BEST Things To Do In Putney London By A Local (2023)
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Looking for the best things to do in Putney? You’re in the right place! Living in Putney has given me the perfect insight into how much fun this part of London is, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Putney is easily one of the best places to live in London. Or if you’re not living there, it’s one of the best places to visit in London. There are just so many things to do in Putney!
From the traditional Oxford v Cambridge boat race to walks along Putney Bridge overlooking the Thames to sunny beer gardens and fun nights out, Putney is the perfect place for a traditional London adventure.
In this post, I have listed the best things to do in Putney. This is written from my perspective, as someone who lives there! I’ll explain how it’s the best place to stay or visit if you’re in London for the first time, and how Putney should be on everyone’s London bucket list. So, let’s get started!
Visiting Putney? Check out my other posts here!
- Walks Near Richmond, London: A Local’s Guide
- Shops in Richmond, London: Ultimate Guide
- Is Putney a Good Place to Live? A Local’s Advice
- Best Brunch in Putney: 11 Recommendations from a Local
- BEST Restaurants in Putney: Updated Guide
- Best Putney Sunday Roast: A Local’s Guide
Where to stay in Putney, London
If you’re visiting Putney for the first time and need a place to stay to check out the area, here are some of the best-located apartments and hotels.
- 3 Bedroom Private Apartment: for a cosy and quintessential apartment with garden space in the heart of Putney ➡ CHECK PRICES HERE!
- Modern Flat on Putney High Street: the perfect location for travelling in and out of London on a daily basis! ➡ CHECK PRICES HERE!
- 1 Bedroom flat with Patio: five minutes from the high street, this apartment is on the River Thames and has a beautiful setup! ➡ CHECK PRICES HERE!
Getting around Putney
Southwest London isn’t as tricky to drive in as Central London, and most people in the area own a car. If you’re visiting for a short amount of time, it may be worth hiring a car to get around to some of the parks, attractions and museums.
If you’re looking to hire a car in London, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in London now!
If you don’t want to drive, there are regular trains until midnight and buses in Putney 24 hours a day. You can use your contactless card on both trains and buses in London.
For cheap train tickets to and from London, check out Trainline. We book with them whenever we are leaving the city, and want to get to other locations in the UK (including airports). ➡ CHECK TRAIN PRICES NOW!
Related post: Putney To Richmond, London: Step-By-Step Guide
How to get to Putney from Central London
If you want to visit Putney from Central London, board a mainline train from Waterloo, or a District Line train via Wimbledon.
The mainline train from Waterloo is fast and only takes 20 minutes. But, it is more expensive than the District Line. However, the District line (the dark green line, for reference) takes a lot longer.
If you’re boarding a train at Earls Court to Putney, make sure you get a train that is labelled ‘Wimbledon’. It can be quite confusing as so many trains stop at the same platform, so make sure you’re boarding the correct one!
Best Things to Do in Putney
1. Walk along Putney Bridge
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Putney (and cheapest!) is to stroll along Putney Bridge. The views from Putney Bridge are beautiful, and if it’s a clear day, you can see all the way to the city and London’s iconic skyline.
Even living here, taking a walk over Putney Bridge is one of my favourite things to do. On one side of the bridge, you have Putney, full of bars, cafes and riverside pubs, and the other leads you to Chelsea and Fulham, where you can treat yourself to a classy brunch or dinner. Whichever side you start from, walking on the bridge itself is an experience.
Although, it can get windy. Pick a good day if you want any of the iconic Putney Bridge photos!
2. Have a picnic in Bishop’s Park
Right next to Putney Bridge is Bishop’s Park. It’s a social park in Southwest London, regularly hosting events and being known for having a good atmosphere. You can choose from having a walk along the River Thames, to the bowling greens, tennis courts, table tennis, basketball and skating, all whilst in one of London’s best parks.
Located on the Fulham side of Putney Bridge, Bishop’s Park is around a 15-minute walk from Putney mainline station, or a 1-minute walk from Putney Bridge District Line tube station.
And if you’re a big Made in Chelsea fan, keep your eyes peeled for some cameras filming the latest series. It’s a MIC hotspot!
