Combining Old World charm and English history with the hustle and bustle of vibrant city life, Fulham is quickly becoming one of London’s hottest neighborhoods. Tucked between the Thames and Hammersmith, this community is a hidden gem of tree-lined streets, hipster cafes, and beautiful riverside views.
You’ll uncover all sorts of hidden gems, including historic landmarks like Fulham Palace, vibrant markets, and parks ideal for a peaceful afternoon. If you’re passionate about finding hidden gems in your neighborhood, you’ll be right at home here.
Have fun watching a soccer game at Craven Cottage or relax walking in gorgeous Bishop’s Park! If you’re looking to Fulham for your next getaway, this guide will help you find the best things to do and see in Fulham.
It’ll be your guide to planning your visit and making the most of your time in this delightful corner of London.
1. Explore Fulham Palace Gardens
Fulham Palace Gardens are a wonderful combination of history, beauty, and peace. Its botanic garden is an amazing 32 acres. It’s free to visit and includes a collection of rare trees, seasonal blooms, and a lovely walled garden.
As you explore, enjoy the careful mix of traditional and contemporary planting schemes around these botanical treasures. This beautiful, calm haven beckons you to take a leisurely walk or photograph breathtaking scenery. In early summer, the magnificent rose gardens fronting the River Thames at Fulham Palace burst forth with color. The overwhelming scents of the flowers envelop you, truly taking your breath away.
There’s lots to see over and above the flora. The garden’s ornamental lake and urban beach area add unique charm, while the chapel and sensory room highlight the religious history of the Bishops who once lived here. Guided tours run all week with special access to the garden’s 1,300-year history.
Learn about Bishop Compton’s horticultural practices, working with exotic plants in the 17th and 18th centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this beautiful journey through time is not to be missed!
Turner’s colourful family-friendly events and activities help transform the garden into a welcoming oasis for all ages. Be it a training, a harvest celebration or a Winter’s Night Market, there’s never a dull moment here. You can immerse yourself in using all your senses to discover the different plant species.
This creates a fun, hands-on experience that surprises and delights children and even Josephine’s parents! The gardens – awarded the Green Flag for their horticultural excellence – are open year-round, with free admission providing access to their peaceful setting and abundant nature.
It’s a real hidden gem in South West London that brings nature, history and education together so beautifully.
2. Visit the Chelsea Football Club Museum
The Chelsea Football Club Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the club’s rich and fascinating history, thanks to its engaging exhibits and historic memorabilia. From Premier League championship trophies to vintage jerseys, each display in the 13,000-square foot museum tells a story. Explore how Chelsea FC made it to the top and became one of the most recognizable football clubs in the world, a true highlight in the Fulham area guide.
The huge collection and the interactive sections make it hands-on and engaging for all ages. Touchscreens help you relive the most unforgettable matches and learn about the evolution of team strategies over time, enhancing your overall shopping experience in this vibrant London neighborhood.
No visit to Stamford Bridge is complete without the world-famous fully guided stadium tour, which includes entry to the museum. The tour offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at the iconic club’s facilities. Walking through the players’ tunnel, standing pitch-side, and visiting the press room feels like stepping into the heart of football.
The guides share fascinating insights into the stadium’s history and the club’s legacy, making it more than just a visual experience. Over 90% of visitors would recommend these tours, and it’s an immersive experience that really makes you feel connected to the sport.
The museum further celebrates Chelsea FC’s most storied players and moments with interactive displays and multimedia exhibitions. You can view artifacts from legendary matches like the 1997-98 season against Lazio to learn about key players who helped create the team’s explosive success.
The varied exhibits truly paint a picture of the club’s storied past and many successes. They showcase everything from nail-biting championship victories to the histories of star players, making it a great place for football enthusiasts.
Be sure to get pictures in front of some of the club’s iconic memorabilia. From posing in front of legendary jerseys to taking shots with replicas of championship trophies, there’s so much photo fodder.
The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. To 5:00 p.m., with the last entry at 4:00 p.m., so it’s easy to fit into your schedule.
3. Stroll along the Thames Path
Choosing the Thames Path gives you a real riverside walk experience, with some lovely views along the river and out across the city. The scenic path runs about 6 miles from West Brompton Pier to Putney Bridge Station, closely paralleling the path of Fulham Broadway and Parsons Green Stations. This area is part of the Fulham area guide, making it a great location for both locals and visitors.
It’s pretty well-marked with signs and very easy to follow, beginning through the Chelsea Harbour. To kick off your adventure, walk to the left of the Conrad Hotel. Follow the path in an anti-clockwise direction around the marina until you arrive at the new Belvedere. This marina, formerly the dock of Kensington Canal, is a fantastic historic pit stop on your walk, offering a glimpse into the past of this vibrant London neighborhood.
The path is not simply a lovely walk; it’s a journey with ample opportunities to stop, stay awhile, and discover. Dotted along the way, you will find maritime parks and important historical landmarks that offer insight into the area’s rich heritage, enhancing your overall shopping experience in Fulham.
