I remember the first time I properly explored Kennington. It wasn’t on purpose. I was heading to a cricket match at The Oval, got off the tube a stop early, and decided to walk. What I found wasn’t the hectic central London I was used to. Instead, there was a quiet, tree-lined street leading to a huge, welcoming park. There were people with dogs, couples pushing prams, and a mix of old red-brick mansion blocks and modern developments. I thought to myself, “This feels like a proper neighbourhood, not just a London postcode.” That feeling stuck with me, and after spending a lot more time there since, I want to share what makes Kennington such an interesting and liveable corner of London.
Where Exactly is Kennington?
Let’s clear this up first, because it can be confusing. Kennington sits in South London, just south of the River Thames. It’s officially in the Borough of Lambeth. If you look at a map, find Waterloo and head directly south. You’ll hit Kennington. Its main neighbours are Vauxhall to the west, Oval to the north (yes, they blur together), and Elephant & Castle to the east. The postcodes are primarily SE11 and a bit of SE17.
For transport, you’re spoilt. Kennington Tube Station is a crucial hub on the Northern Line. This is a big deal. It’s where the Charing Cross and Bank branches of the Northern Line meet. This means you can get a direct train to the City (Bank, London Bridge) in minutes, or to the West End (Leicester Square, Charing Cross) just as fast. It’s also on the Victoria line via Vauxhall or Stockwell, a short bus ride away. Buses are plentiful, and you can walk to the South Bank in about 25 minutes. In London terms, this connectivity is absolute gold dust.
A Walk Through Time: Kennington’s Rich History
Kennington has a past that’s far from quiet. Kennington Common, which is now partly the beautiful Kennington Park, was a place of huge public gathering. In the 19th century, it was where the Chartists—a movement fighting for ordinary people’s rights to vote—held their massive rallies. Tens of thousands of people would assemble there. It’s humbling to walk through the park today, having a coffee, and thinking about the speeches and hopes that filled that space.
Then, of course, there’s the cricket. The Kia Oval (most locals still just call it The Oval) is not just a cricket ground; it’s an institution. It’s the home of Surrey County Cricket Club and hosted the first-ever England football international. The sight of that famous gas holder is a landmark that tells you you’re home. The area has also been home to everyone from Charlie Chaplin, who spent part of his childhood in the workhouse on Kennington Road (now the Cinema Museum), to more recent notable figures in the arts. This blend of radical history and sporting tradition gives the area a grounded, authentic character you don’t get in more manufactured parts of the city.
The Feel of the Place: Kennington’s Vibe
So, who lives here? Kennington has a wonderfully mixed community. You have young professionals attracted by the tube links, families who’ve been in the area for generations and appreciate the parks and schools, and a growing number of creatives who’ve been priced out of more central zones. It’s not as flashy as Chelsea, nor as hipster as parts of East London. The vibe is… settled. Unpretentious. It’s a place where people live, rather than just sleep.
You’ll see people popping to the local butcher or greengrocer on Kennington Lane, kids playing football in the park, and groups heading to the pub for a Sunday roast. Weekends feel calm. There’s a strong sense of community, which I noticed at the Kennington Farmers’ Market—a small but brilliant weekly market where locals chat with stallholders. It feels like a village that happens to have a Zone 1/2 tube station in the middle of it.
The Property Picture: The Reality of Buying and Renting
Let’s talk practically. Is Kennington expensive? Well, it’s London, so yes. But for its location and transport, it can offer better value than somewhere like Clapham or Islington. The housing stock is diverse.
The classic Kennington flat is often found in elegant, late-Victorian or Edwardian mansion blocks. These buildings have high ceilings, big windows, and often share a communal garden square. They are highly sought-after. Then there are the modern new-build developments, particularly around the Vauxhall border, which offer sleek apartments but with a different, more anonymous feel.
