Raynes Park Area Guide
Living in Raynes Park: A Local Guide
Located in the southwest London Borough of Merton, and close to bustling Wimbledon, Raynes Park is primarily a residential suburb. Known for being a beautiful green retreat within minutes of central London, residents living in Raynes Park agree that the area offers the best of both worlds - noticeable peace, yet excellent connectivity to the city.
During the mid 19th century, Raynes Park was nothing more than a quaint, rustic hamlet. For years, dense woodland and open farmland formed the primary landscape of the area, with just a handful of buildings in sight.
The opening of Raynes Park Station in 1871 marked a turning point in the area's development. This railway connection sparked initial residential growth, with Victorian terraced houses popping up for railway workers. The increase in the population led to the construction of the basic infrastructure, local shops, and schools.
In the 20th century, especially post-World War II, Raynes Park witnessed rapid growth, transforming from a sleepy hamlet into a bustling, suburban hub. Large-scale property development projects replaced farmland with modern estates, making it the popular residential area it is today.
Raynes Park is now renowned for its strong community spirit, low crime rate, excellent local amenities, bustling shopping street, and an enviable selection of schools. It's among the greenest spaces in London, with 21 hectares at Cannon Hill Common. The vast Wimbledon Common is found to the north of Raynes Park station, and Morden Park sits to the south.
There's a strong community spirit in Raynes Park fuelled by the Raynes Park and West Barnes Residents' Association. The association was set up in 1928 to protect the local environment and is still extremely active.
This area successfully retains its village-like vibe with properties in Raynes Park ranging from grand Victorian homes to smaller terraces. The area offers a high quality of life, making it an attractive setting for families and young professionals looking for a quiet life but with the advantages of city living.
Schools in Raynes Park
Young families move to Raynes Park for the excellent range of local schools. In fact, living in Raynes Park on the Merton side gives access to some of the highly sought-after schools in nearby Kingston. These include state secondary schools Coombe Girls School and Coombe Boys School. Also within easy reach are selective grammar schools, Tiffin Girls School and Tiffin Boys School.
Excellent state primary schools include West Wimbledon Primary, Wimbledon Chase, St Matthew's Primary and Hollymount School all located north of the A298. While south of the A298 Joseph Hood Primary School pupils benefit from a stimulating environment and rewarding experience. There are several private schools for younger children in the broader area, including The Rowans School for children aged 3 to 7.
Secondary schools in Raynes Park include Raynes Park High School, a mixed secondary school committed to high aspirations, high motivation, and high achievement for all.
Raynes Park is also the location of an old Victorian villa housing 'The Norwegian School for students from age 6 to 16.
Those seeking independent education options may also consider Hall School Wimbledon which caters for students aged 7 to 18 in a happy, nurturing environment.
Raynes Park Transport Links
Raynes Park is well-connected in terms of transport links, making it a popular location for commuters. For access to Central London, Raynes Park railway station has a regular service to Waterloo, which takes approximately 20 minutes. Wimbledon station on the District Line is the nearest Tube station and can be reached by bus.
Raynes Park has an extensive network of bus routes and for commuters requiring round-the-clock service, the 57 between Clapham Park and Kingston runs a 24-hour service. Raynes Park is also served by a night bus, which travels between Aldwych and Kingston.
Thanks to its location on the A3, residents living in Raynes Park enjoy good road access to Central London and towards Surrey. A short 20-minute drive from Raynes Park also connects locals to the M25 motorway.
Top Attractions in Raynes Park
The Lantern Arts Centre is a renowned venue in the community. This performing arts venue stages its own productions regularly, giving a platform to local talent, and organizes theatre groups for children. Workshops take place here for individuals of all ages, proving a major draw for arts enthusiasts throughout the community.
For those fond of outdoor adventures, the Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf offers a unique experience. The mini-golf course has a fun twist, featuring life-sized models of dinosaurs and a landscape that transports you to the prehistoric era, making it a favourite among families and young visitors.
Raynes Park is full of green spaces and parks with pockets of greenery throughout the area.
Cannon Hill Common is an important conservation site and home to a woodland which is 140 years old. Here is the only fishery within Merton Borough and a variety of wildlife. Cannon Hill is located between Raynes Park and Morden and is accessible from Parkway, Heath Drive and Cannon Hill Lane. The common can be accessed from Whatley Avenue, Cannon Hill Lane, Southway, Parkway and Heath Drive on foot. Walkers can also access the common through walkways from Joseph Hood Recreation Ground, King George's Playing Fields and across the meadow from Parkway.
To the north of Raynes Park lies the beautiful open space of Wimbledon Common and Morden Park is located to the south.