3. Drink a pint in one of Putney’s many beer gardens
Putney is known for having a lively atmosphere, especially if the sun is out or any sport is on. Across town, on the high street and in the parks, you’ll find beer gardens and pubs with fun events, good food and a great crowd. Some of the best beer gardens in Putney are:
- Coat and Badge (just off Putney High Street)
- The Boathouse (along the riverside)
- The Spotted Horse (has a rooftop beer terrace)
- The Jolly Gardeners (5 min walk from the high street)
- The Green Man (10minute walk from the high street)
But you can check out my ultimate guide to Putney pubs here. Prices in Putney range between £15-20 for a pub meal, and £4-6 for a pint of beer. Pubs further from the high street and riverside are generally cheaper than those in the centre.
🦉TOP PUTNEY TIP: Nearly all pubs in Putney (and most of Southwest and West London) are Youngs. Download the app on your phone for quick access to the menu. Note that menus change per venue.
4. Catch the Oxford v Cambridge boat race in April
If you’re visiting Putney in March/April, you’re not going to want to miss the boat race. Putney is the starting point for the Oxford v Cambridge boat race, and the entire town puts on a party to celebrate! Most pubs will host their own events with live music, DJs, and BBQs, and will be free to enter.
You can also take a picnic to the river and sit in Bishop’s Park to watch the rowers set off. Be warned, it gets busy, but it’s totally worth it. It’s also one of the best budget Putney events, and if you’re smart about it, the Oxford Cambridge boat race can be an entirely free day out!
For live music and late-night partying, head to the Half Moon near the riverside. This has become our ‘local’ when it comes to the Oxford Cambridge boat race, and it’s unbeatable for a good atmosphere and party vibe!
The next Oxford Cambridge boat race is taking place in March 2024, and starts early. Book a brunch or early morning lunch to make a day of it! If you need accommodation, I recommend this apartment.
5. Party in Tequila Mockingbird
As well as atmospheric beer gardens and pubs, Putney is home to a few late-night bars and clubs. Tequila Mockingbird (which also has other venues across southwest and west London) is the perfect place for late-night dancing.
Enter on ground level, right next to Putney Pies (which is great for a late-night snack) and head downstairs for underground party vibes.
The music changes depending on the night, but most of the time it’s a mix between R&B, house and hip-hop.
If you’re visiting Tequila Mockingbird, you must have ID, regardless of how old you are. They scan your ID on arrival, as well as checking what you’re wearing. Keep to a smart casual dress code (no shorts on men, hoodies, etc).
6. Catch some live music
One of the first things I loved about Putney when I first moved was how many venues put on live music every single week! Regardless of the day, you can find live music somewhere in town. And this is one of the cheapest activities for a budget backpacker! Our favourite Putney live music venues include…
- Lost Society: live music Weds-Sun, 7.30pm onwards
- The East Putney Tavern: Friday nights, 7.30pm onwards
- The Half Moon: (Every night of the week – see website for events)
- The Fox and Hound: Various times and events (including karaoke!)
- The Duke’s Head: Not regular, but can be on certain weeks. Check their website for more info.
7. Enjoy views of the River Thames
There are few places in London that actually provide incredible views of the skyline and the River Thames. Luckily, London is one of those. We often head out for lunch or a drink along the river in one of our favourite Putney venues. These include:
- Coppa Club
- The Boathouse
- The Duke’s Head
- Thai Square Putney Bridge
- The Rocket (which is also known as the best Wetherspoons in London!)
During peak season, make sure you book in advance. Pubs in Putney can get busy, and almost impossible to find a table if the sun is shining, or there is any kind of sporting event on! Remember most pubs in Putney are Youngs, so make sure you have the app downloaded and ready to go when you visit.
8. Have a traditional Sunday roast
Another great thing to do in Putney is to enjoy the food! Whether you’re visiting on a Sunday or any day of the week, Putney has some great food to offer. Although for us, nothing can quite beat a Sunday roast. If you’re looking for the best Sunday roast in Putney, check out one of the following pubs for delicious pub grub:
- The Telegraph
- The Boathouse
- The Prince of Wales
- The Jolly Gardeners
- The Spotted Horse
- East Putney Tavern
- The Duke’s Head
Again, make sure you book in advance and check the menu beforehand if you have any dietry requirements. If you’re visiting Putney at a time when there is a rugby or cricket match happening, it will be difficult to find a table for a Sunday roast, so be prepared!
