Colliers Wood Area Guide
Living in Colliers Wood: A Local Guide
Sharing its postcode with Wimbledon SW19, those living in Colliers Wood agree that this beautiful area offers a rich heritage and modern city life. The area is named after the medieval charcoal burners known as 'colliers'. They made their living collecting wood from the forest that existed until the 1870s east of Colliers Wood High Street. It is where Warren, Marlborough and Birdhurst Roads are now situated. Colliers Wood was once known as Singlegate because of its location on the A24. This was a former ancient Roman road called Stane Street with a toll booth where the road crossed the river. Hence the name Singlegate!
The history of Colliers Wood is seen in its beautiful period properties and Merton Abbey Mills, home to the 12th century medieval ruins of Merton Priory. This is where Henry VI was crowned King of England. The site was acquired by the famous textile designer William Morris in 1881 and later Liberty & Co. These days, Merton Abbey Mills is a lively centre for arts, crafts, and artisan food markets, attracting locals and tourists.
The River Wandle meanders through Colliers Wood, and the nearby Wandle Park offers beautiful green spaces. Therefore, it's unsurprising that property for sale in Colliers Wood doesn't stay on the market for long! It's one of London's upcoming areas.
Primary schools in Colliers Wood are well-represented. Singlegate Primary School is renowned for its strong academic record and supportive learning environment. All Saints' C of E Primary School has a family feel and is a unique facility spread across two campuses.
For secondary education in Colliers Wood, the Harris Academy offers a broad curriculum and a vibrant learning environment.
The presence of quality schools increases the attractiveness of living in Colliers Wood. Great schools provide families with excellent education for their children from their early learning years through to university admission.
Colliers Wood Transport Links
Colliers Wood offers outstanding transport connections, making it highly accessible and convenient for local and long-distance travel. The area is served by Colliers Wood TubeStation, part of the London Underground Northern Line, providing easy access to central London. The tube station is Grade II Listed and opened in September 1926. In addition, Haydons Road train station has trains to Waterloo (change at Wimbledon), and Thameslink trains to St Pancras.
Numerous bus routes also cover the area, providing connectivity to other parts of London.
For cyclists living in Colliers Wood, there are cycling routes and local initiatives aimed at promoting greener modes of transport. Significantly, July 2010 saw the first Barclays Cycle Superhighway opened, with a continuous bicycle lane known as CS7 linking Colliers Wood with Southwark Bridge.
Top Attractions in Colliers Wood
Colliers Wood is known for its unique mix of urban and countryside charm. The area is home to the National Trust owned Wandle Park. The park is a beautiful oasis with delightful river walks, picnic areas, and a children's playground.
For those interested in history, Merton Abbey Mills, is an historic site along the river Wandle that once included a Liberty silk-printing works. Merton Abbey Mills has now been converted and plays host to arts, crafts, and an artisan food market. Additionally, the site has wonderful walks along the river and a variety of live music events and family fun days take place in the spring and summer.
The nearby Merton Priory Chapter House, founded in 1117, offers another insight into the rich history of the region. Originally built around 1130, it was one of the most essential buildings in the original Merton Priory and served as the centre of administration. However, following King Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538, the Priory was demolished.
Today the Merton Priory Chapter House is accessible at certain times through the year via a door within a concrete underpass! Regardless of its somewhat hidden location, it continues to hold historical significance.
For those interested in performing arts, the Colour House Theatre adds to the area's cultural vibrancy, bringing a variety of performances to the community.
Deen City Farm is where farm meets city! Established in 1978 the farm has educated the local community for over 40 years! This 5-acre working farm has gardens and a riding school and is a popular attraction.
Shopping in Colliers Wood
The area hosts a large variety of stores easily accessible to those living in Colliers Wood. Shopping destinations include the Tandem Centre and Priory Retail Park both offering popular high street brands.
The Tandem Centre is one of the most popular retail destinations in the area, with more than 30 stores. Shoppers can find everything from clothing to home goods, health essentials and electronics.
Additionally, the nearby Priory Retail Park offers a multitude of stores including furniture retailers, fitness, and food stores. Both shopping centres combine retail with restaurants and cafes.
