Hammersmith is one of those many-sided London neighbourhoods that’s tricky to define – and that’s what makes it special. It’s urban but leafy, fast-paced yet laid-back, with a mix of culture, connectivity, and riverside calm that gives it real crossover appeal.

Tucked along one of the prettiest stretches of the Thames, it blends big-city convenience with scenic walking paths, stylish hangouts, and a generous spread of cafes, pubs, and places to explore. Whether you’re commuting, studying, or just soaking up the atmosphere, the area ticks a lot of boxes.

Where is Hammersmith?

Hammersmith lies in West London, on the northern bank of the River Thames. And is surrounded by some of the capital’s most desirable neighbourhoods – Chiswick to the west, Kensington to the east, and Fulham to the south.

A zone 2 district just four miles from Charing Cross, it’s a major commercial and cultural hub, with fast access to central London and beyond. Ideal for students and professionals alike, thanks to its transport links, nearby universities, and vibrant atmosphere.

Transport links

Hammersmith is one of London’s best-connected areas. With four Tube lines, extensive bus routes, and easy access to rail links, getting around is quick and easy.

Tube

Hammersmith has two Tube stations – confusingly both called Hammersmith – just across the road from one another:

Hammersmith (District & Piccadilly lines)
Direct links to South Kensington, Westminster, Leicester Square, Holborn, and King’s Cross.
Hammersmith (Circle & Hammersmith & City lines)
Direct links to Paddington, Notting Hill Gate, Farringdon, and Baker Street.

Nearby, Ravenscourt Park (District line) is just a 12-minute walk away, and offers equally direct access to key central spots like Embankment and Victoria.

Buses

Hammersmith is a major bus hub, with services connecting you to pretty much every corner of the city – from Oxford Street to Richmond, Chelsea to Hyde Park. Many run 24/7.

Popular routes: 9, 27, 72, 190, 211, 220, 267, 295, 306, H91

Rail access

There’s no mainline station in Hammersmith itself, but Kensington Olympia is a short bus ride away. From there, you can catch the:

London Overground to Clapham Junction, Stratford, and Willesden Junction.
National Rail (via Clapham Junction) with links to Gatwick Airport, Brighton, and beyond.

Local universities and schools

Hammersmith is within easy reach of several top institutions – some walking distance, others a short bus or train ride away.

Walking distance:

Imperial College London (Charing Cross Campus) – 15 mins
LAMDA Drama School – 17 mins

Under 25 mins by public transport:

BIMM Music Institute
Royal College of Art (White City Campus)

What to do in Hammersmith

Explore Livat Hammersmith

Hammersmith’s main shopping centre mixes high street staples with some unexpected gems – like IKEA’s small-format store and Charity Super.Mkt: a new-wave second-hand concept packed with pre-loved treasures.

Hang out in Lyric Square

The lively heart of Hammersmith. Lyric Square hosts regular street food markets, and is home to the Lyric Theatre – a creative venue known for its forward-thinking productions and emerging talent.

Relax in Ravenscourt Park

A short walk from Hammersmith station, this peaceful neighbourhood park features a lake, cafe, tennis courts, and a beautiful walled garden. Its trees and flowers are especially pretty in spring and summer, making it an easy go-to for picnics, reading, or just chilling in the sunshine.

Visit the W6 Garden Centre

Small but captivating, the W6 Garden Centre (which connects to Ravenscourt Park), feels like a mini Kew Gardens with its luscious range of indoor and outdoor plants, and its charming botanical cafe.

Walk the Thames Path

The riverside here is one of London’s most scenic. Stroll east toward Barnes or west toward Chiswick, stopping off at riverside pubs or simply soaking up the views. Hammersmith Bridge (pedestrian and cycle-only) offers one of the most photogenic crossings in the city.

Shop global at international supermarkets

Hammersmith is home to a number of excellent international supermarkets, perfect for picking up home comforts or trying new flavours.

Sriracha Supermarket – A one-stop Asian grocery with everything from mochi to gyozas.
Saffron Supermarket – A quality Middle Eastern food store with a halal butchers and an amazing selection of fresh fruit and veg.

Coffee shops

Blanche Eatery

A modern café near Lyric Square, serving fresh, seasonal dishes and some of the best coffee in the area. Great for brunch or a sweet snack with your flat white.

Rafaello’s

With its old-school 90s-style shopfront, this café feels like it belongs in Friends. Big cappuccinos, nice cakes, generous paninis, and solid comfort food in a friendly, unpretentious setting.

W6 Café

Yes, we’ve already nodded to it, but the W6 Café deserves its own spotlight. Part café, part escape, this lush and tranquil spot is perfect for post-shopping snacks, peaceful work sessions, or leafy lunchtime catch-ups.

Where to dine

Farmer J

Healthy, vibrant bowls made fresh to order – perfect for flexitarians, vegetarians, and anyone who likes building their own meal. Think bold salads, roasted veg, grilled proteins, and zingy sides.

Bill’s

A reliable all-day eatery with crowd-pleasing dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Casual, cheerful, and great for picky eaters.

Crisp Pizza

A buzzy pizza spot near the river that serves a mean slice of pie. Difficult to book at times but worth the wait. Located inside the Chancellors Pub and ideal for small groups.

Olive Tree

A casual seafood restaurant, known for its top-notch fish and chips. Expect crisp, golden batter, chunky chips, and all the classics done right – ideal for a quick lunch or laid-back dinner near the river.

Poppy’s Thai Eatery

This quirky spot blends vintage decor with bright contemporary touches, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The menu? Classic Thai dishes done right – think fragrant pad Thai, rich curries, and bold, spicy soups.

Local pubs

The Blue Anchor

An atmospheric riverside pub dating back to the 1700s. With dark wood panelling, seasonal sharing plates, and local ales, it’s a true classic.

The Rutland Arms

Next door to the Blue Anchor, this lively riverside pub has outdoor seating, Sunday roasts, and an upstairs bar that hosts everything from live music to pub quizzes.

A little about us

With riverside charm, unbeatable transport links, and easy access to universities and schools, Hammersmith is a smart, well-connected base for students and young professionals alike.

Looking for a luxury apartment that puts you close to the action? Our apartments near Hammersmith offer a private, all-inclusive way to live – with extras like 24/7 concierge, on-site gyms, stylish interiors, and weekly cleaning.

Have a question or need a hand finding the right place? Just get in touch — we’re always happy to help.

A guide to Hammersmith: Where to stay, eat and explore