Wandering through the centre of Camberwell, it’s easy to ask yourself why Londoners don’t talk more about it. Despite only being in zone 2, it has a serenity to it that only distant suburbs offer. Whether it’s the tree lined streets, or the plethora of parks like iconic Camberwell Green, Burgess Park, and Brunswick Park, the area is a wonderful escape from central London.

In recent years, the Londoners flocking to Camberwell have included artists as well as young professionals looking for an easy commute to the City via the nearby Overground stations. Still, the area’s mix of housing - older Georgian terraced houses, and more affordable council flats - makes Camberwell an easy option for families as well. While the schools may not have been rated highly in the past, Southwark Council is now investing heavily in the neighbourhood. They recently even opened a new library with dozens of engaging community activities. Even if you’re not looking to move, Camberwell is still worth a visit. Though after stopping for a latte at Pigeon Hole Café or grabbing a pint at The Tiger pub, you won’t want to leave!

Early on in the neighbourhood’s history, Camberwell Green served as the centre of the area’s social life. Once a year, from as early as 1279, the park hosted the Camberwell Fair. Unfortunately, in 1855, the local authority shut it down, believing the fair to be the cause of “immoral and riotous behaviour.” Historical scholars believe the fair was an excuse for locals to trade goods and animals, network with one another and take part in a couple of games. It’s more likely that its shut down was really just due to the influx of more wealthy residents to the area, who didn’t like the crowds who attended. Eventually, however, due to the community’s hard work, the fair returned to Camberwell in 2015. The new fairs have been funded in part by Southwark Council and now draw crowds of over 7,000 people!

Famous poet and playwright, Robert Browning, grew up in this neighbourhood during the 19th century. While his home is no longer standing, it was known as the Rainbow Cottage.

The crime rates in the area, while not too high, are still above the averages of London. Many of the recent crimes have been classified as burglary and theft. Still, residents in the area feel safe and love the tight knit community feel of the neighbourhood.

Southwark’s Five Estates Peckham Masterplan was expected to be completed in 2019 but its final phase is still in the planning stage as of 2022. The original London-wide master plan was outlined in 1995, and covered the Sumner, North Peckham, Willowbrook, Gloucester Grove, and Camden estates. Over the past 15 years, this regeneration project has already transformed the area around the Elmington and Willowbrook estates, into one characterised by its art and cuisine, without sacrificing its historic shops and African markets. Camberwell has seen a spike in interest from housing developers. Bellway Homes recently opened their new development in their neighbourhood, Elmington Green. This development brings over 200 new luxury homes to the area. The complex offers a mix of flats and family houses. Another is the mixed use scheme between 25 and 33 Parkhouse Street which will provide 109 new flats and 1,400 m2 of commercial space upon completion in 2024.