Sydenham Hill To Dulwich Walk – Complete Guide & Map

Are you looking for a refreshing escape right in the heart of South London? The walk from Sydenham Hill to Dulwich is a local favourite, offering a delightful mix of urban and natural landscapes. This route, which begins amidst the leafy paths of Sydenham Hill, gradually transitions to the open land of Dulwich Park. It’s a journey that showcases the diversity of London’s landscapes, combining the lush greenery of woodlands with the charming streets of Dulwich and the buzz of London parks. As we explore this path together, I’ll share insights into the walk’s scenic spots, local history, and the unexpected encounters it offers amidst the city’s hustle. Whether you’re a seasoned Londoner or just visiting, this walk is a must-try for anyone looking to discover one of the city’s hidden gems.

Today, we’re venturing into South London for a stroll through Dulwich, a charming and rather posh part of the capital. Expect a journey rich in history, woodlands, and parks. So, let’s embark on this adventure!

Logistics of Sydenham Hill to Dulwich Walk

Highlights of Sydenham Hill to Dulwich Walk

Sydenham Hill to Dulwich Walk

So now we covered the basics, let’s get to the walk!

Sydenham Hill

Beginning at Sydenham Hill station, which stretches across the Southwark and Lewisham Boroughs, we’re in an affluent and historically rich area. The nineteenth century saw a boom in large properties here, spurred by the relocation of Crystal Palace to the vicinity. A 1.2 mile (1.9 km) tunnel, built for a train line in 1863 and now disused, is a highlight of our walk.

Take the College Road exit and walk up the 27 stairs to get to College Road. Walk across the road and you see a white wooden fence in front of you. Use the gate on the left-hand side of the fence and enter Low Cross Wood Lane.

Low Cross Wood Lane

To understand where the name of this lane linking College Road to Crescent Wood Road comes from, we need to go back in time, to when the Great North Wood was covering the area from Deptford to Croydon.

This area was once part of the Great North Wood, an expansive forest stretching from Deptford to Croydon. Imagine a lush, dense woodland, predominantly comprising towering oaks and sturdy hornbeams. These woods played a crucial role in London’s early industry, providing timber essential for shipbuilding and the construction of homes.

It was divided into different areas that needed to be coppiced. This sustainable practice nurtured the forest and supported the local economy. One of those areas was called Low Cross Coppice, where Low Cross Wood Lane now stands.

Walk up (and I mean UP) Low Cross Wood Lane, the only hill of this walk. Once you arrive at the top, you find another white wooden fence with a gate on the right-hand side this time. You are welcomed by the charming Dulwich Wood House on the other side of the street. However I did this walk early in the morning so, the pub was not yet open. Therefore, I cannot leave a review, but its charming exterior and the promise of a warm, cosy interior make it a tempting stop for future visitors.

Continuing our descent down Crescent Wood Road, the landscape transforms. Here, you’re flanked by grand mansions, representative of the area’s ascent to affluence following the relocation of the Crystal Palace. As this road concludes, we find ourselves at the threshold of Sydenham Hill Wood, ready to explore another verdant chapter of London’s great outdoors.

Sydenham Hill Wood

Dulwich Wood and Sydenham Hill Wood, the verdant remnants of the once vast Great North Wood, offer a serene escape into nature’s embrace. This 20 square mile (52 square km) ancient woodland, stretching majestically across the hills from Deptford to Selhurst, was once the lifeblood of the local economy providing essential charcoal for ovens, sturdy timber for constructing houses and ships, and oak for the vital leather tanning industry.

Tragically, as the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries ushered in industrial progress, these industries weakened. The relentless expansion of London gradually transformed the woodland into residential developments. In 1982, the London Wildlife Trust successfully saved Sydenham Hill Wood from the brink of urbanization. Since then, they have been the dedicated custodians of this ecological treasure.

As you meander through Sydenham Hill Wood, let yourself be captivated by its enchanting beauty. The winding paths invite you on a journey through a mosaic of fallen autumn leaves, each step a crunch underfoot, painting a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. Unexpectedly, as you round a bend, a folly emerges, a charming relic that whispers tales of a bygone era. Take a moment to rest on a worm-looking carved bench, providing a quirky yet comfortable respite.

Your journey through the woods culminates at an iconic footbridge arching over a disused railway line.

This isn’t just any bridge; it symbolizes a transition from the historic woodland to the elegant Cox’s Walk. This eighteenth-century avenue, lined with majestic oaks and named after its designer Francis Cox (hence the name), creates a natural corridor linking the woods to Dulwich Park, our next stop.

Dulwich Park

The Victorian park of Dulwich stretches across 30.85 hectares (76.2 acres) of former farmland and meadows called the Five Fields. The meadows were separated by hedgerows and oak trees, the latter can still be seen in the park today. Initially designed by Charles Barry Junior with an informal style of curved paths and clumps of trees with a central Pavillon. This was not to the liking of Lieutenant Colonel JJ Sexby, the man behind Battersea and Southwark Parks, who was tasked to refine the work of his predecessor.

