Peckham

 

Shopping in Peckham is centred around Rye Lane, Bellenden Road and Holly Grove:

  • Rye Lane for markets, international food shops, independent retailers and essential services
  • Bellenden Road for boutique shops, bakeries, delis, wine bars and lifestyle stores
  • Copeland Park for weekend markets, studios and community events

Peckham also benefits from modern gyms, yoga studios, medical centres, supermarkets and a growing number of co-working spaces.

Community and Local Living

Peckham social scene

Peckham social scene

 

Peckham’s community is one of its strongest assets. The area is known for cultural festivals, street food events, charity projects, youth workshops, creative studios and local volunteering opportunities. Residents describe a strong sense of belonging, with both long-term locals and newcomers contributing to the neighbourhood’s friendly atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Peckham offers a rare combination of strong transport links, characterful housing, independent culture and green space, making it an appealing option for buyers looking for a lively and well connected London neighbourhood.

If you are considering a move to Peckham or want to understand the local property market, the team at Alex and Matteo Estate Agents can help with tailored advice and area expertise. Contact us to find your ideal home in SE15.

Alex and Matteo