Rainbows follow the art trail. Photo Alice Malik
More Strolling, Less Scrolling
Camberwell’s children are swapping screens for streets this summer — and showing the rest of us how much adventure is waiting close to home.
The 1st Denmark Place Rainbows have already set off along the Pavement Art Trail in Twenty-One Urban Strolls in Camberwell, making colourful rubbings of Camberwell’s distinctive pavement roundels. Their walk became a treasure hunt, and some are now determined to find all 18. Crawford Primary School pupils have also joined the campaign, sharing copies of the book with Southwark Pensioners’ Centre and Spring Community Hub. Get your copy from the community stall on Camberwell Green, Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm, or Lala Books and other local bookshops.
Families can continue the adventure throughout the holidays.
Looking for a holiday camp?Camberwell After School Project runs summer activities from Badsworth Road, while Rise and Shine and Stay and Play operate at Lyndhurst Primary School. Butterfly Tennis Club on Camberwell Grove offers children’s holiday tennis camps.
For something creative, Art in the Park hosts free nature-inspired arts and crafts near Chumleigh Gardens in Burgess Park every Saturday from 2–4 pm. Children can try printing, drawing, weaving and textiles. The South London Gallery also offers its Children’s Garden Trail every Saturday and Sunday from noon–6 pm, with Family Space from 11 am–1 pm.
So pack a drink, pick a route and step outside. This summer, Camberwell is the playground.
|
|
|
|
|
Step into the Green
Put your best ideas in motion on Sunday 5 July with a two-hour Camberwell “walkshop” led by writer Eva Gerretsen. Starting at SAPHI coffee and croissant café beside Denmark Hill Station at 10 am, the small-group walk uses the streets as a springboard for writing, observation and fresh thinking. Only 10 places are available, at £5 each, and all materials are provided. Bring water, comfortable shoes and weather-ready clothing. Tickets available here
Turn your attention to Camberwell’s wilder residents. Join the Camberwell Butterfly Safari and Big Butterfly Count at St Giles’ churchyard on 4 July at 10:30 am. Look closely, count what flutters past and help build a picture of local butterfly life.
For the early birds, the Camberwell Dawn Chorus begins at 6 am and again at 7:30 am on 22 August at the Angling Club. Burgess Park will be waking up as John and Janet Cadera lead small groups through its lakeside reeds and wooded corners, helping participants identify birds by sight and song.
The dawn chorus is free, child-friendly and open to all. Reserve your space here. From writing on the move to butterflies and birdsong, Camberwell is inviting everyone outdoors.
|
|
|
|
|
Photo Blackstock Media
Superheroes take the Green
Camberwell Green turns into superhero headquarters on Saturday 11 July, when the SEND Community Festival fills the park from noon to 5 pm.
Families can dive into African drumming, explore a sensory zone, get creative with crafts, bounce on the castle or relax together in the picnic area. The festival celebrates health, wellbeing and respite, with activities designed for children and families of all abilities. Capes are optional, but the theme is “Super Heroes”, so expect plenty of colourful characters.
And remember, Camberwell Market is on the Green every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. Alongside food, gifts and local traders, the community stall is a one-stop shop for the latest Camberwell information, events and products.
Pick up a copy of Twenty-One Urban Strolls in Camberwell, discover what is happening nearby and support local organisations while you are there. On festival day, come for the market, stay for the superheroes and make a full day of it.
|
|
|
|
|
See, learn, listen
See Camberwell through an artist’s eyes on 6 July at 7 pm at the Grove House Tavern. Natasha Godfrey’s affectionate illustrations of local streets, buildings and characters are firm Camberwell favourites, and regulars at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Tickets £12 with free glass of wine here
On 8 July at 12:30 pm, South East London Community Energy hosts a free online session on repair and retrofit. Join to learn how to make your home greener, cheaper to run and, crucially, cooler during the summer heat. Book here
Then set the alarm for 22 August. Camberwell Dawn Chorus starts at 6 am at the Angling Club, with birdsong, lakeside reeds and an early-morning adventure through Burgess Park.
|
|
|
|
|
Malvolio’s masquerade at Theatre Peckham
Shakespeare hits the streets
Camberwell reworks Shakespeare this month, in theatres, outdoor spaces and to the rhythms of Trinidad Carnival.
At Theatre Peckham, Malvolio’s Masqueraderemixes Twelfth Night through the living ritual of Trinidad Carnival, with mas (parade), music and movement. Identities shift, love runs wild and order gleefully falls apart before finding its feet again.
Theatre Peckham also celebrates its 40th anniversary with an augmented-reality adventure on 3 and 4 July. Download the free app, follow the digital map and hunt for 40 virtual tokens packed with photos, videos and memories from the theatre’s history.
At Longfield Hall on Thursday 16 July, from 7–9:30 pm, The Factory Theatre Company turns Cymbeline into a promenade performance. With no sets, costumes or fixed blocking, the actors rely on sharp text, spontaneity and mischief. Followers describe it as joining the first rehearsal of a Shakespeare play in his own time, when only the text was sacrosanct. Expect love, betrayal, jealousy, power, forgiveness and plenty of surprises as the action unfolds around you.
Meanwhile, the Golden Goose Theatre stages 22 productions this month, from Hedda Gabler to new writing including How to Create a Life.
|
|
|
|
|
Dash the Henge
Tuning up
The only thing hotter than the heatwave is Camberwell’s red-hot music talent, according to the Joiner’s Arms.Got a song to share? The Joiners Arms hosts an open mic night every Thursday — and it is rated among London’s top 10. Sign up from 7 pm, music starts at 8 pm and there is a house guitar ready to play. The Arms promises talent hotter than the weather, so bring your voice, your strings or simply your applause.
Dash the Henge keeps the volume high with Millpool on 18 July and regular spots for local bands.
At Jazz Live at the Crypt, Axel Kaner-Lidstrom brings his trumpet and the adventurous energy that has won his Levitation Orchestra a loyal London following. The month also features Lockheart & Parricelli on 10 July, Camberwell Connection on 19 July, Kanani, Davies and Labd on 24 July, and guitar heavyweights Jim Mullen and Nigel Price on 31 July.
From first-time performers to established jazz names, Camberwell is playing at full volume this summer.
|
|
|
|
|
Mike Davies founder of Camberwell Arms
·
Who is winning the Arms race?
Hot on the heels of the Kerfield Armsgaining a Michelin star, the Camberwell Arms has added another major honour to the neighbourhood’s dining table.
We already knew it was one of London’s top gastropubs. Now Time Out has ranked it the ninth-best gastropub in the UK.
Opened in 2014 by chef Mike Davies with Frank Boxer and James Dye, the Camberwell Arms was created as a true neighbourhood restaurant. Its seasonal, produce-led menu ranges from crispy barbecued mackerel with sweet-and-sour peppers to pork loin chop with red cabbage. The kitchen also makes its own bread, ice cream, pickles and smoked fish.
The pub has occupied its handsome Victorian building since the days when it was known as Stirling Castle. High ceilings, a solid wood bar and a fireplace preserve its historic character.
With the Kerfield and the Camberwell Arms both winning national attention, Camberwell’s restaurant scene is flexing serious muscle.
|
|
|
|
|
OPENINGS
Another Camberwell opening : Bloom Works pairs coffee with chrysanthemums in a café and flower shop in Butterfly Walk. Follow the bouquets to the back and step into Nunhead Gardener’s outdoor plant space.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
