Lambeth: At the heart of the action

Finding it difficult to choose where to stay for 2012? Lambeth has something for everyone!

A long, thin borough right near the centre of the city, Lambeth has a high concentration of popular areas. In fact, as the most populated part of the city, it’s positively buzzing with life.

The different shopping areas in the three by seven mile area include Brixton, Vauxhall, Clapham and Streatham. Most of these are big enough to be known by name to a large proportion of the UK population, if not the world! This density of high-activity areas means that there is an incredibly variety of things to do and see, with a melting pot of cultures like few others.

The history of Lambeth is one of the less straightforward among the boroughs of London. Originally, plans were drawn up to merge it with Southwark, but these fell through and the final decision brought parts of the Metropolitan Borough of Wandsworth together with the original Metropolitan Borough of Lambeth. This merger gave us the great mix of places that visitors to the area can now enjoy. From a highly tourist-friendly North end to a leafy, suburban Southern section, Lambeth has it all.

What do the Olympics hold for Lambeth?

If you’re in Lambeth for the Summer Games, chances are you’ll be interested in going to see some of the finest tennis players that the world produces.

Wimbledon is very nearby, located a short distance to the West of the borough. The game, familiar to most of the world, is a display of speed, skill and concentration which will have even the least sport-aware spectators on the edges of their seats.

Little needs to be said about the quality of the venue; Wimbledon, as a perennial centre for excellence in tennis will provide the perfect backdrop to the Olympic event with its perfect grass and green livery. Hosting the Wimbledon tennis tournament since 1877, the venue is the only remaining major grass-court location on the tennis circuit. The recently-added retractable roof means that not even a British summer can get in the way of what is certainly one of the most majestic events on the 2012 schedule.

It’s not all tennis at the Olympics of course, and Lambeth is equally well-positioned for attendance of other events. The excellent transport connections available in central London will make it a breeze to pop across to the Newham Olympic Park for the events there, or to Wembley for the football finals, for example.

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When there’s no sport on, what to do?

The proximity of Lambeth to Wimbledon isn’t just a major plus when it comes to seeing the finest tennis action, but also for sightseeing.

Very close by is the World Heritage Site of Kew Gardens – a must-see London attraction if you’re in the area. Lambeth itself has its own fair share of things to see and do, though. The list begins with the London Eye, a postcard-adorning monument which can be used to get some of the best views of the city right from the banks of the Thames.

For cricket lovers, the Oval is also a Lambeth highlight. The legendary ground is known across the globe for playing host to many premier cricket matches every year. For those who worship the gods of architecture, the array of landmark churches in the borough is outstanding. From St John the Divine, with its red spire, to the four Waterloo Churches, the lover of the art-form of building is truly spoiled for choice.

Along the South Bank there are a variety of high-profile establishments that visitors should definitely add to their to-do lists. For example, the Royal Festival Hall and National Theatre are two fantastic venues that will no doubt be hosting shows which will add a special something to your London visit. Also in the North of the borough is the Florence Nightingale museum, for those with a penchant for historical exhibitions.

Transport to and from Lambeth

Vauxhall, one of the major transport hubs of the capital, is located in Lambeth. What this means for you as a visitor is less train-changing, less map reading and more relaxation and enjoyment.

Also very nearby is the even bigger train nexus of London Victoria station. Trains and buses are in abundance in the borough and transport will be easy to and from events, with special consideration being paid by Transport for London to the needs of the millions of people converging on the city in 2012.

London Heathrow is probably the best bet in terms of international airports for access to Lambeth. It is geographically the closest and while it will be incredibly busy, the highly connected nature of this transport nucleus will make it easier to get into the capital.

Due to Lambeth’s highly central nature, driving in is probably best approached using the most direct route. Coming in from the South of the river is probably slightly preferable, as it minimises use of the roads in the very core of London.