- Wandsworth Common
. It is 73 hectares (175 acres) large.
There is a large area to the east of the train line, which is mainly used for competitive sports (mainly football, touch rugby and rounders). There are a number of ponds and a lake, which can be used for fishing (with a permit).
Facilities include an educational centre in an area dedicated to wildlife known locally as 'The Scope' (named after a telescope used by Rev John Craig, but was demolished due to pollution obscuring its views). There are also tennis courts, a bowling green and a pub in the grounds, named 'Common Ground'. A fitness trail has been developed and the Common is popular with local runners and cyclists.
Houses on the
Wandsworth (SW18) side are in the what is known as the 'Toast Rack' and are large Victorian semis and detached homes, some with blue plaques denoting notable residents who previously lived there.Many retail outlets along Bellevue Road are of a premium but independent 'boutique' format (these include children's clothing shops, a bookstore, an art dealer and a gentlemen's gift shop), surrounded by up-market Victorian/Edwardian housing. There are a number of estate agencies along with chain outlets, such as Dexters Grill, Threshers and a 'Rusts' convenience store. The Bellevue Pharmacy has operated for many years. Notable restaurants include the Michelin 'Starred' Chez Bruce. There is a large public house, 'The Hope' near to the Wandsworth Common train station, which many attracts many customers from the common.
A by-law is in force that prohibits the use of barbecues on the common.
[http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/Home/EnvironmentandTransport/Parks/Parkscommons/WandsworthCommon.htm]
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