Wandsworth Area Guide

Nestled in the southwest corner of London, Wandsworth combines the allure of riverfront views, green spaces, and a sense of community with the convenience of city living. Known for its charm and upscale atmosphere, it's a sought-after location for families and professionals alike.

Pros and Cons of Living in Wandsworth:

Pros:

1. Green Spaces: Wandsworth boasts numerous parks including the famous Wandsworth Common.
2. Family-friendly: Excellent schools, playgrounds, and family activities.
3. Riverside Charm: Offers beautiful views of the River Thames.
4. Safety: Generally considered one of the safer boroughs in London.
5. Vibrant Community: Home to an array of pubs, restaurants, and cultural activities.

Cons:

1. Pricey: Desirability comes with a higher price tag for properties.
2. Busy: Popular areas can get crowded, especially during weekends.
3. Parking: Limited in certain parts and permits may be required.

Top 15 Independent Schools in Wandsworth:

1. The Roche School - Approximate fees: £4,000 per term.
2. Thomas’s Battersea - Approximate fees: £7,000 per term.
3. Finton House School - Approximate fees: £5,500 per term.
4. Eaton House The Manor - Approximate fees: £6,300 per term.
5. Broomwood Hall School - Approximate fees: £5,800 per term.
6. Northcote Lodge - Approximate fees: £5,600 per term.
7. L'École de Battersea - Approximate fees: £4,500 per term.
8. The Dolphin School - Approximate fees: £5,200 per term.
9. Parkgate House School - Approximate fees: £5,000 per term.
10. Hornsby House School - Approximate fees: £6,000 per term.
11. The Study Preparatory School - Approximate fees: £5,400 per term.
12. Parsons Green Prep - Approximate fees: £6,100 per term.
13. White House Preparatory School - Approximate fees: £5,700 per term.
14. Newton Prep - Approximate fees: £6,500 per term.
15. Sinclair House School - Approximate fees: £4,800 per term.

(Note: Fees are approximate and can vary. Visit each school's official website for up-to-date details.)

Best Areas to Live in Wandsworth:

1. Balham: A lively hub, average rents around £1,800/month for a two-bedroom flat.
2. Earlsfield: Rising in popularity, expect rents of approximately £1,700/month.
3. Putney: Riverside charm, rents average at £2,100/month.
4. Southfields: Close to Wimbledon, expect rents around £1,900/month.
5. Tooting: A diverse mix with an average rent of £1,700/month.

Weather in Wandsworth:

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Average temperatures between 2°C-8°C.
• Spring (Mar-May): Temperatures range from 6°C-15°C.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Averages between 14°C-24°C.
• Autumn (Sep-Nov): Temperatures hover around 11°C-19°C.

Wandsworth has about 1,480 sunshine hours per year, on par with the UK average.

Transport Links:

• Metro Lines: Wandsworth Town, Earlsfield, and Putney stations offer overground services, while Tooting and Balham offer the Northern Line underground services.
• Buses: Numerous routes connecting to Central London and neighbouring boroughs.
• Roads: A3 provides direct access to central London and the M25.
• Cycle Routes: Several cycle lanes and close to popular Thames Path.

Health & Fitness:

1. Gyms:
   • Nuffield Health Wandsworth
   • PureGym London Wandsworth
   • The Gym London Southfields
2. Yoga Studios:
   • The House of Yoga (Putney)
   • Yogahaven (Clapham)
   • Jiva Health (Earlsfield)
3. Health Clubs:
   • Virgin Active Wandsworth
   • The King's Club Wimbledon
   • Roko Health Club

Who Lives Here?

Wandsworth's varied landscapes appeal to both families and young professionals. It’s also a popular area for celebrities due to its proximity to central London while still retaining a degree of privacy.

Who is it for?

• Families seeking good schools and a community feel.
• Professionals who desire a balance between urban and suburban.
• Those who appreciate a riverside setting and numerous parks.

Who is it not for?

• Those on a tighter budget might find better value in other boroughs.
• Those seeking the ultra-urban feel of Central London.

