Lively, diverse and culturally significant, there are many reasons to visit Brixton in the south of London. Selling goods from all over the world and home to major music venues, Brixton is one of London’s most popular areas.
Take a stroll in Brockwell Park
This large south London park has excellent views of the central London skyline from Brockwell Hall. Or just take a stroll among the ornamental ponds and formal flower beds.
The art deco Brockwell Lido has a 50m outdoor swimming pool and a popular cafe. The miniature railway is worth finding too. Each July the free Lambeth Country Show is held here.
See big-name bands at Brixton O₂ Academy
I had some brilliant nights at this old theatre in the ’80s and ’90s. It’s been a music venue since 1983 and has a large main floor space for watching and dancing, plus seating on the balcony.
It’s one of the biggest non-arena venues in London (capacity nearly 5,000) so big bands include it on their tours. Gigs we all wish we’d seen here include Madonna in 2000 promoting her Music album, and The Smiths’ last ever gig in 1986.
Order cake and coffee at Beaconsfield Gallery Vauxhall
BGV is an artist-run contemporary art gallery housed in a Victorian ragged school (poor school) building.
The art can be a bit ‘way out there’ but it’s a welcoming place and there’s lots of space to explore.
I tend to go for the Ragged Canteen on the lower level as it’s a lovely daytime vegetarian café.
Meet the locals at Pop Brixton
Pop Brixton has turned disused land into a creative space for local, independent businesses by using shipping containers.
The designer-maker shops are great but I like to go in the evening as there are restaurants and food startups making this an excellent night out.
It just feels like a really vibrant and creative place. Note, on Fridays and Saturdays it’s for over 18s from 6pm.
Hang out with mates at Brixton Jamm
Brixton Jamm is a staple party venue for south Londoners. From House to Jungle, Disco to Drum and Bass this is a fun place when you want to dance.
They have live music, DJ sets and after-parties. And the courtyard has decent DJs, street food, cocktails and dancing too.
Go shopping at Brixton Market
Station Road street market is open on weekdays for street food and general stalls, and there are colourful themed markets on Saturdays, such as a flea market and makers’ market.
Electric Avenue has cheap food stalls all week and there are covered arcades too. Brixton market sells a wide range of foods and goods but is best known for its African and Caribbean produce, which reflects the diverse local community.
Find a relic at the Brixton Windmill
Who would expect to find a 200-year-old, 15-metre-high windmill in Brixton? Built when this was open fields, the mill closed in 1934.
But following restoration in 2011 it is now London’s only working windmill.
Officially known as Ashby’s Mill, after the family who milled here, it’s open to the public for guided tours from March to October, usually on the second weekend of every month. And you can buy the flour milled here then too.
Explore and learn at the Black Cultural Archives
The BCA, on Windrush Square in Brixton, is the only national repository of Black history and culture in the UK.
They are all about uncovering the hidden stories of Britain’s Black Heritage and then sharing their findings with everyone.
There’s an impressive archive offering insight into the history of people of African and Caribbean descent in Britain.
You can study in the Reading Room or simply enjoy the free exhibitions and events.
Enjoy movies and music at Brixton Ritzy
You’ll get the blockbusters plus art-house and foreign language films at this restored 1911 multi-screen cinema as well as regular Q&As, film festivals and themed seasons too.
The cafe is open from breakfast and the bar is open through the evening with seating outside the front. The Ritzy is not just for seeing films as Upstairs is the second-floor music venue open 7 nights a week.
Eat out at Brixton Village
This was once one of the rundown market arcades (called Granville Arcade), but it’s been restored due to its cultural significance as one of the principal hearts of the UK’s Afro-Caribbean community, and the fact that there are few arcades like this left in the UK.
Now there are more than 20 cafés, restaurants and takeaways making this Brixton’s culinary hub. The Village Market stays open late on Thursday and Friday nights for live music and food from around the world.
Dance the night away at the Electric Brixton
I remember this place as the rather excellent Fridge nightclub in the ’90s, but I can confirm Electric Brixton is still a fab live music venue with top-notch dance DJ sets.
It’s in a theatre dating back to 1912 so has a large main floor and ornate plasterwork on the walls and balcony.
Grab a pint at Brixton Brewery
On Saturdays, this easy-to-reach local brewery opens its doors to the public to sell its tempting wares. Those purchasing beer can stay and drink or take it home for later. Brixton Brewery is usually open 12 noon-5 pm, but hours may vary, so check the website before visiting.
Rock down to Electric Avenue
Immortalised by the song by Eddy Grant, Electric Avenue is home to many independent shops and also Brixton Market, a vibrant market with many fresh meat and fish stalls, among covered arcades. Try a delicious Jamaican saltfish patty, buy a ripe mango or two and stop for a coffee at Federation – admire the street art and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.