Peckham, one of South London’s hidden gems, is a creative, cultural haven bursting with diversity, creativity and that sense of community. Whether strolling through vibrant street art or taking in panoramic scenery from a rooftop perch, action reigns supreme in this borough.
The area is home to art galleries, independent shops, and diverse dining spots offering everything from street food to fine dining. Peckham Rye Park offers a beautiful, tranquil green retreat, and the vibrant nightlife scene has more quirky independent bars and live music venues to explore.
Uncover some of their best-kept secrets and enjoy the local flair! Fortunately, there are plenty of things to do in Peckham so you can soak up the local flavor. This article highlights some of the best activities and experiences to check out when visiting this lively part of London.
1. Explore Peckham Rye Park
Just 25 minutes by train from central London, Peckham Rye Park is an oasis of nature with its vibrant gardens and open picnic lawns to recharge. It’s an idyllic place to sprawl on a rug with friends or relatives, enjoying the good weather. The open spaces provide room for a parlor game with friends over chips and salsa or a lazy summer day playing hooky.
Once the first shade of summer hits, residents spill into parks such as this one. Peckham Rye has always been one of their favorite destinations.
Within the park, the Japanese garden is especially an oasis of serenity. The park features many well-manicured trails and quaint, picturesque foot bridges. Full of relaxing water features, it’s a popular destination for anyone looking to take a break and find their peaceful center.
The energetic foliage provides a wonderfully counterpoint to the spa-like layout. It’s a bit like entering a secret garden with amazing foliage, right into the busy heart of Peckham.
For families or those looking to exert more energy, the playground and skate park offer excellent facilities. You’ll find little ones playing on the swings and slides, while more athletically inclined older visitors can test themselves on the skate ramps.
This corner of the park feels alive with rhythm. It really is the best place to explore and make a full day of jumping around with your kiddos!
The park’s spacious, open lawns are ideal for larger gatherings. Spend the day with a friendly game of frisbee, or take a rejuvenating yoga class. There is enough open space to throw around a football!
Getting ready for a relaxed afternoon here is totally easy. With so much beautiful scenery and new projects to discover, it’s easy to see why Peckham Rye has rapidly become a local favorite!
2. Visit the Bussey Building
The Bussey Building is full of wild, creative energy that appeals to everyone in this vibrant London suburb. As home to CLF Art Cafe, it features rotating art exhibitions that highlight work by artists from the neighborhood and around the globe. The building certainly hums with an electric, creative vibe, making it a great place for exploring London.
Whether you want to get lost in an aquarium enclosure or relax in the art-filled cafe, there’s something for everyone. The impressive Victorian-era architecture creates a warm and inviting setting, successfully merging the building’s history with a contemporary, creative atmosphere.
Food and drink options abound within the complex, making it easy to grab a meal or coffee while enjoying the lively surroundings. That said, the Bussey Rooftop Bar is definitely a centerpiece, with some of the most beautiful sights of the London skyline — thoroughly enjoyed with a more relaxed, lounge vibe.
It’s even dog-friendly, so your furry friend doesn’t have to miss out on all the fun. Enjoy a specialty cocktail and some delicious small bites. The rooftop is the perfect place to relax with a drink – don’t miss it!
Live theatre, music and events add a whole new dimension of energy to the Bussey Building. From theater productions to concerts, there’s always something going on. The Rooftop Film Club, which operates on-site, shows films year-round and often connects them with cultural or themed activities.
Students can get 10% off using the code PeckhamStudent2025, so it’s a great low-cost day out. Quirky shops and artist studios dotting the long-running creative hub keep the energy high, especially with the nearby Rye Lane Market offering a culinary adventure.
With rentable maker spaces for any creative imaginable, the Bussey Building has become a hotbed of artistic creation and incubation. Located right across from Peckham Rye Station, it’s easily accessible and firmly rooted in the heart of Peckham’s creative district.
3. Discover Peckham Levels
Today, Peckham Levels buzzes with creative energy, home to passion-filled art studios and a diverse array of food vendors. From iconic vibrant murals to hand-crafted goods by the area’s creative locals, the space lives and breathes creativity. It’s a hub for their creative community to gather and share talent, so every visit feels new and inspiring.
Foodies will geek out over the dozen delicious street food stalls spread across the working levels. Dishes tempt with global flavor and homegrown goodness, local favorite the Falafel Beauty plate a knockout. Whether you want something quick and easy, or something new and delicious, it’s got you covered.
You’ll want to try their revolving, chocolate-inspired themed cocktails—truly a delicious way to pair a drink with dinner. Beyond food and art, Peckham Levels is a vibrant hub of events and workshops. Complimentary activities put the spotlight on local makers and foster creative connections, be it a DIY art workshop or a featured artist music performance.
On weekends, the basement transforms into a busy diverse dance floor. Overnight, local DJs and collectives spin everything from dancehall to Afrobeat that really gets the floor shaking. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore some exciting new music and experience firsthand Peckham’s flourishing underground nightlife.
