A quick guide to Lambeth!
Overview
Lambeth is an inner borough of London that extends southwards from the River Thames. It includes the districts of Lambeth, Vauxhall, Kennington, South Lambeth, Stockwell, and Brixton and parts of Clapham, Balham, Streatham, and Norwood. It was formed in 1965 by merging of the old borough of Lambeth and part of the borough of Wandsworth and covers just 27 km2. It is situated about a mile (1.6 km) south of Charing Cross. The population of the London Borough of Lambeth was recorded as 303,086 at 2011 UK Census.
A Very Brief History
The settlement of the Lambeth area dates to Roman times or perhaps even earlier. The origin of the name Lambeth is uncertain, but the known ancient name of ‘Lamhytha’ translates to modern day English as ‘Harbour Landing for Lambs’. The Borough was sparsely populated until the 18th century, with most of its inhabitants living and working along the banks of the River Thames. Until 1750, when Westminster Bridge was opened, access to London on the north of the Thames was either by horse ferry or boat. Lambeth became an important manufacturing centre during the 18th century, due to its strategic location of being close to both Central London and the Thames. Glass, pottery and engine works were some of the major employers that were established. Around 1660, public gardens were laid out at Vauxhall which became a favourite haunt of the renown diarist Samuel Pepys.
What made Lambeth famous?
In 1937, Lambeth achieved worldwide fame thanks to a song and dance routine from the smash hit musical ‘Me and My Girl’. The song and dance took its name from a local street in Lambeth, ‘Lambeth Walk’. The Cockney dance routine, performed in a jaunty strutting style, was made popular by British actor, Lupino Lane, a born and bred cockney. The dance craze swept the nation, reaching the United States in 1938, and then continental Europe, shortly after. The storyline of the musical tells of a Cockney barrow boy who inherits an earldom but who then almost loses out on love. In 1939, it was turned into a film ‘The Lambeth Walk’ which also starred Lane.
The musical ‘Me and My Girl’ is still regularly performed around the UK and elsewhere.
Getting Around!
It’s generally recommended not to drive in Central London as it’s far easier to get around on the train or tube.You find the following railway and tube stations situated with the Borough of Lambeth.
Railway stations:
Brixton
Gipsy Hill
Herne Hill
Loughborough Junction
Norbury
Streatham
Streatham Common
Streatham Hill
Tulse Hill
Vauxhall
Waterloo
Waterloo East
West Norwood
London Overground stations:
Clapham High Street
Wandsworth Road
Tube (Underground) stations:
Brixton
Clapham Common
Clapham North
Lambeth North
Oval
Stockwell
Vauxhall
Things to see and do!
The Hayward Gallery
The Hayward Gallery, situated in Belvedere Road, has been the initiator or played host to significant art exhibitions for over 50 years. The exhibitions cover both contemporary and historical art.
Imperial War Museum (IWM)
The IWM at the Elephant and Castle in Lambeth is considered the flagship of the UK’s five Imperial War Museums. Opened in 1917, the museum has recorded the war effort and sacrifice made during all conflicts involving the British and Commonwealth armed forces since the 1st World War. The museum aims to provide an understanding of the history of modern war and the ‘wartime experience’.
The Imperial War Museum – Editorial Credit/Shutterstock.com
Tibetan Peace Garden
The Tibetan Peace Garden is located in the grounds of the Imperial War Museum and was opened by the Dali Lama himself in 1999. The aim of the garden is to promote one of the principal teachings of the Dali Lama, which is to create understanding between the different cultures of the world.
Florence Nightingale Museum
The Museum is fittingly housed inside St. Thomas hospital on Lambeth Palace Road. The museum tells the real story of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing in the UK.
Bankside Gallery
Found in Hopton Street, Bankside Gallery is the home of the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. The gallery houses rotating exhibitions of contemporary watercolours and prints. The events are accompanied by special events including artists’ talks and tours.
Sea Life London Aquarium
Located on the ground floor of County Hall, the Sea Life London Aquarium is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life and considered one of the best of its kind, throughout both the UK and Europe. The Sea Life experience also takes visitors on an immersive and interactive journey along the Great Oceanic Conveyor.
Lambeth Palace
Located on Lambeth Palace Road, Lambeth Palace has been the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury for almost the last 800 years. It’s not open to the general public on a daily basis but you visit on a pre-booked guided tour or during a garden open day or when there’s a fete or special event.
Lambeth Palace – residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Other places to visit in Lambeth would include:
The gallery@oxo – Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street
St George’s Cathedral – Westminster Bridge Road
St John’s Church – Waterloo Road
Vauxhall City Farm – 165 Tyers Street
Topolski Gallery and Bar – Concert Hall Approach (behind the Royal Festival Hall)
County Hall Gallery – Riverside Building, County Hall
Llewellyn Alexander Gallery – 124-126 The Cut
Where to stay?
If you’re on a budget there are some offerings of hostel style accommodation in or close to Lambeth. There’s plenty of B & B/Guesthouse/Basic Hotel accommodation. If you’re looking for a bit more luxury then there’s also plenty 3, 4 and 5-star hotels in the area. An alternative would be to rent an apartment – most have no minimum let period. While the majority of apartments cater to couples, some can accommodate up to 6 people. Indicative prices for the most readily available types of accommodation/per night, based on 2 adults sharing are as follows:
Hostel: £30 – 40
B & B/Guesthouse/Basic Hotel: £50 – £90
3/4/5 star Hotel: £150 – £350
Apartments vary greatly based on no. of available berths, location and standard
