A Weekend In Herne Hill

Since I am now lucky enough to call Herne Hill my new neighbourhood, I thought I'd share some of the beauty this area has to offer in writing and pictures. 

Herne Hill is located in London fare zone 3, just a hop away from buzzing Brixton on one side and charming Dulwich Village on the other. It is also only a short and convenient 20-minute  train ride from central London (that is if Southern Rail doesn't act up again). After living in Norwood Junction for 6 months, deprived of cosy cafés and vibrant atmosphere, Brockwell Park and Herne Hill were quick to steal my heart. On my first exploration walk I set off in Tulse Hill and walked down to afore mentioned Brockwell Park, a giant, beautiful green space with ponds, a walled garden, tennis courts, an all-weather outdoor playing field, a lido, two inviting cafés and stunning views of the London skyline in the distance. What I loved most about the park is that it lets you escape the crazy London traffic, it lets you relax, wind down, switch off and forget about the stress outside. I can't wait to see it in spring and summer, I believe I will spend a fair amount of my free time there. 

To warm up after my walk in the park my love for cosy cafés was calling, and luckily I was spoilt for choice in this regard. There is the Brockwell Park Café in the old grand-looking Hall and the cute Lido Café, located directly in the park. As I planned on having a look at Herne Hill itself I ventured further and discovered The Roome, The Parlour and many more. In the end I settled for a Brownie and a soy Latté at Café Provecal, next to the beautiful Half Moon Pub. The café was busy on a Saturday afternoon with people coming for a late lunch and cake-lovers like myself. The interior is charming and homey, it has a unique, laid-back character and living room feel to it , thanks to the unmatching furniture and little details. Cake-and-Coffee-Lover Heaven.

Yesterday I took my new 50 mm lense out for a walk, but it looks like I need a bit more practice with the manual focus:

On Sundays Herne Hill hosts a market outside the station that is worth checking out. An array of quaint stalls with baked goods,breads, meats, vegetables, street food, second hand furniture awaits.