This Brixton neighbourhood is right in the middle of south London in the Borough of Lambeth, and sits between the sprawling Brockwell Park and busy Brixton Hill. The leafy suburban streets are lined with large Victorian terraces, most of which have been split up into flats to accommodate Brixton’s growing younger population. There are a few bars and pubs in the area, like The Elm Park Tavern and the Sympathetic Ear, but there are even more up the road in the locality’s bustling centre. Residents get the best of both worlds, as they are near the late-night clubs and bars of Brixton, but are far enough away that they can get a little peace and quiet if they desire. Brockwell Park borders this neighbourhood area, which hosts the Lambeth Country Show every July and gives residents a large green space to play and relax in. This neighbourhood is a great choice for those who don’t want to pay central London rent, but also don’t want to sacrifice entertainment options.

Tulse Hill was formed from the former Manors of Bodley, Upgroves and Scarlettes, and its name derives from the Tulse family who came into ownership of the land during the 1650s. In 1807, the large estate was divided into two and this neighbourhood came under the possession of Dr. Thomas Edgar through his marriage to Mary Cressingham. Once he acquired an additional strip of land giving access to Brixton Hill, he created the curving sweep of Upper Tulse Hill and began to build a high-class estate here. In 1855, the family gave land for the construction of Holy Trinity Church, which is still in use today, despite objections from nearby vicars who felt that there were already enough churches in the area. In 1891 the Lambeth council acquired Brockwell Hall and the family’s grounds and used the land to create Brockwell Park, the centrepiece of the neighbourhood today.

In 1856 the astronomer Sir William Huggins (1824-1910) built a private observatory here, where he conducted pioneering research into the spectra of stars, nebulae and comets. This has led some to suggest that Tulse Hill is the birthplace of astrophysics.

The average rate of crime in London is 2.15, and this neighbourhood has a slightly higher rate at 2.45. The highest reported crime is violence against a person, but this is mostly related to gang related crime and the everyday passer-by is not likely to be affected by it.

The Lambeth Council has introduced plans to refurbish and improve the neighbourhood area. These enhancements include improvements to Tulse Hill rail station, which were completed in 2021. Lambeth Council also gave the green light to developo a multi-floor, 45 apartment housing development in the area. The development will feature a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. It will also feature a communal open space, private storage, disabled parking, cycle parking, plus refuse and recycling stores. Of these units, 12 will be social housing units and another 5 will be under shared ownership. Residents should continue to see continual growth and new builds in the area in the coming years.