Wandsworth named as one of UK’s best places to live

Wandsworth, with its Thames-side pubs and easy travel links to central London, was named by Muddy Stilettos as one of the UK’s best places to live.

The south London neighbourhood, with its “cool crowd” appeal, was given the title for its good options for housing and schools, Michelin-starred restaurants and its “picturesque common”.

Wandsworth, with its Thames-side pubs and easy travel links to central London, was named by Muddy Stilettos as one of the UK’s best places to live. (Image: Wandsworth Council) Just six miles from central London, Wandsworth is a good option for anyone looking for somewhere within easy commute of the city, with a train to Waterloo taking just 15 minutes from Wandsworth Town, or a train to Victoria in just 12 minutes from Wandsworth Common.

But if it’s a more scenic mode of travel you're after, Wandsworth is also reachable via Thames Clipper Service from Wandsworth Riverside Quarter pier, with a one-way ride to Embankment costing just £10.25.

Despite being so near to the hustle and bustle of central London, this riverside neighbourhood boasts its fair share of leafy greenspaces for a stroll, with seven parks in Wandsworth receiving the highly coveted Green Flag this year.

This riverside neighbourhood boasts its fair share of leafy greenspaces for a stroll. (Image: Wandsworth Council) One such example is Wandsworth Common, which received a special mention from Muddy Stilettos, this greenspace dates back to Medieval times and today offers plenty of space to walk with woodland areas and a lake, as well as a heath and sporting areas for anyone looking to spend some time outdoors.

Like many of its parks, Wandsworth’s housing market is rich in Edwardian and Victorian architecture, making it a highly coveted place to buy a period home.

On average, according to figures from Rightmove, houses in Wandsworth sold for an average of £861,852 over the last year, with most home sales being flats.

Wandsworth is rich in Edwardian and Victorian architecture, making it a highly coveted place to buy a period home. (Image: Wandsworth Council) But if you’re looking for a family home, Wandsworth has plenty of nearby schools, with 45 rated outstanding by Ofsted within three miles of the area and a further 95 rated good within the same distance.

Examples of outstanding schools in Wandsworth include Wandsworth Preparatory School, Park House School, Ashcroft Technology Academy and Harris Academy Battersea.

One of Wandsworth’s best features is its selection of restaurants, with one example being Michelin-starred restaurant Chez Bruce.

Wandsworth's selection of restaurants includes Michelin-starred restaurant Chez Bruce. (Image: Chez Bruce) Run by chef Bruce Poole since 1995, this popular restaurant serves up a fusion of French and Mediterranean cuisine using “old fashioned” cooking techniques.

Some of their specialities include home-made-charcuterie and homemade bread, along with a broad selection of wines.

If you’re looking for nearby attractions, Wandsworth Town is less than 20 minutes drive from Battersea Power Station – a popular shopping and eating destination that regularly hosts food festivals as well as their popular firework display, which you can also reach by riverboat.