Area breakdown

1. Battersea:

   • Rent: Depending on the property, rents can range from £1,300 to £2,500+ per month for a one-bedroom flat, and from £2,000 to £5,000+ for larger houses.
   • Best Independent Schools: Thomas's Battersea (notably attended by Prince George), Broomwood Hall School.
   • Restaurants: Nutbourne, Source Battersea.
   • Fascinating Fact: Battersea is home to the iconic Battersea Power Station, which was featured on the cover of Pink Floyd’s “Animals” album.

2. Wandsworth Town:

   • Rent: Rents range from around £1,200 to £2,300+ per month for a one-bedroom flat, and from £2,200 to £4,500+ for larger houses.
   • Best Independent Schools: The Roche School, The Pointer School.
   • Restaurants: Konnigans, The East Hill.
   • Fascinating Fact: Wandsworth Prison, one of the largest prisons in the UK, is located here.

3. Putney:

   • Rent: Monthly rents typically start from £1,400 for a one-bedroom flat to £3,000+ for larger properties.
   • Best Independent Schools: Putney High School, Hurlingham School.
   • Restaurants: Emile's, Isola del Sole.
   • Fascinating Fact: The annual Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race starts in Putney.

4. Tooting:

   • Rent: Rents can start from £1,100 for a one-bedroom flat and go up to £2,800+ for larger properties.
   • Best Independent Schools: There's no major independent school in Tooting itself, but surrounding areas offer various options.
   • Restaurants: Chicken Shop, Dip & Flip.
   • Fascinating Fact: Tooting has two large commons, Tooting Bec and Tooting Graveney, offering extensive green spaces.

5. Balham:

   • Rent: Monthly rents for a one-bedroom flat start from £1,300 and can go up to £3,500+ for larger properties.
   • Best Independent Schools: Hornsby House School, White House Preparatory School.
   • Restaurants: Lamberts, The Bedford.
   • Fascinating Fact: Balham is referenced in the hit wartime comedy “The Army Game” with its theme tune "I don't want to join the army".

6. Earlsfield:

   • Rent: One-bedroom flats typically rent for £1,200 to £2,200 per month, while larger houses can range from £2,500 to £4,000+.
   • Best Independent Schools: Wandsworth Preparatory School, Finton House School.
   • Restaurants: Ben's Canteen, Amarillo.
   • Fascinating Fact: Earlsfield is known for its "villagey" feel, making it a popular residential choice for families.

7. Roehampton:

   • Rent: Monthly rents can start from £1,200 for a one-bedroom flat and go up to £3,000+ for larger homes.
   • Best Independent Schools: Ibstock Place School.
   • Restaurants: The Roehampton Club, The Alton.
   • Fascinating Fact: Roehampton University has a storied history and the campus includes the Georgian Grade I listed building, Parkstead House.

8. Southfields:

   • Rent: Rents typically range from £1,300 to £2,500+ for a one-bedroom flat and £2,200 to £4,500+ for larger homes.
   • Best Independent Schools: St Cecilia's, Wandsworth.
   • Restaurants: Olive Garden, Light House.
   • Fascinating Fact: Southfields is the main gateway for the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships, with many attendees alighting at Southfields station.

Other areas in Wandsworth

1. Nine Elms: A rapidly developing area on the eastern edge of the borough, close to the River Thames and home to the new U.S. Embassy.
2. Furzedown: A mainly residential area situated close to Tooting and Streatham.
3. Wandsworth Common: Dominated by its large open space, it’s a preferred location for families.
4. Summerstown: Located between Earlsfield and Tooting, it's a smaller area mostly residential.
5. West Hill: A predominantly residential area between Wandsworth and Putney.

These areas each have their own unique characteristics and charm. Some, like Battersea and Putney, are better known and have distinct landmarks, while others are primarily residential pockets cherished by locals.

For more comprehensive information and guidance, consult articles on WhichSchoolAdvisor.com.

Wandsworth Ratings

Wandsworth Pros & Cons