For those interested in artisan and craft items, the historic Merton Abbey Mills is home to a lively arts and crafts market alongside its unique independent shops and boutiques.
For groceries and essentials, Colliers Wood offers a selection of supermarkets. Key players in the area are Sainsbury's and Marks and Spencer. In addition, there's a Tesco Express on the High Street, close to the centre of Colliers Wood.
Leisure in Colliers Wood
Colliers Wood is home to three parks. The recreation ground, the National Trust owned Wandle Park, which covers an area of approximately 11 acres, and the Wandle Meadow Nature Park.
Colliers Wood Recreation Ground, is a park with facilities for sports and fitness, including football pitches. It also has a playground for children, making it a great spot for families to enjoy outdoor activities and picnics.
Next is Wandle Park, an 11-acre National Trust. This beautiful green space with the tranquil River Wandle flowing through it, brims with diverse wildlife. It has very well-maintained walking and cycling paths to enjoy and is considered as one of the area's best-kept secrets! Wandle Park also has a children's play area, bandstand, and occasionally is the location for local community events.
Finally, there's Wandle Meadow Nature Park, a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. It provides a rare mix of meadowland and wetland habitats close to the town centre. Footpaths weave through the park, within the natural surroundings.
These parks offer refreshing open spaces for those living in Colliers Wood.
But aside from the parks, what leisure facilities are there in Colliers Wood? Keen golfers can play at the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club and fitness enthusiasts have the facilities of Nuffield Gym on hand located close to Merton Abbey.
Local sports groups include Colliers Wood Runners who meet on Saturday mornings for a run, followed by cake and coffee!
Eating Out in Colliers Wood
From rustic pubs to modern eateries, Colliers Wood offers a diverse dining scene that caters to a variety of tastes.
For those in search of a unique culinary experience, the Venezuelan offerings from Liqui-Liqui must be sampled! The Charles Holden pub is an excellent choice for a relaxed drink, with its traditional setting, local beers, ales, and tasty food. Located opposite the Colliers Wood Tube Station and Ellison's Colliers Wood Office, the pub takes its name from the architect who designed Colliers Wood Tube Station.
For casual meet-ups, the quaint and cosy Coffee in the Wood serves a tempting range of coffee, cakes, pastries, and sandwiches.
Overall, Colliers Wood offers a good mix of dining and drinking venues for relaxed afternoon catch-ups and evening socialising.
Local Amenities in Colliers Wood
Healthcare in Colliers Wood is readily accessible with several GP practices including Colliers Wood Surgery, dental clinics, pharmacies, and opticians throughout the area. In addition, St George's Hospital provides emergency care.
Colliers Wood Library offers a vast selection of books and resources.
The very active Colliers Wood Residents Association (CWRA) organises community events regularly, including street parties, tennis coaching for children and litter picking.
Additionally, Colliers Wood benefits from the usual practical amenities like post offices and banks.
Living In Colliers Wood - Desirable Areas
Known for its peaceful, quaint streets speckled with Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, properties in Colliers Wood are set against a most charming backdrop.
Within the area, there are pretty Victorian cottages situated near the river, providing scenic views. Adding a modern touch, Colliers Wood also has a good selection of contemporary flats in Bennetts Courtyard, Merton Abbey Mills and Cavendish Road on the corner of the main high street.
What is the best street to live in Colliers Wood? Certain roads within Colliers Wood, including Norfolk Road, Park Road, and Wilton Road, are particularly attractive areas to live in. This is mainly due to their proximity to the lively hotspot of Tooting.
In Warren Road, beautiful, grand four and five-bedroom Edwardian semi-detached homes with high ceilings, open fires and bay windows are abundant.
For seclusion, the gated community of Chaucer Way features apartments and houses next to Wandle Meadow Nature Park.
All these areas, with their mix of history, green spaces, and elegant homes, make them highly sought after for those considering living in Colliers Wood. Therefore, it's no wonder that Colliers Wood is gaining in popularity, from first-time buyers to growing families.
Colliers Wood is a great location to work and play, so properties for sale and to let in Colliers Wood are in high demand!
Ellisons Estate Agents in Colliers Wood are your local property experts. Call us on 020 8544 0518 or email us at collierswood@ellisons.uk.com to make Colliers Wood the location for your next move.