If you want something a little more upbeat after, Putney is home to lots of fun and lively bars. You can check out the best bars in Putney here!
9. Stroll around Fulham Palace
If you want another budget activity to do in Putney, check out Fulham Palace at the entrance of Bishop’s Park. Open daily between 10.30 – 5, Fulham Palace is free to visit and is a perfect Sunday afternoon activity (and a great way to work off a big Sunday roast). Admire the gardens and visit the historic house, which was the home of the bishops of London for over 1300 years.
Check out my other walking in Southwest London posts:
- Walks Near Richmond, London: A Local’s Guide
- Walks Near Putney: Putney Heath, Putney River Walk & Beyond
- Putney To Barnes: River Walks, Public Transport & More
10. Play some Jungle Golf
Jungle golf might not be for everyone, but it’s a fun date idea and something a bit different! Play Jungle Golf at the London Jungle Rumble for under £10 a course. The venue offers three diverse courses with 9 holes, plus cheap food and drinks. Jungle Golf is located around a 5-minute walk from Putney mainline station, above the LIDL supermarket.
Love activities like jungle golf and go-karting? Check out the Gravity Centre in Wandsworth, about a 10-minute drive or bus ride from Putney town centre.
11. Experience sitting in a riverside igloo at Coppa Club
If you’ve ever seen the dreamy glass igloos along the river on Instagram, you can now sit in one of your own at Coppa Club. Coppa Club is located on the riverside, so it’s the perfect place to have drinks with friends with incredible views.
Booking an igloo during peak times or the weekend can be a bit of a challenge, so make sure you visit their website to confirm your spot well in advance.
12. Treat yourself to Indian food in the BYOB
One of the best things to do in Putney on a budget is to visit the local Indian, The Taj Mahal. This restaurant is the oldest Indian in town, and they allow you to bring your own alcohol. That means you can have an entire night out, two courses, poppadoms and drinks for under £20! And the food here is delicious.
Taj Mahal is located on Upper Richmond Road, about a 5-minute walk from East Putney station or Putney mainline station.
If you’re not visiting The Taj Mahal, I recommend looking up Chook Chook. It’s similar to Dishoom, as it’s an Indian street food kitchen, and the line for a table is always halfway down the street. Don’t miss out!
14. Walk around Putney Heath
Putney Heath is around a 10-minute walk from the town centre and is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Putney. Putney is known for its green and outdoor spaces, and Putney Heath is 400 acres of woodland. It’s crazy to think somewhere so secluded and dense is this close to the heart of London!
If you’re visiting Putney Heath on the weekend, there will be events and sporting matches happening all over. Right next to the main cricket pitch is a large pub, called The Telegraph. This is one of our favourite pubs in Putney and is perfect for an after-walk pint of beer. Make sure you add it to your London bucket list!
Like walking? I’ve written posts on the best walks near and around Putney here, and the best walks in Richmond here!
15. Catch a bus or train down to Richmond Park to spot wild deer
Whilst Richmond Park might not be in Putney, it’s only a 10-15 minute bus ride away or 10-minute train journey away. It’s the largest Royal Park in London, and is one of the best places to spot wild deer, so it’s totally worth it if you’re in need of some outdoor space!
Richmond Park is home to over 600 wild deer and is known for being one of Henry VIII’s old hunting grounds. Walking around Richmond Park will make you feel like you’re in the countryside, and you only have to walk a short while to forget you’re in one of the busiest cities in the world.
You can stop off at the ice cream stands or surrounding pubs for refreshments, or take your own picnic down to enjoy if you want to make it another budget activity.
Related post: Putney To Richmond, London: Step-By-Step Guide
How do I get to Richmond Park from Putney?
There are a few different gates to enter Richmond Park, and it depends on where you’d like to go. The easiest route from Putney to Richmond Park is via the mainline train from Putney Station. Trains take around 10 minutes from Putney to Richmond.
You can also take the 85 bus to Kingston, and get off at Robin Hood Lane (from Putney High Street).
Check out my guide: 16 Fun Things to do in Richmond, London (By A Local) if you’re visiting Richmond-upon-Thames!
16. Join in on a pub quiz
Another great group activity to do in Putney is to join in on a pub quiz. There are so many pubs all over town offering weeknight and weekend pub quizzes, you just need to know the right places on the right nights!