Dulwich Park, a Victorian-era gem, stretches over 30.85 hectares (76.2 acres) of what was once known as the Five Fields – a pastoral landscape of farmland and meadows. Today, as you wander through the park, you can still witness the legacy of its rural past. Ancient oak trees stand tall amidst the modern layout, and hedgerows that once demarcated the meadows now add to the park’s quaint charm.

Originally crafted by Charles Barry Junior, the park was envisioned with an informal style of meandering paths and clusters of trees encircling a central pavilion. However, this initial design was transformed under the discerning eye of Lieutenant Colonel JJ Sexby, the architect behind Battersea and Southwark Parks. Sexby imbued Dulwich Park with a more refined aesthetic, balancing its rustic roots with structured elegance.

Step through the Grade II listed gate and enter the park.

What can you see in Dulwich Park?

The park offers various amenities such as :

• A boating lake and duck pond
• A cafe
• Sports grounds
• A dog walking area
• A Winter Garden
• An American Garden

Beyond these well-known features, there are hidden gems in Dulwich Park that are lesser-known but equally enchanting. The first one is at the Roseberry Gate Entrance. Adjacent to the lodge you find a cast iron arch displaying the following message that invites curiosity:

Welcome to DVG

But what does DVG mean?

It stands for Dulwich Vegetable Garden, a community garden growing fruits and vegetables, cultivated with care by local volunteers. I had the pleasure of touring this garden and recommend it as a must-see. It’s not just a garden; it’s a community project where produce is shared among the volunteers. A great initiative!

Another delightful surprise awaits near the wooden bridge across the lake. Here, in a dedicated enclosure, you’ll find fearless squirrels that have become a source of amusement for both adults and children who gather around to feed them. These squirrels, while charming, are quite the little acrobats and photographers will find capturing the ‘perfect shot’ a playful challenge!

Your exploration of Dulwich Park concludes at the Old College Gate Entrance.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

As you turn left onto College Road, enclosed behind a brick wall, the Dulwich Picture Gallery presents the perfect opportunity for a leisurely break. The gallery emerged from the vision and dedication of two remarkable individuals: the Frenchman Noël Desenfans and the Swiss Francis Bourgeois. Together, they amassed an extraordinary collection of artworks, originally intended for the King of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski. But following the dissolution of the Polish Empire, they found themselves guardians of a homeless treasure trove of art.

After Desenfans’ death, Bourgeois, now the sole custodian of this priceless collection, sought a fitting residence for these masterpieces. He rejected the prestigious National Gallery and chose instead the then-Dulwich College.

After the break, go back onto College Road. walk past the Colledge Garden estate and you notice a footpath on your right. This path leads us to Belair Park, our next stop.

Belair Park

Enter Belair Park, our last stop before the end of this walk. The 10.6 hectares (26 acres)park was created by John Willies in 1785 when he bought the two farms that occupied the land at that time. He erected a house, known as College Palace, which was renamed Belair House after his death. The estate went through many private owners, the most important being Charles Hutton, a wool merchant, who had the house extended to 47 rooms. Nowadays, the venue is a bar and restaurant which can be rented for private events.

As our journey reaches its final chapter, we step into the serene expanse of Belair Park, spanning 10.6 hectares (26 acres). Established in 1785 by John Willies, the park’s origins can be traced back to when it was simply two farms.

The centrepiece of this evolution was the construction of a house initially known as College Palace. Following Willies’ death, this grand residence was rechristened Belair House. The estate’s most significant phase came under the ownership of Charles Hutton, a prosperous wool merchant. He expanded the house to an impressive 47 rooms, reflecting the wealth and tastes of the era. Today, Belair House has embraced a new role as a bar and restaurant and is available for private events.

Turn right at the tennis courts and find your way to the exit. Your walk from Sydenham Hill to Dulwich culminates under a cast iron arch, crowned with an owl Just beyond this archway lies Stephanie’s, a quirky and cosy open-air bar & kitchen. It’s the perfect place to conclude your walk.

Have a wonderful walk!

Map of Sydenham Hill to Dulwich Village Walk

Do you want to do this walk? Download the GPS map for free by clicking on the button below. To learn how to upload the map onto your navigation app, follow my step-by-step guide here.

Final Thoughts on the Walk

The Sydenham Hill to Dulwich village walk is a journey that offers a unique perspective on the city, blending urban vistas with the tranquillity of nature. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely afternoon stroll, a bit of exercise, or a new way to explore London, the Sydenham Hill to Dulwich walk is a perfect choice. So lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and set off on this delightful trail.

And you, what is your favourite walk in London? Let me know in the comments below!

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