Things to do in Oarsome Hammersmith

Last updated on May 14th, 2024

There’s so much more to Hammersmith than getting hammered during the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. This corner of west London has been my home for the last ten years, and as a local, I can tell you there are plenty of fun, relaxing and exciting things to do in Hammersmith. Here are 13 reasons why you should visit this London beauty spot.

13 oarsome things to do in Hammersmith

It’s perfect for a riverside amble

Start your walk at the base of Hammersmith Bridge. Head up Lower Mall into Furnivall Gardens and onto Upper Mall. Sleepy canal boats hug the riverbank as you wander past bulging pubs and handsome houses. This dreamy outpost has inspired painters and writers, including JMW Turner, who once had a studio here.

Fancy a pint with ghosts of Hammersmith past?

If only the walls of the Dove pub could speak. It was a favourite haunt of Dylan Thomas and Ernest Hemingway, and a little birdie tells us Alec Guinness liked a pint of – you guessed it – Guinness. The pub is also home to the world’s smallest bar room.

It has some of London’s best pubs

If you’re looking for a pub crawl, then look no further than Hammersmith. The prettiest ones are along the river, starting at the Hammersmith Bridge end: The Blue Anchor (where Sliding Doors was filmed), The Rutland (my daughter swears by their chips), The Dove (my local), The Old Ship and The Black Lion, home to one of London’s only skittle alleys.

Get Artsy and Craftsy

William Morris lived in Kelmscott House, a jaw-dropping Georgian house on Upper Mall. It’s a private home now, but you can visit the William Morris Gallery next door. This place also marks the spot of the first electric telegraph in the UK.

Further down on Hammersmith Terrace is the small but perfectly formed Emery Walker House. The Arts and Crafts home is a William Morris time capsule and stuffed full of original furniture, flooring, artwork and home accessories. The house is open from March to November, and you can book a tour here.

It has the best curry pub in London

Indeed it does, and so much so, this Londoness goes there at least once a week for her curry fix.  It’s called The Hampshire and it’s on King Street, near Ravensourt Park tube. Make sure you order the crispy okra and the chili and garlic mogo to have with your drinks. They are so moreish you might need more than one serving. The Hampshire has a fantastic outdoor terrace with heaters and cosy seating and if it’s your thing, a Shisha bar as well. The Hampshire even does an Indian high tea complete with samosas, paneer rolls, Indianised grilled sandwich, cake, sweets and unlimited chai masala.

Live la Dolce Vita

Listen up now, as I’m about to tell you about one of our best neighbourhood hangouts. It looks like a pretty local greengrocer outside, but step inside Mari Delicatessen and that’s it: you’re in Italia now. It serves top-notch coffee and it’s a sea of biscotti, cake, chocolate, bread, cheese, meat, antipasti and homemade pasta. There’s even an impressive vegan and gluten-free counter.

It has groundbreaking productions

Perched at the top of King Street, the Lyric Hammersmith is west London’s cultural hub with an innovative repertoire. The multipurpose venue houses two theatres, a cinema, art gallery, studios and rehearsal rooms.

Eat in Jamie Oliver’s old pew

Back in 1997, a fresh-faced sous-chef was chopping up a storm in the River Café  – his name was Jamie Oliver, and the rest is history. Today, the River Café is run by Ruth Rodgers and designed by her rather famous husband. architect Richard Rogers. It will cost you a pretty penny to eat in this Michelin-star, riverfront restaurant, but it’s worth it. Don’t even think about leaving without trying the chocolate nemesis.

Nurse your inner gardener

The award-winning W6 Garden Centre and Café is a tranquil oasis, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of King Street. It may not look like much from the outside, but step inside and it’s an urban jungle of pots, plants, garden furniture and accessories.  Did I mention the organic café where pooches are welcome? And there’s a special kids’ menu with pizzettas, eggie cheese toastie and homemade chocolate spread on toast. Ravenscourt Park is on the doorstep, so you can burn off all the calories with a lovely, brisk walk.

Tea back in time

Fancy a cuppa in 1920s London? Step into Betty Blythe, a vintage tea room where you can drop in for tea and cake or settle down for the full works. Choose from the Glamorous Great Gatsby, After Wonderland, Betty’s Little Tea for the whippersnappers, or a Traditional Victorian if the 1920s style is too avantgarde! In the Boudoir downstairs you’ll find dressing-up boxes and vintage accessories, perfect for birthday and hen parties.

Say hello to Capability Brown

Gardener extraordinaire and “England’s greatest landscape gardener” Lancelot “Capability” Brown lived in Hammersmith for 13 years.  As you amble along the river Thames from Putney towards Hammersmith, you will come across his statue.  Capability Brown was responsible for some 170 exquisite gardens, most notably Hampton Court, Chatsworth, Blenheim Palace and Syon House down the road. In 1764, he left Hammersmith for Hampton Court when he was appointed Royal Gardener by King George III.

Take a seat on Bottom’s bench

For many, Hammersmith is synonymous with the 1990s comedy ‘Bottom,’ starring Adrian Edmondson and the late, great Rik Mayall. Just outside Hammersmith Broadway tube station, you can take a pew on a replica of the bench which stars in the sitcom’s opening credits. Be warned though: you might be tempted to start shouting a few obscenities!

And the most Oarsome reason of all….

Of course: the races. Hammersmith will be flooded with visitors for our annual fixture: the 2022 Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. Furnivall Gardens is where it’s all happening, marking the halfway point in the race. There are several pubs from which you can watch, or you can take a pew in Furnivall and watch the race on the big screens. The Women’s Race starts at 2.23pm and the Men’s at 3.23 pm. Don’t you love British precision? Who will  you support this year?

Enjoy your visit to Hammersmith and see you at the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Races!