London’s ‘secret’ village with ‘stunning views’ named one of UK’s best to live in

Living in London isn’t necessarily synonymous with peace and quiet – in fact, it’s largely the opposite.

But there are ways to channel a village feel in the Big Smoke without moving out to the sticks.

A new list has revealed the UK’s top 20 ‘secret’ villages to live in.

Rural countryside spots are included, such a Constantine, a small village in Cornwall, with woodlands right on the doorstop, or Cilcain, which sits in a lesser-known range of Welsh hills.

But one such village is not like the others: Nunhead, in south London, nestled next to the likes of Peckham, Brockley and New Cross.

While it’s certainly not in the countryside, it’s known for its village-like vibe – and was hailed for its ‘villagey virtues of friendly pubs and friendlier neighbours.’

Meanwhile, the list by The Times placed Malpas in Cheshire in the top spot, followed by Maenclochog in Pembrokeshire.

Here’s everything you know about London’s best ‘village’.

Things to do in Nunhead

There’s no doubt that Nunhead is surrounded by plenty of green space – it’s south London after all, which is certainly no stranger to a park or two.

For a peaceful stroll, there’s Nunhead Cemetery, which is closely bordered by the sizeable Peckham Rye Park and Common. Built in 1840, it’s one of a group of Victorian cemeteries known as the Magnificent Seven, which were constructed in a ring around the city’s outskirts.

Neighbouring the cemetery is the Nunhead Reservoir, hailed by one Redditor for its ‘stunning views,’ while the close by Telegraph Hill provides panoramic views of the city, as well as tennis courts to get your game on during the summer.

Adding to the village-like feel, there’s a thriving community of local businesses too, including the Nunhead Gardener, where there are plants aplenty on offer.

@thenunheadgardener

#plantbase 🌱🧑🏼‍🌾

♬ Epic Music(863502) – Draganov89

If you want to spend locally for your weekly shop, there’s a bakers, butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers in the form of Ayres the Bakers, HA Smith, FC Soper and Beaumonts. Impressive, hey?

And, you can get your caffeine fix too. Goodcup Coffee is a favourite among the locals – they serve up a mean bagel too and have recently started Goodnights, where they open on selected weeknights for cocktails.

When it comes to pubs, Nunhead is well-served by the aptly named Old Nun’s Head, Skehans, and The Ivy House. There’s also El Vermut vermouth bar, a chic Spanish spot, perfect for a date.

@elvermutlondon

🍷🥃🍸🥂 #fyp #vermouth #eastlondon #vermouthbar #bar #london #peckham #localbusiness #spanishbar #foryoupage

♬ Dónde Estás Yolanda – La Sonora Santanera

You’re also not far from the eternally vibrant Peckham if you fancy venturing out a little further – home to the beloved Prince of Peckham pub, Frank’s Café and, of course, the famous Peckhamplex cinema. Here, tickets are just £6, and it’s like stepping back to the 1980s.

There’s also delicious Persian food to be found at Persepolis on Peckham High Street, with a set menu option (known as the ‘full feast’) available for £30 a head.

And if you fall in love with their deliciously sweet coffee or Turkish delight, you can buy it in their shop to take home with you.

Transport links in Nunhead

Nunhead might have a village feel, but it’s still well-connected to central London. The Thameslink into Blackfriars is only four stops and takes just 17 minutes.

The area, in zone 2, is also well-served by the local bus network, with the P12 connecting Honor Oak to Brockley Rise.

House prices in Nunhead

As is the case with much of London, buying a property in Nunhead comes with a considerable price tag.

According to data from Rightmove, over the last year, the average property was priced at £665,845.

The majority of the sales were flats, which came in at £476,975, while semi-detached homes were at the most expensive end of the spectrum at £1,019,730.

As for renting, Foxtons places the average rental for a one-bedroom home at £415 per week, with two bedrooms and three bedrooms coming in at £600 and £635 per week respectively.  

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

MORE : Flights delayed and cancelled at Heathrow and Gatwick airports

MORE : We bought an uninhabited island for £24,000 — it was a lot cheaper than a house deposit

MORE : Elizabeth line suspended between Heathrow Terminals after track fault

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.