Okay, it’s not the most obvious of tourist destinations, but Brixton has a lot going for it. If you’re planning a mini-break in the capital, it’s a great place to base yourself – well-connected, lively and fun.
And if you can’t get away to exotic locations right now, Brixton will bring the world to you in a feast of sights, smells, tastes and sounds.
Don’t believe us?
Just take a stroll down Electric Avenue when the market is in full swing, or browse the restaurants and shops in Brixton Village. You’ll find delicacies from down the road and around the globe, colourful street art, pulsating music and tantalising smells you’ll recognise, alongside many you won’t!
Full disclosure: We wouldn’t have thought of staying there, but when Your Apartment offered us a competition prize for their new, self-catering flats in the heart of Brixton, then gifted us a stay too, we couldn’t resist.
We had a great time, and so could you.
Here are 6 great reasons why we think you should stay in Brixton.
The street art is awesome
Brixton’s history is painted on its walls.
In a series of murals by local artists, the colourful history of Brixton is brought to life.
Highlighting the events, the people and the places that form the neighbourhood, the murals are regarded as some of the finest works of street art in all of London.
The tribute to local hero David Bowie now sits behind a perspex screen for protection, but most of the art remains wild and free, celebrating inhabitants from all walks of life, not just the famous.
Check out the Brixton Society for locations and details of the artists, but remember Brixton is an ever-changing canvas, and some of the work may no longer be visible.
Brixton has its own Tate
Brixton’s Tate is not dedicated to modern art, but is a far more accessible-to-all library.
Sugar magnate Henry Tate built a refinery at Silvertown, north of the Thames, bought the patent for the revolutionary sugar-cube making process and in 1875 turned it into one of the most efficient methods of cube-ifying the sweet stuff. This made him millions, which he quite often gave away, often anonymously.
As well as founding the more famous Tate Gallery, he donated enough cash to set up several libraries around the country.
The one in Brixton, slap bang on the Brixton Oval overlooking Windrush Square (yes, the irony is obvious!), is one of the first free libraries established in London.
Built in 1893, it bears his name at the top in a creamy-white block, just like a sugar lump.
The streets taste so good!
We’re pretty well-travelled and Pork Belly prides himself on being an adventurous cook, but Brixton still brought something new to our table.
Afghan breakfast rolls, baked cheesecake New York-style and the best Chinese noodle soups and dumplings at Mamalan – so good we ate there twice!
We were tempted, but didn’t have time to sample, all the other delights on offer. Pizzas with a range of creative toppings, healthy, plant-based eateries and the ubiquitous burger ‘n’ kebab options.
We did have the facilities to do a market shop and self-cater, in the flat’s well-equipped kitchen, but with all those eateries at Brixton Village just a few steps away, why would we?
It has a windmill that still grinds
Fully restored to working order, Brixton Windmill is a relic of the days when Brixton was a small village surrounded by hills and fields.
Built in 1816, it’s served the area for more than 200 years, powered first by wind, then by steam and finally using gas to keep the millstones grinding well into the 20th century. When the last miller died, it fell into disrepair before being rescued and restored.
Today it stands proud in a park, with an education centre attached, and the mill still produces a range of flours which can be bought from local shops
Much more than just a mill, take a look at the Brixton Windmill website for events and open days.
It’s unexpectedly green
Running alongside the busy A23 is an extraordinary bit of local greenery with a history. You can walk all the way from Lambeth Town Hall to Tulse Hill, via the Rush Common Woodland Walk.
Starting at the community orchard just below St Matthew’s Church gardens, a stroll of around a mile will take you through a string of connected green spaces along a route where the steady thrum of traffic is barely noticeable.
This is the old Rushey Common, where once sheep and cattle grazed freely before the Enclosure Acts of the 18th century and the garden-grabbing antics of the well-to-do chased the locals away.
Gradually the land has been reclaimed and is now a series of peaceful parks and playgrounds.
Just 5 stops on the tube, and you’re at Buckingham Palace
This is the final, killer reason.
Stay in Brixton, and music venues, theatres, and all the London sights are just a short hop away.
The fabulous 02 Academy in Brixton, just up the road from Your Apartment’s flats, hosts a range of top bands, and a West End show is under half an hour away by tube.
If Horse Guards tickle your fancy with their busbies, the Victoria line will get you to Green Park, close to Buck House, in a few minutes.
And for more ancient Kings and Queens, you can be at the Tower of London in under 40 minutes.
The whole of London’s history, shopping and bright city lights is right there, just waiting for you.
Or you can do as we did, and just spend your time eating, breathing and drinking in that Brixton buzz.
Getting to Brixton
Brixton Train Station is on a fast route to London Victoria in one direction, and Kent in the other.
Brixton Tube Station is on the Victoria Line, with easy access to central London.
Bus routes run pretty much in every direction.
There is plenty of parking, but that can be pricey, and the congestion charge applies (£15 a day in 2022) so even though Brixton is well served by major roads, driving’s not the best option.
Where we stayed
We were the guests of Your Apartment who have over 120 design-led apartments located across Bristol, London and Milton Keynes.
All their flats in Brixton have two double bedrooms, a comfy sitting area with TV and a well-equipped kitchen, in the (unlikely) event you get fed up with eating out in Brixton!
If you want to see their full range of properties for short or long stays, take a look here and remember to use the code RPB10 at checkout to get 10% off their best available direct rate.
Where to next?
• Best Brighton Street Art
• Secret gardens of London
• Brompton Cemetery