Discover Hammersmith | A Visitor's Introduction to Hammersmith

Why is Hammersmith Worth a Visit?

Hammersmith is worth visiting for its stunning riverside walks, rich cultural scene, and easy access to both central London and the Thames Path. It’s home to iconic music venues, historic pubs, and a thriving international dining scene. The area also boasts several tranquil parks and open spaces, while still buzzing with urban life.

What sets Hammersmith apart is its balance of culture and community. It’s not overrun with tourists, yet it's full of life—thanks to the locals, university students, professionals, and creatives who live and work here. With some of the best river views in London and a calendar full of live events, Hammersmith has something for every kind of visitor.

Hammersmith Highlights: Things to See and Do in Hammersmith

Hammersmith Apollo (Eventim Apollo)

The Eventim Apollo, formerly known as the Hammersmith Apollo, is one of London’s most famous entertainment venues. This iconic Art Deco theatre has hosted legends from The Beatles and David Bowie to Adele and Louis CK. It remains a premier location for live music, stand-up comedy, and theatre tours.

The venue's grand interior and rich history make it a destination in itself, and its varied line-up ensures there’s something on most nights of the week.

Riverside Walk and Hammersmith Bridge

The stretch of the Thames Path running through Hammersmith is one of the most beautiful in London. Starting at Hammersmith Bridge, one of the capital’s most elegant and historic river crossings, you can walk west along the river past rowers, boathouses, and leafy pubs all the way to Barnes and beyond.

In the other direction, the path leads towards Fulham, Putney, and Wandsworth, offering plenty of scenic detours. Whether you’re walking, jogging, or cycling, this stretch is peaceful and picturesque—especially at sunset.

Furnivall Gardens

Just beside the river, Furnivall Gardens is a small but pretty park offering a tranquil spot to relax, read, or picnic while watching the Thames roll by. It’s a favourite with locals and makes a great stopping point if you’re exploring the riverside or heading toward the pubs on the embankment.

With benches, lawns, and flowerbeds, it’s a well-kept and serene corner in the midst of the city bustle.

Lyric Theatre

In the heart of Hammersmith, the Lyric Theatre is a renowned venue for contemporary drama, musicals, and family productions. It also runs a strong programme of community events and workshops, keeping the arts deeply rooted in local life.

The modern interior is matched with a rooftop terrace and café, perfect for a pre-show drink or post-performance unwind. The Lyric has a reputation for championing bold new work, making it a great spot to catch something a little different from the West End’s mainstream fare.

King Street and Hammersmith Broadway

King Street is Hammersmith’s main shopping artery, home to a mix of high street brands, independent stores, cafés, and supermarkets. It's also where you’ll find Kings Mall, a shopping centre with essential fashion, electronics, and health and beauty retailers.

Just north is Hammersmith Broadway, a busy transport and shopping hub that links the Tube and bus stations with a covered mall of fast food, convenience stores, and pharmacies. It's not glamorous, but it’s practical and full of life.

Ravenscourt Park

A short walk from central Hammersmith, Ravenscourt Park is one of West London’s best-kept secrets. This large and leafy green space includes tennis courts, formal gardens, a lake, a café, and plenty of room for games, walks, or relaxing with a book. It’s incredibly popular with families and dog walkers, and has a strong community feel.

In summer, pop-up markets and events are occasionally held here, adding a lively and festive vibe.

Historic Riverside Pubs

Hammersmith is well known for its riverside pubs, many of which date back centuries and offer fantastic views of the Thames. Among the best are:

• The Dove – a Grade II-listed pub with cosy nooks and a terrace right over the river. It’s said to have the smallest bar room in Britain and has hosted literary figures such as Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene.

• The Blue Anchor – family-run for over 150 years, offering classic pub food and prime viewing spots for the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race.

• The Rutland Arms – traditional yet vibrant, with a spacious outdoor terrace and regular events.

These pubs are perfect for lazy weekend lunches, riverside drinks, or warm fireside evenings in colder months.

West London Wine School

If you're a wine lover, consider booking a tasting or workshop with the West London Wine School, based near Stamford Brook. It’s an ideal way to learn more about your favourite wines in a friendly, informative setting. They also offer cheese and wine pairing classes, gin tastings, and sessions for all levels.

It’s a unique addition to Hammersmith’s cultural and culinary landscape and makes for a sophisticated evening out.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Hammersmith is a major transport hub, served by:

• District Line

• Piccadilly Line

• Hammersmith & City Line

• Circle Line

The Hammersmith Bus Station connects the area to virtually all of West London and beyond, while major road routes (A4, M4) pass nearby, making it easy to reach by car or coach.

You can also walk to or from neighbouring areas like Fulham, Shepherd’s Bush, and Chiswick along the Thames Path or via leafy residential streets.

Parking

Parking is limited in central Hammersmith, with most spaces in controlled zones or pay-and-display bays. There are car parks at Kings Mall and Broadway Shopping Centre, but it’s generally easier to arrive by Tube or bus, especially during busy periods.

Dining

Hammersmith offers a diverse and exciting food scene, thanks to its multicultural population and foodie locals. Top picks include:

• Sam’s Riverside – modern British dining with an unbeatable river view and stylish interior

• The Gate – acclaimed vegetarian and vegan restaurant with inventive dishes

• Mahdi – vibrant Iranian restaurant serving large portions of grilled meats, stews, and saffron rice

• Bailey’s Fish and Chips – some of the crispiest, tastiest traditional fish and chips in West London

• Tierra Verde – small but fabulous deli and café serving fresh Italian fare and coffee

You’ll also find Korean, Lebanese, Japanese, and Caribbean food throughout the area, especially around King Street and Shepherds Bush Road.

Shopping

While Hammersmith isn’t a luxury shopping destination, it’s great for everyday browsing. Kings Mall and Broadway Shopping Centre offer the essentials, while nearby Brackenbury Village and Ravenscourt Park are home to some charming independent shops, gift stores, and local bakeries.

For larger shopping trips, Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush is just one Tube stop away and offers hundreds of brands and eateries.

When to Visit

Hammersmith is enjoyable all year round. Spring and summer are perfect for riverside walks and pub terraces, while autumn brings beautiful colours to Ravenscourt Park. In winter, the theatres, pubs, and comedy clubs offer plenty of cosy indoor entertainment.

The area gets particularly lively during the Boat Race (Oxford vs. Cambridge), with crowds gathering along the Thames to cheer and soak up the riverside buzz.

Local Events

• Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race (March or April) – prime viewing from Hammersmith Bridge

• Lyric Fest – a celebration of local performance and community arts

• Comedy Nights at the Apollo – regularly featuring big names in stand-up

• Food markets – pop-up stalls in Furnivall Gardens or near the station during warmer months

• Christmas Lights and Winter Markets – festive shopping and local crafts in December

Exploring Beyond Hammersmith

From Hammersmith, you’re ideally placed to explore the rest of West London. Chiswick is a 15-minute walk west along the river, with elegant parks and boutiques. Fulham and Putney lie just across the bridge, while Kensington, Shepherd’s Bush, and Notting Hill are easily accessible by Tube.

You can also take the Thames Path west toward Richmond, or east toward Chelsea, enjoying some of the most scenic urban walks London has to offer.

Hammersmith is a district that feels both dynamic and timeless. With its blend of cultural landmarks, historic riverside charm, and local authenticity, it’s a place where you can catch a world-class show, sip a pint by the river, and wander through leafy streets, all in a single afternoon. Whether you're here for music, food, or simply a slower pace of life just outside the city centre, Hammersmith offers a side of London that's both stylish and down-to-earth.