Hammersmith Area Guide

Hammersmith is one of West London’s biggest commercial centres, and its many new developments along the Thames make it a popular place to settle for professionals. Its many excellent schools attract families, and although it’s one of London’s smallest boroughs, there’s a vibrant nightlife scene here with fantastic transport links.

Highlights and attractions

Hammersmith’s industrial heritage dates back centuries, and to this day it has a thriving commercial centre in Hammersmith Broadway. This is where you’ll find office complexes, the borough’s main shopping centre, plus a bus and tube station.

Although not quite as leafy as its neighbouring boroughs, you can still enjoy tranquil walks along the Thames and in Ravenscourt Park, a 21-acre green space with a lake and multiple sports areas. There’s also a large play area and paddling pool here, to keep the children entertained in warmer months while you have a coffee at the cafe.

Overlooking the River Thames you’ll find Kelmscott House, a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion. The house was home to socialist, author and artist William Morris in the late 19th century, and his namesake Society now runs a museum in the basement and coach house of the property. The William Morris Society runs seasonal exhibitions of his work in the mansion.

After undergoing a major redevelopment, the Riverside Studios venue boasts state-of-the-art facilities for TV and theatre, and its two cinemas make it a firm favourite among Hammersmith film fans.

Commuting

Tube: Four different tube lines connect through Hammersmith Station. You can travel to all corners of London from Hammersmith on the the District, Circle, Piccadilly, and Hammersmith & City lines. You’ll reach Paddington in under 15 minutes, and Heathrow Airport in under 40 minutes.

Bus: Hammersmith Bus Station is a busy hub for London Bus services travelling across the capital. Several night buses also operate, including buses to King’s Cross and Clapham Junction.

Road: Hammersmith sits on the busy A4, with the M4 just 15 minutes away.

Cycle: If you need to cycle into the city for work, it will take you around half an hour to get to Piccadilly Circus from Hammersmith.

Food and Drink

Did you know Jamie Oliver launched his career in Hammersmith? During the early days of his career in the 90s, he worked as a sous-chef at the popular River Cafe on the banks of the Thames. Although it’s not actually a cafe at all - it’s a Michelin star restaurant.

You’ll find lots of places to eat and drink in the Hammersmith Broadway Shopping Centre, from noodle bars to Italian restaurants and plenty of places to grab a coffee or a snack on the go.

Along with several modern gastropubs with a view scattered along the Thames bank, there’s a thriving social scene in nearby Brackenbury Village. From modern British pubs to upmarket restaurants showcasing cuisines from around the world, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The nightlife scene is buzzing here, too, with classy wine bars and craft beer venues open until the early hours - which is popular among the young professionals in the area!

Events

Whether you’re a music fan or prefer comedy shows, you’ll find all the entertainment you need at the Lyric and Apollo Theatres. Shows run regularly throughout the year, and include some of the country’s biggest and best performers.

Hammersmith’s Business Improvement District runs an annual Summer Festival in the borough. In recent years, celebrations have included Colombian art and folklore, shows put together by homeless or formerly homeless artists, and a partnership with the Irish Cultural Centre in celebration of the Irish film scene.

Schools

There are schools for children of all ages, from nursery age to further education level, spread across the borough. Many of the schools are Ofsted rated Good or Outstanding, and the area also has several independent schools. Some notable Ofsted Outstanding-rated primary schools include St Peter's, Thomas Jones Primary School, Fox Primary School, Earl's Court Free School Primary, and Larmenier & Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School. Both Sacred Heart High School and Westside Secondary School are rated Outstanding, and Godolphin and Latymer Girls School won the Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year in 2020.