Most pub quizzes have a cash prize, and you can enter either as a group or solo traveller. They cost a few pounds to enter, and are taken seriously! Make sure you don’t have your phone out texting whilst they’re on, or they’ll have you down as a cheater!
- Coat and Badge: Wednesday evenings
- Green Man: Tuesday evenings
- East Putney Tavern: Wednesday evenings
- Spotted Horse: Wednesday evenings
- Jolly Gardeners: Wednesday evenings
17. Get into the sports spirit
Putney is home to multiple sports clubs and teams including rowing, tennis, and running, meaning it’s one of the best places to be when any kind of sport is on. Most pubs have large widescreen TVs to stream live sports, which means every kind of sports fan will be gathered on a weekend to enjoy it with a fun atmosphere!
Putney attracts a lot of rugby fans as the home of English rugby, Twickenham Stadium, is only 15 minutes away. It will be difficult to get a seat when the game is on, but Putney has some of the best sporting atmospheres in southwest London! I highly recommend it for big sporting events.
Not sure where to go? I recommend the Coat and Badge on Putney High Street for young groups and solo travellers wanting to throw themselves into the sporting action.
18. Watch a show at the Putney Arts Theatre
Putney Arts Theatre is home to two theatre groups that perform regularly. If you’re in town for a while, check out their exhibitions, events and outside performance groups from the local community. 🎭 You can book tickets for Putney Arts Theatre here.
19. Have a late, late night at Le Fez
Putney’s only ‘late-late’ night venue is Le Fez, and it’s the perfect spot to end a big night out. With a license to open until 4 am, it’s a good end-of-the-night place after a few in a beer garden or Tequila Mockingbird. It’s also opposite a kebab shop so you can get your post-night food after!
Related post: Best Bars in Putney: A Local’s Guide
20. Walk to King’s Road, Chelsea
Although King’s Road is not in Putney, it’s an amazing place to visit on your first trip to London. King’s Road is only a 30-minute walk from Putney Bridge (or a 5-minute tube) and is so worth it!
Chelsea’s high street has a reputation for being one of London’s most fashionable and wealthy shopping streets, so even if you can’t afford to buy something, it’s a unique experience! There are often street and food markets taking place, as well as live music in the pubs and restaurants. It’s definitely worth checking out!
King’s Road isn’t the cheapest place in London to visit, so I’ve written a detailed budget guide for visiting here.
21. Watch a film at the ODEON Cinema
If you’re a big movie fan, The ODEON is located at the end of the high street, right near Putney Bridge (with a Costa attached). Even though the cinema isn’t the cheapest option when visiting Putney, it’s a great idea if you’re lost for things to do and don’t want to sit in all evening.
It’s also right next to lots of pubs and restaurants if you want to continue the night after, or head out for a pre-movie dinner.
🍿 You can book your ODEON tickets here.
22. Stroll and shop along the high street
When we first moved to Putney, we checked out the local shops to see if we’d need to travel to a big Westfield or shopping mall for our everyday needs. But luckily, between Putney’s shops and Richmond’s, we have everything covered! Here are some of my favourite shops (and not all of them!) that are on Putney high street.
- H&M
- Waterstones (with a cafe)
- The Source (no-plastic supermarket)
- Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, LIDL
- Sports Direct
- Mountain Warehouse
- Paul, Costa, Cafe Nero
- Tiger
- Paperchase
You can check out my guide to Putney shops here, or my Richmond shop guide here!
23. Eat food (and lots of it!)
Putney has a wide variety of food options you can choose from. We are still yet to try all of the different restaurants, and each one we’ve tried so far has been delicious! Most restaurants in Putney are independent, with some chain restaurants such as GBK and Mcdonald’s.