If you’re in the mood for something more chill, the rooftop terrace provides epic views of London. This location is ideal for relaxing with a beverage after some exploration. Watch the sunset and grab a bite, or catch a flick at the rooftop cinema!
The cocktail of skyline views and relaxed vibe has made it one of the best places to relax. Peckham Levels truly is a local hidden treasure, exemplifying how culture, community, and creativity can make a place. With its loyal following and rave recommendations, it’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the vibrant heart of Peckham.
4. Enjoy rooftop cinema at Frank’s
Frank’s Rooftop Cafe is the best place to catch critically acclaimed independent films under the stars each summer. Perched high above Rye Lane’s lively streets, the terrace offers you the most unique view of London’s skyline. Whether it’s the memory-making skyline or the breathtaking Dallas skyline Silverscreen, the backdrop makes for a one-of-a-kind cinema experience.
Films span the spectrum of new releases, cult classics, and everything in between, ensuring there’s something new, nostalgic, and exciting for everyone to experience. As the movie plays, you can indulge in exquisite cocktails or a stone-baked pizza from their fully stocked upstairs bar. Plus, the menu’s full of street food, so you can easily snack while taking in the action-packed atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a culinary adventure.
Imagine hot, crispy pizza slices at your beck and call, perfectly complemented by a bubbly mojito or an ice-cold craft beer. It’s never just the movie; it’s always about the whole experience. Seats on the terrace go fast, so make your plans as soon as you can to get the best seat in the house at this great place.
The rooftop cinema opens at least 30 minutes prior to show time. That leaves you with enough time to pick up your meal, soak in the views, and take some photos worthy of a shot at the grammy! The ambiance and the aesthetic are a photographer’s paradise — particularly once the sun begins to crest over the rest of the city.
As an added incentive, students get 10% off tickets using the code PeckhamStudent2025. If you’re really on top of things, book before the end of March and you’ll receive 20% off automatically. It’s an easy way to get a discount on a one-of-a-kind night with your friends.
The whole experience, crazy and brilliant atmosphere included, is one you’ll remember long after the credits roll. Coupled with a few special occasions, it shines even more, making it one of Peckham’s favourite haunts.
5. Experience local art at South London Gallery
Though sometimes overlooked by travelers, the South London Gallery provides a truly special opportunity to experience contemporary art exhibitions, artist installations, and community programs. The public gallery holds beautifully created, often challenging solo shows and exciting, colorful, evocative, kinetic group exhibits. It is renowned for showcasing challenging new work by both British and international artists, making it a great place for exploring London’s vibrant art scene.
For most of these artists, it is an exciting debut in such a prestigious London institution. That’s what makes each visit feel like a brand new adventure, especially when you consider its proximity to the lively Rye Lane Market. The exhibitions introduce art in a number of mediums and styles, located on two premises only 394 feet away from each other, where Victorian elegance has collided with award-winning contemporary architecture.
Attending talks and workshops here elevates it to a whole different realm. These experiences promise to further immerse you in the art world. Whether you are a newcomer to contemporary art or an avid enthusiast, prepare yourself for unexpected surprises at every turn, particularly during the vibrant Peckham Festival.
The gallery’s residency program brings an evolving lineup of projects, giving visitors a chance to see works in progress and interact with the creative process. With free entry to the South London Gallery, it’s an easy art lovers paradise to make a stop at. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, it’s one of the best places in South East London for some cultural enrichment without spending a single pound.
The gallery is an independent registered charity which raises 98% of its income through donations and fundraising activities. Each check-in contributes to the South London Gallery’s amazing work on its home turf—so get down there! Year-round, the gallery is known for its lively community programs—supper clubs with as many as nine courses, cooked by underrepresented chefs.
These breakfasts and other free-flowing parties are the best way to meet interesting people over great morsels of cuisine. Make it a full day by visiting South London Louie, the gallery’s café, to unwind with a specialty hot drink, weekend brunch, or natural wine. Their flavour-packed, in-house baked goods and aperitivos take the cake, making this neighborhood a true haven for food lovers.
Conclusion
Peckham is full of wonderful things to do and see, from quiet parks to a multicultural creative community and emerging nightlife. Walk along the engaging natural paths of Peckham Rye Park. Catch a hair-raising flick at Frank’s rooftop, or plug into the electric art scene at Peckham Levels! The Bussey Building and South London Gallery are further confirmation you should be heading to this creative, booming, beautiful and increasingly desirable neighborhood. From relaxation to socializing to immersing yourself in local culture, each location offers a unique experience tailored to what you’re looking for.
There’s never enough unexpected beauty to find, so Peckham makes a return visit an irresistible proposition. No matter if it’s your first trip or your tenth, this energy here is contagious. Take the plunge and find out—you’ll come away with adventures, memories, and perhaps an addiction to your new favorite hangout.