Your Guide to East Dulwich, London
If you want to spend your weekend in a leafy corner of London with a high street, a great park, and a more relaxed vibe than central, East Dulwich is a great choice. It’s got that neighbourhood feel without being sleepy; plenty of good coffee, food, pubs and independent shops to keep you busy for the day.
East Dulwich has been home for us for the past year and a half, and we plan on staying here for a while, so we’ve pulled together our favourite spots so you can make the most of your visit.
We have more to add to this guide, which we will do soon, but if you want any more recommendations, just ask us in the comments at the bottom of this page.
Franklin’s Restaurant and Pub
Things To Do in East Dulwich, London
North Cross Road Market and Shops
‘Flette at Northcross Road Market
If you’re in the area on a Saturday, don’t miss the buzzing North Cross Road Market, just off Lordship Lane. From 8 am to 5 pm, the road is pedestrianised and lined with friendly stalls selling everything from artisan coffee and flaky pastries to pulled pork, tartiflette, vintage clothes and baby gear.
It’s a proper neighbourhood favourite, and you can check what’s on each week on the LoveNCR Instagram page.
While you’re there, take time to browse the lovely independent shops that make North Cross Road so special. Book lovers should pop into Rye Books – a welcoming bookshop that’s been part of the community since 2011. They serve coffee too, so you can sit with a hot drink and flick through your new read. They’re open daily 10 am to 5 pm (Sundays 10 am to 4 pm) and share their latest picks on Instagram.
Coffee in Forest
Just a few doors down is one of our favourite stops, Forest – a family-run plant and lifestyle shop that’s been bringing greenery to south east London since 2013. Expect beautifully styled houseplants, pots, candles and ceramics that make perfect gifts or a treat for yourself. Their Instagram is full of inspiration if you’re after ideas.
Eric's Bakery
📍 20 Upland Road, SE22 9EF
If you’re happy to queue for the best pastries in South East London, it has to be Eric’s. People cross London for Helen Evans’ buttery croissants, bakes (the cinnamon buns are a must) and brilliant sourdough. We’ve written a full article about why they’re worth it which you can read here.
🗓️ Fridays 8am & Saturdays 9am only (Thursdays for pre-ordered bread and sandwiches only)
Coffee Shops
East Dulwich has no shortage of places to grab a really good coffee, whether you’re after a quick takeaway on your morning walk or a cosy spot to sit and catch up with a friend. The neighbourhood has embraced speciality coffee, and you’ll find independent and chain cafés serving expertly made brews alongside fresh pastries and a warm welcome.
For your caffeine fix, we recommend either of these cafés below, or, you can also check out our full coffee guide of the area: Best coffee shops in East Dulwich.
Bon
A small but excellent takeaway spot serving coffee, baked goods and friendly vibes. Run by the team behind Browns of Brockley and open daily.
📍 43 Lordship Lane | Instagram
Nido
Bright, welcoming, and perfect if you want to sit and chat or sip your speciality coffee outside on their bench. Serving baked goods and Assembly Coffee. Closed Sundays.
📍 11 Melbourne Grove | Instagram
Stroll the Independant Shops
One of the best ways to soak up the charm of East Dulwich is to spend some time on Lordship Lane, the bustling high street that runs through the heart of the neighbourhood. It’s a lively stretch lined with independent shops, cafés, and restaurants that give the area its distinct character. The mix of local boutiques and familiar names makes it easy to while away an afternoon browsing.
Chener Books on Lordship Lane
Start at the top of Lordship Lane and wander your way towards Dulwich Village, popping into a few of our favourites along the way:
House of Roya – Curated homewares and gifts.
Roullier White – Lifestyle shop and perfumery.
Maison Curate – Our favourite in Dulwich Village for home decor.
For something more familiar, you’ll also spot high-street favourites like Sweaty Betty and Oliver Bonas.
Winebars
Drop Dulwich
When the afternoon rolls on and you’re ready to swap coffee for something stronger, East Dulwich has a few brilliant spots to enjoy a glass of wine. Whether you’re after a quiet corner for two or somewhere lively with friends, these local favourites have you covered:
Drop Dulwich – A relaxed wine bar & shop for walk-ins or bigger groups.
📍 1–3 Melbourne Terrace | Instagram | WebsiteDynamic Vines – Known for its biodynamic wines and laid-back vibe. Great on a sunny day with lovely interiors and outdoor seating too.
📍 14–16 Ossory Road | InstagramPlanet of the Grapes - A charming new spot with a fantastic range of wines, perfect for casual sipping or picking up a bottle.
