Nunhead, in the London Borough of Southwark, is one of South East London’s hidden gems. Known for its leafy streets, historic cemetery, and thriving independent high street, it offers a quieter, village-like charm while being just minutes from central London. The area blends Victorian housing with modern developments and has become increasingly popular with families, professionals, and creatives seeking good value compared to neighbouring Peckham or East Dulwich. With strong transport links, a close-knit community, and plenty of green spaces, Nunhead has evolved into one of London’s most desirable yet understated residential neighbourhoods.
History & Regeneration
Nunhead’s origins date back to the medieval period when it was little more than farmland within the Manor of Camberwell. The name is thought to derive from a local inn sign known as the Nun’s Head, which itself may have been linked to legends surrounding a beheaded nun during the dissolution of monasteries under Henry VIII.
By the 18th century, Nunhead remained a rural hamlet with a handful of cottages and inns. Its transformation began in the early 19th century, spurred by London’s rapid expansion and the need for burial grounds. In 1840, Nunhead Cemetery was established as one of London’s “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries. Its vast Gothic architecture, landscaped grounds, and sweeping views over the city attracted visitors and new residents alike.
Railway development in the mid-19th century brought further change. The opening of Nunhead station in 1871 made commuting into central London possible, prompting the construction of rows of Victorian terraces that still characterise much of the area today.
During the 20th century, Nunhead saw both decline and renewal. Bombing in the Second World War damaged parts of the district, and post-war housing estates were constructed to replace lost homes. Over the decades, Nunhead developed a reputation as a working-class area with strong community ties, though it remained overshadowed by neighbouring Peckham.
In the 21st century, Nunhead has undergone a remarkable resurgence. Independent shops, bakeries, and pubs on Nunhead Lane have flourished, while Nunhead Cemetery has been restored as both a heritage site and a tranquil public space. Its mix of affordability, transport links, and community feel has attracted young families and professionals, making Nunhead one of London’s most up-and-coming yet authentically local areas.
Property Market & Architecture
The property market in Nunhead offers an appealing balance of character, community, and relative affordability compared to nearby Dulwich or Peckham. Each development and pocket of the area has its own distinct feel, quirks, and opportunities. We’ve advised buyers and sellers across them all and are always happy to share insights that go beyond the listings.
Victorian Terraces
The backbone of Nunhead’s housing stock is its Victorian terraces, built in the late 19th century following the arrival of the railway. Streets like St Mary’s Road, Carden Road, and Ivydale Road feature handsome red-brick houses with bay windows, high ceilings, and period features. Many have been converted into spacious flats, appealing to first-time buyers and investors.
Edwardian and Interwar Homes
On the edges of Nunhead, particularly towards Brockley and Honor Oak, larger Edwardian houses and interwar semi-detached homes offer generous space and gardens, making them highly desirable for families.
Ex-Local Authority Developments
Post-war estates such as those around Nunhead Green provide affordable housing options, with many ex-council flats now available on the open market. These attract both first-time buyers and landlords seeking strong rental demand from students and young professionals.
Modern Apartments
In recent years, several contemporary developments have been introduced around Nunhead station and Queens Road Peckham, providing sleek apartments with open-plan living, balconies, and communal gardens. These appeal particularly to young professionals looking for convenience and modern design.
Conservation Areas
Nunhead Green Conservation Area protects many of the area’s historic buildings, ensuring the character of this ‘village within London’ is preserved. Buyers here benefit from timeless streetscapes and strong long-term investment value.
What makes Nunhead unique is the way its property market caters to a broad spectrum: from characterful Victorian terraces to new-build flats and affordable ex-local authority homes. The area’s growing reputation, supported by good schools and community amenities, ensures consistent demand, making it an attractive option for both buyers and investors.
Local Amenities
- The property market in Nunhead offers an appealing balance of character, community, and relative affordability compared to nearby Dulwich or Peckham. Each development and pocket of the area has its own distinct feel, quirks, and opportunities. We’ve advised buyers and sellers across them all and are always happy to share insights that go beyond the listings.
Victorian Terraces
The backbone of Nunhead’s housing stock is its Victorian terraces, built in the late 19th century following the arrival of the railway. Streets like St Mary’s Road, Carden Road, and Ivydale Road feature handsome red-brick houses with bay windows, high ceilings, and period features. Many have been converted into spacious flats, appealing to first-time buyers and investors.
Edwardian and Interwar Homes
On the edges of Nunhead, particularly towards Brockley and Honor Oak, larger Edwardian houses and interwar semi-detached homes offer generous space and gardens, making them highly desirable for families.
