Welcome to Balham

Balham is a down to earth, relaxed kind of town with a busy high street and lots of local things to do.

Independent cafes, coffee shops, bars, restaurants and boutique shops have flocked to Balham in recent years so there are lots of places to eat, drink and shop.

It’s quieter than some of the neighbouring areas such as Clapham, but still offers residents plenty of things to keep busy. These include outdoor swimming at the nearby Tooting Bec Lido, a weekly farmers market in the village, Banana Caberet - the leading local comedy club and access to acres of open space at nearby Clapham Common and Wandsworth Common.

Voted one of 'Britain’s best places to live' for two years running by the Sunday Times its ideal for young couples and families.

Top things about the area

Food & Drink

Eating out
There are numerous coffee shops and cafes in Balham catering for all tastes and needs. If you’re looking for something more substantial there’s a choice Japanese, French, Italian, Nepalese, Jamaican, Lebanese and traditional English grub in the local pubs all within the same square mile.

Going out
If you’re looking for something a bit later in the day, then although less raucous than nearby areas, there is a vibrant nightlife in Balham with a range of pubs and cocktail bars, many open late for a good night out.

See all local recreation

Recreation

Indoors
For entertainment Balham has it's own cinema based at the Exhibit with comfy seats and a mix of retro and new release, there's regular music events hosted at The Bedford and a weekly comedy club at Banana Caberet. There's also a wealth of culture throughout the year with events such as the Balham Literary Festival and the Balham Comedy Festival.

Outdoors
For outdoor activity Balham is surrounded by green spaces with Wandsworth Common, Tooting Common and Clapham Common nearby. With access to green space there's loads available; running, jogging, horse riding, tennis and fishing to name a few. There's also plenty of outdoor space for children to run about, access to local nature activities and a youth club at Tooting Bec Common.

See all local recreation

Schools

As Balham is a family area there are lots of schools available providing excellent education at all levels.

Primary Schools in the local catchment area include Henry Cavendish, Holy Ghost RC, Saint Anselm's RC and Telferscot. Hillbrook is located nearby in Tooting.

Comprehensive schools in Balham include Bishop Thomas Grant RC and La Retraite RC. Ark Bolingbroke, Bishop Thomas Grant RC, Burntwood and Graveney are also available in neighbouring areas.

Private schools include the Eveline Day School, Hornsby House, Finton House, Oliver House RC and Broomwood Hall. The White House and London Steiner.
Eaton House and Parkgate House are in nearby Clapham Common, Northcote Lodge in Bolingbroke Grove and Thomas’s Clapham in Broomwood Road.

See all local schools

1 bed flat

£413,000 - £1,421/pm

2 bed flat

£589,000 - £1,800/pm

2 bed house

£773,000 - £2,200/pm

4 bed house

£12,300,000 - £3,120/pm

Source: ZooplaPro

Tube options

Tube - Zone 2 (£1,404 annual travel pass)

Clapham South - Northern Line

Tube - Zone 3 (£1,648 annual travel pass)

Balham - Northern Line

Tooting Bec - Northern line

Mainline rail options

Northern and Southern line mainline trains

Where the locals go

Amenities Recreation Schools Food Leisure Travel

Share your favourite place

The Wheatsheaf

Always the biggest and best Sunday dinner at the Wheatsheaf!

The Bedford

Great spot if you are fan of live music and comedy. A lovely spacious pub with function rooms and a DJ!

Milk

Well worth the wait to get in! This café is beautifully decorated and has a great atmosphere. Had a lovely brunch and smoothie, one of the best brunch spots in London!