Sydenham

Click on any icon on the map for more information.

Local democracy

The area is in Sydenham ward.

• Find your local councillors
• Sydenham local assembly

Parks and open spaces

• Sydenham Wells Park
• Mayow Park
• Home Park
• Kirkdale Green

Families

• The New Generation Youth and Community Centre

Leisure and arts

• Home Park Adventure Playground
• Sydenham Library
• Sydenham Arts
• Sydenham Arts Film Club
• Kirkdale Book Shop and gallery
• Sydenham Centre
• Anna Lovely Gallery 
• Ignition Brewery
• Montage Theatre Arts
• Spontaneous Productions 
• The Poodle Club

Transport

Rail

• Lower Sydenham – Cannon Street, Charing Cross and Hayes
• Sydenham – London Bridge, Caterham and the East London Line
• Sydenham Hill – Victoria, Orpington
• Penge East – Victoria, Orpington

Bus

• See bus routes from TfL

Walking and cycling

• Walk-it routes
• Cycle routes

Schools in the area:

• Our Lady and St Philip Neri RC Primary School
• St Bartholomew's CE Primary School
• St Michael's CE Primary School
• Sydenham School
• Sydenham High School
• Forest Hill School

History

Sydenham started out as a small settlement, a few cottages among the woods, whose inhabitants grazed their animals and collected wood. In the 1640s, springs of water in what is now Wells Park were discovered to have medicinal properties, attracting crowds of people to the area.

Sydenham grew rapidly in the 19th century after the introduction of the canal in 1801, and then the relocation of the Crystal Palace in 1852 (until it burnt down in 1936). Thanks to the exhibitions and concerts subsequently held in the Palace, Sydenham became a fashionable area to live and visit.

Useful websites