Ex-Local Authority Developments
Post-war estates such as those around Nunhead Green provide affordable housing options, with many ex-council flats now available on the open market. These attract both first-time buyers and landlords seeking strong rental demand from students and young professionals.
Modern Apartments
In recent years, several contemporary developments have been introduced around Nunhead station and Queens Road Peckham, providing sleek apartments with open-plan living, balconies, and communal gardens. These appeal particularly to young professionals looking for convenience and modern design.
Conservation Areas
Nunhead Green Conservation Area protects many of the area’s historic buildings, ensuring the character of this ‘village within London’ is preserved. Buyers here benefit from timeless streetscapes and strong long-term investment value.
What makes Nunhead unique is the way its property market caters to a broad spectrum – from characterful Victorian terraces to new-build flats and affordable ex-local authority homes. The area’s growing reputation, supported by good schools and community amenities, ensures consistent demand, making it an attractive option for both buyers and investors.
Annual Events & Traditions
Nunhead has a warm, community-oriented feel, offering residents both tranquillity and easy access to cultural hotspots nearby.
- Nunhead Cemetery Open Day – Celebrates local history with tours, performances, and family activities.
Nunhead Arts Trail – A showcase of local artists and makers opening their studios to the public.
Best Places to Eat & Drink
- The Old Nun’s Head – A traditional pub with modern food and regular events.
Four Hundred Rabbits – Popular for sourdough pizzas and craft beers.
Babette – A bistro serving modern European cuisine.
Napura – Well-reviewed Portuguese restaurant.
The Beer Shop – Independent craft beer bar with rotating taps.
Museums & Parks Nearby
- Peckham Rye Park – Expansive green space with sports facilities, gardens, and play areas.
Telegraph Hill Park – Offers fantastic views across London.
Nunhead Cemetery – A mix of heritage and nature.
Transport Links
- Rail: Nunhead station – direct trains to London Victoria, Blackfriars, and St Pancras.
Overground (nearby): Queens Road Peckham and Brockley – connections to Shoreditch, Canada Water, and Dalston.
Buses: Excellent links to Peckham, Lewisham, Greenwich, and Central London.
Cycling: Quietway cycle routes connect Nunhead to central London and surrounding boroughs.
Roads: Proximity to the South Circular and A2.
Culture & Community
Nunhead thrives on its village feel while being part of London’s wider cultural fabric. The restored Nunhead Cemetery doubles as a heritage site and cultural venue, while the Nunhead Arts Trail showcases the creativity of local artists. Independent shops, craft beer bars, and music nights at the Old Nun’s Head reinforce the area’s vibrant atmosphere. With nearby Peckham and Deptford providing galleries, theatres, and live music, residents of Nunhead enjoy both a quiet community spirit and access to South London’s dynamic cultural landscape.
Schools & Education
- Ivydale Primary School – Ofsted Good.
St Thomas the Apostle College – Secondary school, Ofsted Outstanding.
John Donne Primary School (nearby) – Ofsted Good.
Haberdashers’ Hatcham College (nearby) – Secondary, Ofsted Good.
Playgrounds
- Nunhead Green Playground – Central play area with swings and climbing frames.
Peckham Rye Park Play Area – Large, well-equipped playground with facilities for all ages.
Telegraph Hill Park Playgrounds – Separate upper and lower play areas catering to younger and older children.
Running Clubs & Fitness
- Gyms: PureGym Peckham, The Gym Group Lewisham, and small independent fitness studios.
Basketball: Telegraph Hill Park has outdoor basketball courts.
Running Clubs: GoodGym Lewisham – combining fitness with volunteering; Runhead Athletic – community running group; Greenwich Tritons – endurance and triathlon club nearby.
Parkrun: Peckham Rye Parkrun – free weekly 5k run, hugely popular with locals.
Green Spaces: Peckham Rye and Nunhead Cemetery offer scenic running and walking routes.
Why Live in Nunhead?
Nunhead offers a rare combination of value, character, and community spirit in South East London. With Victorian terraces, modern developments, and affordable ex-local authority housing, the area caters to a wide range of buyers. Families are drawn to its good schools and green spaces, while professionals value its fast links to the City and West End. Add in a vibrant independent high street and cultural calendar, and Nunhead stands out as an attractive long-term investment as well as a wonderful place to live.
Buying, Selling & Letting Advice
Nunhead continues to grow in popularity as buyers look for better value than East Dulwich or Peckham while retaining a strong sense of community. For buyers, consider conservation areas for long-term investment value. For sellers, steady demand and improving transport links make this an excellent time to market. For landlords, consistent rental demand from professionals and young families ensures reliable returns.
MA-Residential, your trusted estate agent for Nunhead, Peckham Rye and SE15 homes
