If you’re planning a visit to East Dulwich, named as one of the best places to live in the UK, here are five things you can do to spend a day in this artsy neighbourhood.
East Dulwich was named as one of the UK’s “best places to live” for 2025 by Muddy Stilettos for a second year running, after being named in the list in 2024.
East Dulwich is a green, leafy neighbourhood on the borders of south and south east London known for its art galleries, independent shops and green spaces.
This popular area was described by Muddy Stilettos as a “cool” place to live, on account of its cultural value and food scene, with food markets and “notable restaurants”.
But if you’re planning to see this highly coveted neighbourhood for yourself, here are five things you can do on a day trip to East Dulwich.
Explore the art
One of Dulwich’s standout features according to Muddy Stilettos is its art, with a rather eclectic mix ranging from the traditional to the contemporary.
Starting off with the oldest, no trip to Dulwich is complete without a visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery.
On a trail throgh East Dulwich you’ll find more than 30 examples of south east London’s diverse street art, with a walk lasting around 2 hours taking you around streets like Lordship Lane and East Dulwich Road.
In one of East Dulwich’s terraced houses you’ll find the House of Dreams, which was turned into the personal art museum of former art director Stephen Wright, where you can go and visit his personal collection.
Shop at East Dulwich’s many indy shops
If you’re after a spot of retail therapy, East Dulwich has plenty of independent shops to explore, for everything from greeting cards to groceries.
One shop to visit is Dulwich Books, which has been part of the community for 40 years and has a host of titles ranging from adult fiction to children’s books, making it the perfect place to find a new book before curling up at one of Dulwich’s many cafes on a rainy afternoon.
Take a walk through Dulwich Park
One of East Dulwich’s oldest parks is Dulwich Park, first opened in 1890 this greenspace offers a perfect spot for autumn walks within this suburban neighbourhood.
This Grade II listed park stretching 29 hectares features a lake along with a vegetable garden and wildlife garden, as well as a café to stop off for a hot drink after a chilly walk.
But if you visit in the summer months, the park hosts an annual fair in May, along with film screenings as part of their ‘Screen on the Green’ events, making it a great spot to visit all year round.
Have a drink at East Dulwich Tavern
Now of course no day out would be complete without a drink at the local pub, and The East Dulwich Tavern was one of the pubs featured by Muddy Stilettos in their guide.
Equally the pub is a firm favourite of ours too, because of its eclectic feel with antique furniture and wall artwork.
The pub has been a key part of the East Dulwich community since 1999 and serves traditional pub fare as well as roasts on Sundays for £16 - £19.
If you’re a jazz fan, the pub also hosts their popular jazz nights on the first Wednesday of every month with tickets priced at £10, where you can catch tributes to artists like Stevie Wonder.
Visit Oru - Dulwich’s ‘best keep secret’
Named East Dulwich’s “best kept secret” by Muddy Stilettos, this unique space doubles as a yoga studio, café and co-working space by day, and a fun Sri Lankan restaurant by night serving up plant-based dishes by the name of Trinco.
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