With leafy streets, historic architecture, and a strong sense of community, it’s easy to see why families, professionals, and creatives are increasingly drawn here.
Sydenham is blessed with some of the most scenic green spaces in the borough, perfect for weekend strolls, sports, or simply soaking up the sun.
Sydenham Wells Park’s formal gardens, water features, and wide-open lawns provide a peaceful escape, while tennis courts and a children’s splash zone keep the little ones entertained.
Just a short walk away, Mayow Park combines historic charm with modern amenities.
One of London’s oldest parks, it’s packed with football, cricket, and tennis courts, an outdoor gym, and a vibrant nature garden.
And of course, Crystal Palace Park is just around the corner.
Sydenham side of Crystal Palace Park (Image: Newsquest)
Famous for its Victorian terraces and the iconic dinosaur sculptures, the park offers sprawling open fields, children’s play areas, sports facilities, and hosts seasonal events like outdoor theatre, fairs, and local markets.
Sydenham’s streets are dotted with independent cafés, pubs, and restaurants that give it a character all its own.
Locals flock to community pubs like The Greyhound, The Dolphin, and Golden Lion, which regularly host events and live music nights.
Speaking about The Dolphin, one TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Love this place!
The Dolphin (Image: Google)
“Very relaxed pub.
“Super mixed audience.
“Nice secluded beer garden out the back.
“Absolutely love their Pizza Monday’s – buy one get one free, for some of the best pizza I’ve had!
Dalina Pizzeria, The Convivial Café, Gurkha’s Nepalese, and Pho & Co are local favourites, while Trattoria Raffaele, a family-run Italian gem, consistently earns praise for its authentic dishes.
The Convivial cafe (Image: Google)
Commuters have plenty of options: Sydenham Station in Zone 3 links directly to London Bridge, Highbury & Islington, Crystal Palace, and West Croydon, while Penge East and Lower Sydenham stations provide alternative routes to London Victoria and Charing Cross.
Add in an extensive network of bus routes connecting Dulwich, Brixton, Catford, and Lewisham, and getting around south London couldn’t be easier.
History buffs and architecture lovers will be drawn to the Sydenham Thorpes conservation area, which spans streets like Bishopsthorpe, Queensthorpe, Earlsthorpe, Princethorpe, Kingsthorpe, and Dukesthorpe Roads.
Bishopsthorpe Road (Image: Google)
With well-preserved period houses, original features, and a rich architectural heritage, this charming pocket of Sydenham offers a glimpse into the past while remaining a highly sought-after place to live today.
According to RightMove, house prices in Sydenham have an overall average of £543,242 over the last year.
The majority of properties sold in Sydenham during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of £401,955.
Terraced properties sold for an average of £657,064, with semi-detached properties fetching £790,171.