📍 43 Lordship Ln, London SE22 8EW | Website
Pubs and Bars For All Occasions
The Palmerston on Lordship Lane
East Dulwich is known for its brilliant pub culture, with locals making the most of its friendly, lively spots all year round. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon pint that spills out onto the pavement, a cosy winter cocktail, or somewhere to catch the sport with friends, there’s a pub for every mood here. These are a few of our favourites:
Franklins – Our favourite for a cocktail, with a smart yet cosy vibe, outdoor seating and a lovely restaurant.
📍 157 Lordship Lane | Instagram | WebsiteThe Great Exhibition – Best for sports, with a big indoor/outdoor space and a covered terrace.
📍 193 Crystal Palace Rd | Instagram | WebsiteEast Dulwich Tavern – A true all-rounder: good beer, pub food, sport on TV and a lively atmosphere that spills out onto the street corner. Closest to East Dulwich station.
📍 1 Lordship Lane | Instagram | WebsiteThe Crown & Greyhound – Our favourite post-walk pint in Dulwich Village. Loads of space outside (front and back), including covered and heated seating.
📍 73 Dulwich Village | Instagram | Website
Dulwich Village
If you fancy a gentle London stroll with a few foodie stops, Dulwich Village is a lovely choice. The streets are lined with pretty Georgian and Victorian houses, leafy corners and plenty of dog walkers.
Pop into Heritage Cheese; while you’re here. It’s a charming little deli with British and continental cheeses, chutneys and crackers. They occasionally host tasting evenings, so keep an eye on their board or website if you’re planning ahead.
Dulwich Park
From the village, it’s just a short walk into Dulwich Park, a 29-hectare green space packed with historical features and perfect picnic spots. This Green Flag award-winning park is a favourite with locals for its chilled-out atmosphere and family-friendly vibe. A lap of the park takes around 30 minutes at a steady pace, with benches scattered around and The Dulwich Clock Café, right in the centre. It’s open daily from 8 am to 5.30 pm (until 6 pm on Saturdays) and is a great spot to refuel, especially if you fancy one of their freshly made sourdough pizzas.
Here’s what makes it worth lingering a little longer:
Large playground – One of the biggest in the area, with plenty to keep children up to age 14 entertained.
Picnic spots – Plenty of grassy spaces and picnic benches, ideal for a relaxed lunch outdoors. You’ll often see picture-perfect family birthday parties here in spring/summer.
Cycle hire – Try one of the quirky recumbent bikes, available daily (except Christmas Day) from 10 am to 5.30 pm, with last hire at 4.30 pm.
Boating lake – Hire a pedalo or traditional rowing boat for 30 minutes. Children are £4, family boats are £17, and operating times vary seasonally. Contact parkboatslondon@gmail.com or call 07902 258 301 / 07561 334 366 for details.
Dog walking – Dogs are welcome off the lead on the perimeter path.
Francis Peek Centre – A bright, modern building available to hire for parties and events, with lovely park views. It also hosts a varied programme of activities throughout the year – worth checking if there’s something on when you visit.
You can find more up-to-date details about opening times, events and accessibility on the Southwark Council Dulwich Park page.
Oddono's Gelato
📍 47 Lordship Lane | Instagram
Finish your stroll with a scoop (or two) from Oddono’s Gelato on the high street. They’ve been perfecting gelato since 2004, and it shows — pistachio is our go-to flavour.
Chacarero Empanada House
Casa Core Pilates
📍 33 North Cross Road, London SE22 9ET
If you fancy a slower pace or want to stretch out after all the walking, East Dulwich has a stylish spot for Pilates. Book a class at the newly opened, beautifully designed Casa Core studio – a serene space to reset and move mindfully.
Watch a Movie at East Dulwich Picture House
📍 116A Lordship Lane, London SE22 8HD
For a cosy evening or a rainy afternoon, East Dulwich Picturehouse is the perfect place to unwind. This local cinema shows a mix of new releases and classics, and it’s more than just a screen; there’s a café, a bar, and even some outdoor seating in the garden for a drink before or after your film.
Check Out Dulwich College
If you fancy stretching your legs beyond the village, it’s worth passing by Dulwich College to admire its impressive, historic grounds. Not quite worth a dedicated detour, but a lovely sight if you’re already nearby, driving past, or in the mood for a longer wander or cycle.
Hop Over to the Horniman Museum
Okay, it’s not technically Dulwich, but it’s so close we had to mention it.
If you’ve got some time left, hop on the bus up the hill to The Horniman Museum & Gardens in Forest Hill — just 10 minutes from East Dulwich. A quirky little gem with gardens, a butterfly house, a small animal walk and brilliant views over London.
East Dulwich is full of little gems and makes for a perfect day out, whether you’re here for coffee, wine, a wander or all of the above. Let us know your favourite spots in the comments below — we’d love to hear your recommendations.