Clapham Common

Clapham Common is made up of 220-acres of grassland that is situated between Clapham, Balham and Battersea.

Clapham Common was originally owned by the Manor of Clapham but was a piece of land that common folk were given access to in order to graze their cattle and collect firewood. An Act of Parliament passed in 1878 protects Clapham Common and other open spaces from being enclosed or sold off, thus meaning that the common will always be a place for the local people to enjoy and conserve. Over the centuries many attempts have been made to push through railway schemes and road systems that would affect the common, these have in the main been successfully rejected and the common has been protected.

The Common is a triangular area of land that features various ponds; Eagle Pond and Mount Pond are mainly used for angling as they contact carp, roach, tench and bream. Long Pond is used for model boating. The main feature of the common however is the Grade II listed bandstand that is the largest of its kind in London, after years of neglect the bandstand was restored to its full glory in 2006. The common boasts a number of avenues of mature trees, up until the 1980s there were a many more, but the Great Storm of 1987 caused over 400 mature trees to be uprooted, despite this the common remains a green area where locals and visitors can observe nature and wildlife.

Many sporting activities take place on the common, including football, rugby and crickets, the common is also popular with runners and cyclists. In the summer months the grass is teaming with people looking for a little bit of greenspace in South London to enjoy some sunshine and R & R.

Find out more about Clapham Common.

How to get there

The closest tube stations are at Clapham Common and Clapham South.

If travelling by bus 35, 37, 88, 137, 155, 255, 322, 345 and 417 all serve the common.