These places make for perfect resting points, photo-ops and even a chance to discover more about Fulham’s history. If you find yourself at Parsons Green on our walking tour, spend a few moments in the lush parks nearby to appreciate London’s distinctive charm.
Nature lovers are bound to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the riverside. You may even see ducks paddling along the water or see urban wildlife in their natural environments. Perhaps that’s why the calm pace of the long Thames Path is such an uplifting relief from London’s urban energy.
To explore the path at a more leisurely pace, bring a picnic and stop at one of the parks along the route. These open areas and gardens beckon you to lay out a picnic blanket, enjoy the scenery, and relax for a bit, making this an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring the local shops and pubs.
4. Discover the Fulham Broadway Market
Fulham Broadway Market is vibrant, quirky, and creative, with a lively blend of stalls and shops. Get ready to shop from regional farmers and producers of organic fruit and veg, roast their own coffee, fresh street food, and artisan wares alongside quirky crafts. It’s the perfect place to pick up a loaf of sourdough while exploring the Fulham area guide for more local delights.
As long as you’re there, shop for hidden gems at one of the 19 antique shops located within one mile! Foodies will be in paradise on this street. The market is brimming with everything from delicious street food to exquisite gourmet specialties. Treat yourself to a hearty pub roast paired perfectly with wine or beer, or sample cheeses from the Bath Soft Cheese stall, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this London neighborhood.
For the mildly peckish, they’re notoriously massive for anyone courageous enough to finish them. You can even check out some unique options that specialize in wild game and other specialty foods. Sundays really are the jewel in the crown of the community. Locals eagerly line up for fresh coffee and a flavorful mouthful to nurse their weekend hangovers.
Shopping here means you’re supporting sustainable, small-scale business and independent vendors. From hand-crafted jewelry to specialty items you won’t find anywhere else, the market is bursting with unique treasures. It’s a wonderful opportunity to grab some gifts or something nice for yourself, and support the community’s economy.
The market is about more than shopping and food. After markets close, community events and entertainment continue to fill the streets with music and activity. Whether it’s the sounds of live music or the excitement of a pop-up workshop, the market is abuzz with energy and creativity.
We’re open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These adaptable, flexible hours make it simple to squeeze us into even your most hectic week, ensuring you don’t miss out on this great place to visit!
5. Enjoy a show at the Lyric Hammersmith
Yet the Lyric Hammersmith is perhaps best known for its bold, inventive productions and sensationally eclectic programming. With over 125 years of success, this iconic venue brings a mix of classic plays, contemporary performances, musicals, and even pantomimes. Whether you’re a fan of classic tales or innovative stagecraft, it’s a place that has what truly resonates with everyone’s interests, making it a must-visit in the Fulham area guide.
The Main House features breathtaking, hand-carved 19th-century architecture and has a capacity of 577. On the other hand, the snug Studio only fits 120, offering a close stage for more intimate or alternative productions. With such a different slate of performances, every visit is sure to be a new shopping experience.
Whether a live music event or a public theater production, the Lyric is as vibrant and necessary as ever, entertaining and provoking thought all the while. It’s more than a venue—this West London creative hub engages deeply with the community in its home borough, producing talent and art that reflects the area. Each lineup is the product of a deep commitment to advancing relevance and inclusivity.
It’s this dedication that makes it a perennial favorite with regular theatergoers and newbies alike. Enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of pre-show dining. That’s all part of the experience. You’ll have no trouble finding great restaurants in the area for a leisurely meal before catching a show, especially around the popular spots like Lillie Road.
For a more casual option, the Lyric Bar on the 3rd Floor has pastries, sandwiches, and an extensive drinks list including wine, beer, and spirits. It’s the perfect prelude to settling in when the lights go down and the show starts.
For those looking to experience more of the performing arts, the Lyric provides a plethora of post-show discussions, master classes and workshops. These introduce a whole new dimension to the evening, allowing you the chance to interact directly with the themes, performers or filmmakers involved.
It’s an invitation to leave with a deeper understanding and admiration for the art form, making every visit a unique adventure in this vibrant London neighborhood.
Conclusion
Fulham really does have it all charming, cultured, fun. From the serene Fulham Palace Gardens, to the rich tradition found within the Chelsea Football Club Museum, there’s no shortage of things to do. Walk the Thames Path National Trail and experience a new side of the city. In the other corner, Fulham Broadway Market continues to pack a punch with plenty of yummy local treasures to discover. There’s no better way to top off a day full of creativity and innovation than catching a show at the Lyric Hammersmith.
Whether you’re visiting Fulham on your own or with a group, this borough welcomes you to discover all of its colorful and spirited charm. Visit us soon and make some new special memories of your own right here. Fulham too has a wealth of experiences in store that will amaze and excite. Don’t get left behind. Visit these spots and experience the crème de la crème this dynamic enclave of London has to offer!