Experience the Putney Lifestyle Top 10 Things to Do

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16th October 2023

8 mins read

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Discovering the Putney Lifestyle

Putney, a unique district in southwest London, offers a harmonious blend of city living and riverside tranquillity. Its distinctive character is shaped by bustling high streets, serene green spaces, and the iconic River Thames¹.

Top 10 Activities in Putney:

Putney Bridge: One of London’s oldest surviving bridges, offering breathtaking views of the River Thames.
Rowing Culture: Visit the riverbank rowing clubs and immerse in the sport that Putney is renowned for.
Putney Heath: An expansive green space perfect for leisurely walks or picnics.
Putney Arts Theatre: A vibrant hub for local artists and performers.
St. Mary’s Church: A beautiful 13th-century church with stunning stained glass windows.
Putney Exchange: A historic building housing a variety of shops.
Riverside Restaurants: Diverse range of cuisines with a view.
The Half Moon: A famous pub hosting live music since the 1960s.
Putney Sculpture Trail: Nine sculptures by Alan Thornhill along the river.
Putney School of Art and Design: A renowned institution fostering community creativity².

To truly experience the Putney lifestyle, engage with the energetic and serene aspects of the district. Enjoy a pint at a riverside pub, participate in local events, and immerse yourself in the area’s rich history and vibrant community spirit.

Putney High Street

Putney High Street, located in southwest London, boasts a rich history dating back to mediaeval times³. This vibrant street has evolved from a rural village into a bustling urban centre, significantly contributing to the Putney lifestyle. It offers a diverse range of shops, from high-end boutiques like Oliver Bonas to popular brands like H&M and Zara, catering to varied tastes and preferences.

The high street is also a food lover’s paradise, with a wide array of dining options. From casual eateries like Byron and Franco Manca to upscale establishments like Emile’s Restaurant, it caters to all culinary preferences.

Beyond its commercial offerings, Putney High Street serves as a social hub, hosting regular markets and events that foster community spirit. As per Wandsworth Council, it attracts over 30,000 visitors weekly⁴, underlining its popularity and economic significance. This historical, economic, and cultural hub is indeed a cherished destination, integral to the Putney lifestyle.

Putney Bridge

Constructed in 1729, Putney Bridge is a historic landmark in London that plays a pivotal role in the daily lives of Putney residents⁵. It serves as a crucial link between Putney and Fulham, enhancing the Putney lifestyle by facilitating easy commuting for work or leisure. The bridge’s pedestrian-friendly design encourages an active lifestyle, with footpaths bustling with joggers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Moreover, Putney Bridge extends the vibrant Putney High Street experience. Its strategic location directly connects to this bustling area, filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, thereby enhancing the shopping and dining experience. The bridge’s panoramic views of the River Thames provide a serene backdrop, adding to the area’s appeal.

Historically, Putney Bridge holds immense significance. It’s the only bridge in Britain with churches at both ends, showcasing the area’s religious heritage⁶. It also serves as the starting point for the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, a tradition since 1845, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.

Putney Arts Theatre

Putney Arts Theatre, situated in the heart of Putney, is a cultural gem that brings vibrancy to the local community. This former Victorian-era church, transformed into a theatre in 1968⁷, has become a beacon for performing arts in South West London. The theatre houses two resident companies, Group 64 Youth Theatre and Putney Theatre Company, both celebrated for their high-quality productions. Visitors can savour a diverse array of performances, from classic plays, modern dramas, comedies, and musicals to experimental works, catering to all tastes.

The theatre’s presence significantly enriches Putney’s cultural landscape. It not only offers a platform for local talent but also attracts visitors from across London, thereby boosting the local economy. Data indicates that the theatre draws thousands of visitors each year⁸, positively impacting local businesses and restaurants.

The theatre’s unique architecture and rich history add character to the neighbourhood, making it a must-visit destination. Its central location near Putney Bridge enhances the overall experience of visiting the area, contributing to the vibrancy and charm of Putney.

Putney Embankment

Putney Embankment, located on the south bank of the River Thames, is a testament to Putney’s rich maritime history. Constructed in the 19th century, it was part of a larger embankment project aimed at improving sanitation and preventing flooding⁹. Over time, it has evolved into a vibrant recreational space, contributing significantly to the Putney lifestyle.

The Embankment is home to several rowing clubs, including the prestigious Leander Club, and is the starting point for the historic Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. This annual event, dating back to 1829, attracts large crowds, adding to the area’s lively atmosphere¹⁰.

Beyond its historical significance, the Embankment offers a range of leisure activities. From scenic riverside walks and picnics in Bishop’s Park to dining in riverside pubs and restaurants, there’s something for everyone. The weekly Putney Farmers Market, held on the Embankment, fosters a sense of community and offers fresh produce and artisanal goods.

A short walk from the Embankment is the Putney Arts Theatre, a cultural hub hosting a variety of plays, workshops, and community events. The proximity of these two landmarks creates a unique cultural corridor, enriching the Putney experience.

Putney Market

Putney Market, a historical gem nestled in the heart of Putney, has been a cornerstone of the Putney Embankment experience since the 18th century¹¹. This vibrant marketplace is a bustling hub of commerce, featuring a diverse array of stalls and vendors.

Standouts include the artisanal cheese vendor, renowned for its exquisite selection of British and European cheeses, and the organic produce stall, celebrated for its fresh, locally-sourced fruits and vegetables. The vintage clothing stall is a treasure trove for fashion enthusiasts, offering a unique assortment of retro garments and accessories.

