Streatham wouldn't have three railway stations if it wasn't worth visiting. Whether you're planning a trip, or just need to kill some time in the area, here's a quick guide.
Get to know Streatham
The Streatham Society puts on occasional free walks around town, as well as hosting talks on local history (the area has a fascinating past as a spa town). Or just dip into the latest newsletter.
Take to the ice
An ice rink is for life, not just for Christmas, and Streatham is home to one of London's only permanent ice rinks — and it's Olympic-sized too (move over Torvill and Dean). Events throughout the week include public and family skating sessions — see website for times and prices.
Watch ice hockey
If you find yourself in Streatham on a winter weekend, it's worth checking the Streatham Redskins match fixtures. The ice hockey team play out of Streatham Ice Rink, and even if you're a complete newbie, it's pretty simple to follow (just know it can get violent).
Go for a dip
In the same leisure centre as the ice rink is a 25m long swimming pool. While away some time ploughing up and down the lanes.
If you've got the kids in tow, there's also a soft play area.
Explore the secret garden
It's no secret that we love The Rookery, a secret(ish) garden, hidden at the top of Streatham Common. Take the effort to climb the hill and you'll be rewarded with lawns, gardens bursting with wisteria and even a waterfall — all tucked away behind the café.
Hit the shops
With what claims to be the longest high street in Europe, it'd be rude not to. The high street has plenty of chain stores (Argos, Boots, Iceland, Superdrug, New Look), as well as independents (we're particular fans of gift shop The Indigo Tree, next to Kwik Fit).
It's not short of a specialist shop or two either; Retro Game Base does exactly what it says, while Jasmin Studio Crafts is one of our favourite bead shops in London.
Streatham Green hosts a weekend farmers' market, which, although small, regularly has us drooling at the thought of the cheeses and cakes on offer.
Get Jazzy
Hideaway Jazz Cafe recently (and deservedly) made it onto our list of the best places to watch live jazz in London AND our list of London's best Underground bars. In short, we're fans. By day it's a cafe, by night it comes into is own as a bar and music venue. Seeing some of the more professional bands will cost you up to £15, but most nights you can catch free jazz and blues — without the Soho crowds.
Odeon
Need a bit of escapism? The eight-screen Odeon Cinema on the High Road shows the latest releases in 2D and 3D.
Where to eat and drink in Streatham
Food and drink, you say? We've got that covered.