Renting a one-bedroom flat will likely start from around £1,800 per month, and can go much higher for a luxury building or a large period property. Buying is a major commitment, with average flat prices well into the hundreds of thousands, and houses (which are rarer) commanding over a million pounds. My advice? Walk around the different streets. The atmosphere changes block by block. The streets directly around the park feel different to those off Kennington Lane. Rent if you can first, to see if the neighbourhood suits you.
Green Lungs and Getting Around
Kennington Park is the area’s heart. It’s not just a patch of grass; it’s a proper, well-loved park with tennis courts, a lovely café, a children’s play area, and vast open spaces. On a sunny weekend, it’s full of people picnicking, playing sports, or just reading a book. It makes a massive difference to daily life, offering that essential London escape without leaving your postcode.
As mentioned, transport is Kennington’s superpower. The Northern Line is your main artery. But don’t overlook the buses. A quick bus ride can take you to the buzz of Brixton, the shops of Oxford Street, or the riverside at Westminster. Cycling is also becoming easier, with more bike lanes being added. For airports, you can get to Gatwick via Thameslink from nearby Elephant & Castle reasonably easily.
Eating, Drinking, and Exploring
This is where Kennington shines quietly. It’s not packed with trendy hotspots, but it’s full of genuine, excellent local businesses.
For a morning coffee or a remote work session, The Daily Press on Kennington Road is a favourite of mine. It’s always got a good atmosphere. For a proper pub, you can’t go wrong with The Windmill—it’s cosy, does great food, and has a fantastic quiz night. If you like wine, M. Wines is a tiny, brilliant bottle shop and bar run by passionate people.
Food options are global. You’ll find fantastic Portuguese food on South Lambeth Road (just on the Vauxhall border), excellent gastropubs, and some superb Indian restaurants like Kennington Tandoori. A real hidden gem is The Cinema Museum. Housed in the old Lambeth Workhouse, it’s a magical place packed with film memorabilia. You usually need to book for a tour or a film screening, but it’s a utterly unique experience.
And remember, you’re a stone’s throw from the Imperial War Museum (in neighbouring Lambeth) and a pleasant walk from the Southbank Centre. The location truly gives you the best of both worlds: local community and world-class culture.
Conclusion: Is Kennington Right For You?
Kennington won’t scream for your attention. It doesn’t have the fame of Notting Hill or the edgy reputation of Shoreditch. What it offers is something more sustainable for the long term: a fantastic, well-connected London neighbourhood that feels like a community. It has history in its bricks, green space on its doorstep, and a calm, friendly energy. If you’re looking for constant nightlife on your doorstep, you might find it a touch quiet. But if you want a place where you can have a peaceful weekend, yet be in the heart of the city in 15 minutes, Kennington is a contender that’s hard to beat. For me, it represents a slice of what makes London livable—a place with a past, a present, and a strong sense of itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Kennington in Zone 1 or Zone 2?
A: Kennington Tube Station is in Zone 2. However, due to its location and incredible transport links, it feels much more central.
Q: Is Kennington a safe area to live?
A: Like any central London area, it’s important to be generally aware. However, Kennington is generally considered a safe residential area. It’s well-lit, busy around the tube station, and has a strong local community presence. The parks are popular and feel safe during the day.
Q: What’s the difference between Kennington and Oval?
A: They are neighbouring areas that blend into one another. “Oval” typically refers to the area immediately around the cricket ground and tube station. Kennington is a bit broader, extending further south around Kennington Park and Kennington Cross. In daily life, the distinction is minimal.
Q: Are there good schools in Kennington?
A: Yes, there are several well-regarded primary schools in the area, such as St. Mark’s Church of England Primary and Henry Fawcett Primary School. For secondary schools, it draws from a wider catchment in Lambeth.
Q: What’s the best thing about living in Kennington?
A: Most residents would likely say the combination of excellent transport and village-like community feel, anchored by the lovely Kennington Park. It’s that balance that makes it special.