The market’s strategic location along the picturesque Putney Embankment enhances its appeal. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river, soaking in the scenic views, before diving into the market’s lively atmosphere. Regular events, such as live music and food festivals, further enrich the Putney Embankment experience.

More than just a place to shop, Putney Market is a vibrant community hub, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. It serves as a gathering place, where people can connect, socialise, and create memories, making it an essential part of the Putney Embankment experience¹².

Putney Heath Nature Reserve

Putney Heath Nature Reserve is a cherished 400-acre green space located in the heart of Putney, London¹³. This haven for wildlife boasts a diverse range of species, including rare sightings of the stag beetle and the green woodpecker. The reserve’s rich history, dating back to the Iron Age, adds a unique cultural dimension to its appeal.

Its proximity to Putney Market offers a unique blend of urban vibrancy and serene natural beauty. After exploring the market’s stalls for fresh produce and artisan goods, visitors can retreat to the tranquillity of the reserve. This combination enriches the Putney experience, blending community spirit, heritage, and natural beauty.

The reserve is also a hub for outdoor events and educational activities, further integrating it into Putney’s cultural fabric¹⁴. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a market-goer, the Putney Heath Nature Reserve offers a peaceful retreat and a rich biodiversity that enhances the overall Putney Market experience.

Putney Summer Festival

The Putney Summer Festival is an annual event held at the heart of the Putney Heath Nature Reserve¹⁵. This celebration offers a plethora of activities catering to all ages and interests. Visitors can immerse themselves in guided nature walks, bird watching sessions, and interactive workshops. Adventurous attendees can partake in orienteering courses and night-time moth hunts, while children can enjoy bug hunts, pond dipping, and craft sessions using natural materials.

The festival significantly enhances the Putney Heath experience. It not only fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility towards nature, but also provides an opportunity to learn about the reserve’s diverse ecosystems. As environmental psychologist Dr. Sandra Bell notes, the festival’s unique location promotes a sense of well-being among attendees, making it a truly unique experience¹⁶. The Putney Summer Festival serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of Putney Heath, encouraging visitors to explore, appreciate, and actively participate in its conservation.

Putney Exchange

Putney Exchange, nestled in the heart of Putney, London, is a bustling shopping centre with a rich history dating back to its inception in 1990¹⁷. Over the years, it has evolved to cater to the diverse needs of the local community, housing popular brands such as H&M and Waterstones, alongside unique local businesses. Food enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of dining options, with Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Pret A Manger being crowd favourites.

The Exchange plays a pivotal role in the annual Putney Summer Festival, transforming into a central hub for festival-goers¹⁸. Shops and restaurants within the centre actively participate, offering special promotions and themed menus that enhance the festival experience. The festive atmosphere spills over into the centre, with Putney Exchange hosting events and activities such as live music performances and art exhibitions. This connection underscores the centre’s integral role in the local community, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Putney.

Putney Common

Putney Common, a cherished green space in southwest London, traces its roots back to the 13th century when it was part of the Manor of Putney, owned by the De Warrenne family¹⁹. Over centuries, it has transformed from grazing lands to a hub for community activities. Today, it serves as a haven for nature enthusiasts, hosting over 200 species of plants and 100 species of birds²⁰. Its well-maintained paths invite visitors for jogging, cycling, or leisurely walks, while families can enjoy picnics under ancient trees and children can play in the playgrounds.

Located near the Putney Exchange shopping centre, the Common offers a tranquil retreat from urban hustle, enhancing the shopping experience with a touch of nature. Throughout the year, it hosts events like summer fairs and Christmas markets, fostering community spirit and providing a platform for local businesses. This harmonious blend of history, nature, and urban convenience makes Putney Common a unique and invaluable asset to the Putney Exchange experience.

Boat Trip on the River Thames

Boat trips on the River Thames are an integral part of the Putney lifestyle, offering a unique perspective of the town’s history and stunning landscapes²¹. These trips cater to various preferences, from leisurely sightseeing cruises to exhilarating speedboat rides. They contribute significantly to the Putney lifestyle, providing a relaxing way to commute, socialise, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the river. As one local resident aptly describes it, a boat trip on the Thames is like a mini-vacation, providing a chance to recharge and appreciate the sights at a leisurely pace.

Moreover, these trips connect seamlessly with the Putney Common experience. As you glide along the river, you’ll get a panoramic view of the common’s lush greenery and diverse wildlife. It’s a unique vantage point that enhances the overall Putney experience. The boat trips and the Common go hand in hand, providing a seamless connection between nature and the river. Historian John Burns once said, “The Thames is liquid history,” and nowhere is this more evident than in Putney.

Embracing the Putney Lifestyle

The Putney lifestyle, a harmonious blend of urban living and rural tranquillity, is shaped by a variety of experiences. Embracing this lifestyle involves immersing oneself in the local arts scene at the Putney Arts Theatre, a hub of creativity that showcases a diverse range of performances and exhibitions. The cultural richness of Putney is further explored by visiting the local markets such as the Putney Exchange shopping centre and the weekly farmers’ market. These provide a vibrant atmosphere, a wide range of shopping options, and the opportunity to support local businesses.

Outdoor activities in Wandsworth Park and Putney Heath offer ample opportunities to connect with nature, adding to the rural tranquillity aspect of the Putney lifestyle. A boat trip on the River Thames encapsulates the essence of Putney. As you glide along the water, witnessing iconic landmarks like the Putney Bridge, the bustling rowing scene, and the tranquil beauty of the riverbanks, you experience the harmonious blend of relaxation and activity that defines the Putney lifestyle. This journey symbolises the balance between tranquillity and vibrancy, capturing the distinctive charm of the Putney lifestyle.