Shopping in Raynes Park
Shopping in Raynes Park offers high street names alongside independent boutiques. The main shopping area is centred around Coombe Lane, close to the railway station, with smaller parades throughout the area.
Coombe Lane has a reputation as a bustling shopping street, and here you will find essential services like the post office and banks, as well as popular chain stores, including Starbucks. A visit to Coombe Lane provides an opportunity to support independent businesses and discover unique offerings including Savanna a traditional African food store and Bakou, a fashion and accessories boutique.
For groceries, a large Waitrose and a Sainsbury's Local are conveniently situated near the railway station.
The traditional high street shopping scene combined with the charm of independent boutiques and gift shops like Lark, Wishlist and Petal Philosophy makes shopping in Raynes Park a delightful experience.
Leisure in Raynes Park
Raynes Park, with its combination of green spaces and sports facilities, is an ideal place to live for outdoor enthusiasts and sports fans who appreciate the proximity to the capital.
Local sports clubs, including golf, tennis, football, and rugby, offer opportunities for sports fans of all ages and skill levels. Golfers will find several golf clubs nearby including The Royal Wimbledon Golf Club and Wimbledon Common Golf Club, while football fans will be interested to know that nearby Motspur Park is the home of Fulham FC.
The David Lloyd Leisure Centre is another strong asset in the thriving Raynes Park community. It offers a gym, various sports pitches and courts, a luxurious spa and exercise classes.
Parks and green spaces are a prominent feature of Raynes Park, from small local greens to extensive parklands. Cannon Hill Common is a 21-hectare conservation site with a 140-year-old woodland, diverse wildlife, and the only fishery within the Borough of Merton.
Other green spaces include the Cottenham Park Recreation Ground named after Charles Pepys, Lord Cottenham, a popular local spot for picnics and outdoor activities. Additionally, the Raynes Park Sports Ground is where locals can use the cricket and tennis facilities available.
Raynes Park strikes a balance between city amenities and natural spaces, making it perfect for both active and relaxation-driven lifestyles.
Eating Out in Raynes Park
Raynes Park is brimming with delightful dining choices stretching all the way from the buzzing gastro pubs and restaurants of Wimbledon, only a stone's throw away, to Raynes Park itself. Here, indulge in authentic international tastes ranging from Mediterranean style at Lime & Thyme and The Olive Garden, the atmospheric Mora Meza Bar and Restaurant or the best Japanese sushi at Hoshi.
Beyond that, Gaya serves delectable Korean dishes, while Thai Cafe 46 lures guests with its tantalizing curries, and Hatay is a gateway to authentic Turkish cuisine.
A visit to the modern and refined Babylon offers the perfect intro to the evening with a great selection of cocktails. Or dine there, selecting from their varied menu. The Raynes Park Tavern offers British pub food and beer in a relaxed setting.
For coffee lovers living in Raynes Park, it doesn't disappoint. A spot worthy of attention is Three Apes Coffee. Headed by siblings Anna, Mike, and James O'Riordan, Three Apes Coffee crafts delicious beverages serving them in a warm, organic, community-oriented space.
Local Amenities in Raynes Park
Healthcare is readily accessible with the Nelson Health Centre and Raynes Park Health Centre located in Raynes Park. Dental clinics, and opticians are also available in the area. St George's Hospital and Kingston Hospital provide emergency care.
Raynes Park Library is a hub of knowledge and community activities, offering a selection of books and resources. The library hosts a variety of community events from creative writing courses to chess clubs and CV workshops.
Raynes Park also benefits from the usual practical amenities like post offices and banks.
Living In Raynes Park - Desirable Areas
Raynes Park is a popular area with families and young professionals, with its frequent train services to London Waterloo making it a sought-after location for commuters.
The area near the station has many Edwardian terraces, giving it a unique character, while larger three and four-bedroom mid-war semi-detached houses can mostly be found in streets like Grands Drive towards the south.
Many properties in Raynes Park, specifically the larger ones towards Wimbledon, have a feeling of spaciousness and privacy, almost like countryside homes. This also extends to the Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses and some 1930s properties, many of which feature lovely gardens and off-street parking.
Different parts of Raynes Park have their own unique architectural styles. North of the station, streets such as Tolverne, Lambton, and Trewince offer terraced homes, while more southerly streets like Blenheim Road and Heath Drive have properties with large gardens.
Raynes Park is defined by its mix of Victorian and Edwardian properties with generous gardens, along with some modern apartments close to the station.
Fancy living in Raynes Park? It's a great location to bring up a family and is proving to be one of London's best areas to live or invest in, so propertiesfor sale in Raynes Park are popular!
Ellisons Estate Agents in Raynes Park are your local property experts. Call us on 020 8944 9495 or email us at raynespark@ellisons.uk.com to make Raynes Park the location for your next move.