Apart from pubs, here are some of our Putney restaurant recommendations (with a budget guide):
- Bosa (Lebanese, ££)
- Bone Daddies (Ramen and fried chicken, ££)
- Preto (Brazilian steak, ££)
- Coppa Club (££)
- Taj Mahal (Indian, £)
- Pata Negra (Spanish tapas, £)
- Gazette (French, ££)
- Putney Cheese and Wine (the BEST place for date nights! ££)
- Home (British, ££)
- Yum Sa + Cocktail Bar (££)
- Hare and Tortoise (Japanese, ££)
- Kashmir (Indian/Italian – ££)
- La Casa Mia (Italian, ££)
- Beyzade (Turkish ££)
- Roxie (British, ££)
- Nandos (££)
- Pizza Express (££)
- Franco Manco (££)
- Putney Pies (£)
- Five Guys (£)
- Wagamamas (£)
Things to do near Putney
Putney is surrounded by other areas that are fun to explore and enjoy. From Richmond and its Royal Park to Clapham and its crazy nightlife, Wandsworth and its large shopping mall, and Wimbledon; the home of championship tennis – there are lots of things to do near Putney. Some of these activities near Putney include:
🎾 Wimbledon Common and High Street: Full of cute restaurants, bars, cafes, a huge common with a lake and ducks, Sunday markets, hearty roast dinners and even bottomless brunches. And of course, Wimbledon’s world-famous tennis centre court, which is only around an 8-minute drive from Putney town centre.
⛴️ Richmond: Walk along the riverside, rent a paddleboard or kayak, visit London’s only ‘flooding’ pub, have a cocktail and a steak at Gauchos or ponder the high street for some high-end clothes. Richmond is truly beautiful. Check out my post: 16 Fun Things to do in Richmond, London (By A Local) for more information.
🌻 Kew Gardens: Putney is only a 10-minute drive from the world-famous Kew Gardens!
🏰 Hampton Court: Henry VIII’s former home isn’t too far from Putney High Street, and can be visited as a day trip.
🦌 Richmond Park: The biggest royal park in London and home to over 650 deer.
🏉 Twickenham Stadium: The home of English rugby is only a 15-minute drive away.
🌳 Barnes: Barnes is undoubtedly one of the prettiest places in London. It’s the perfect day out for those who want to walk along the river, check out the local markets, dine in a boutique cafe and look at beautiful houses!
🥂 Chelsea: Chelsea and King’s Road are within walking distance of Putney.
Best things to do in Putney: FAQs
1) Is Putney safe?
Yes, Putney is a safe area of London. As a female, I have never felt unsafe walking around Putney at night or even after midnight. Of course, as anywhere, you have to be sensible and aware of your surroundings, but on the whole, Putney is a safe place to live. Locals are friendly, and there are lots of opportunities to join clubs and make friends.
Nightlife on the high street (especially Thursday-Saturday) can get busy; but attracts a more sensible crowd than its neighbours Kingston and Clapham.
Visiting to London? Check out my post: Is London Safe for Solo Women Backpackers? 11 Handy Tips (2022)
2) Is Putney posh?
Putney is located in southwest London, which is known to be the ‘posher’ side of London. Whilst it may not be as ‘posh’ as West London, it definitely attracts more affluent residents, families and young couples. The high street is clean, modern and home to many well-known shops, restaurants and pubs.
Posh is a subjective phrase, and whilst some may say Putney is posh, others may not. There is a mix of multi-million-pound houses in Putney compared to some lower and more budget-friendly accommodations.
3) Is Putney nice?
Yes. If you’re a nature fan, it’s a great area to visit or live in for all the outdoor and green spaces. Whilst you’re close to Richmond Park and Putney Heath, you’re also surrounded by restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes. In my opinion, it’s one of the nicest areas in London.
4) What is Putney famous for?
Putney is famous for being the starting point of the Oxford and Cambridge annual boat race, as well as being one of the most important rowing hubs in the United Kingdom. Sitting on the River Thames, it is now one of the most popular southwest London areas for young couples, families and young adults.
5) Can I drive around Putney?
Yes, Southwest London isn’t as tricky to drive in as Central London, and most people in the area own a car. The streets are quieter and not as chaotic as Central London, and most apartments in Putney come with parking spaces.
➡ Need to hire a car in London? We always rent our cars in London from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗 LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN LONDON NOW!
6) Do I need a SIM card to travel around London?
Yes, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive.
ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
Things to do in Putney: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best things to do in Putney. When you’re planning a trip to Southwest London, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more London content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other southwest London posts:
- Walks Near Putney: Putney Heath, Putney River Walk & Beyond
- 16 Fun Things to do in Richmond, London (By A Local)
- Walks Near Richmond, London: A Local’s Guide
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
