Parsons Green

What’s it all about?

Once favoured by wealthy Londoners as a country retreat when the activity of the city got too much, life in Parsons Green is still lived at a laidback pace. Home to increasing numbers of young professionals won over by the area’s quick commute into central London, Parsons Green has become one of the most desirable residential locations for young couples who enjoy a peaceful home life, but whose careers are based in the city centre. It benefits from the amenities of Fulham and nearby Kensington and Chelsea, while retaining a friendly atmosphere cultivated by the area’s numerous local events. Parsons Green residents have fostered a tight knit community, owing in part to the area’s impressive green spaces. The urban beach at Bishop’s Park and annual polo event at Hurlingham Park have seen locals flock to these beautiful spaces in summer, gathering to enjoy sporting festivities or simply to relax in the riverside sunshine. Parsons Green hosts some great events for kids and numerous families also live happily ensconced in the area’s beautiful period properties.

Fact file

• Local pub Aragon House has had some very notable residents. Katherine of Aragon lived there before her marriage to Henry VIII, and it was also home to Samuel Richardson, the 18th century novelist who wrote Pamela and Clarissa.
• Parsons Green developed around the eponymous green space that is now located just south of the Tube station. The green itself takes its name from the old local rectory and legend has it that the rector would use it as his private bowling green. 

Architecture and property

In the 18th century wealthy Londoners came to Parsons Green and built large villas. However, the area’s proximity to the river meant industrialisation came early to the area and the subsequent demand for housing rapidly increased. The acres of land attached to these villas, as well as much of the area’s remaining farmland, were sold to local developers in the 1800s and over time the villas were converted into smaller homes. Developers built period homes, many of which still line the area’s leafy streets. Today the property market is made up of these Victorian and Edwardian properties as well as contemporary flats and apartments.

For house price information please visit the sold data tab.

Going out

Eating: Parsons Green residents can make the most of restaurants just a short journey away in Fulham, South Kensington and Barons Court, as well as the excellent establishments right on their doorstep. Make the effort to find Claude’s Kitchen, discreetly located above the Amuse Bouche champagne bar and enjoy its innovative menu. For classic pub food, head to The White Horse, known to locals as ‘The Sloaney Pony’.

Sport: Parsons Green is nestled directly between Stamford Bridge and Craven Cottage, the homes of Chelsea FC and Fulham FC respectively. Both teams play regular fixtures at these stadiums, well attended by locals, as well as being a big pull for fans from across the Capital and beyond. Whether watching or playing, the countless sports pitches in the local parks, numerous fitness centres and polo field mean it’s the ideal location for sports fans.The Hammersmith & Fulham Rugby Club play in Hurlingham Park. Weekly ParkRun takes place in Bishop's Park. 

 

Local amenities 

• Parsons Green residents have access to branches of almost every large supermarket chain, including a nearby Tesco with a car park and a Waitrose. The Parsons Green Farmers' Market is home to artisan producers selling the best of everything from rare breed poultry to home baked goods.
• Just north of Parsons Green station, Fulham Road stretches from Fulham Broadway station to Bishop’s Park. Its cinema, shops, restaurants and array of tasty patisseries make it the first stop for many locals heading out to meet friends.
• The area surrounding Parsons Green is renowned for its collection of unique antique stores and boutique shops. It’s almost impossible to visit Wandsworth Bridge Road or Lillie Road without picking up a bargain or two.
• Lillie Road Fitness Centre has a recently expanded gym, pool and 20 exercise classes a week, so it’s the one stop shop for locals looking to keep fit. Slice Studios offers ballet, pilates and yoga classes.
• Fulham Library is just a five minute walk from Parsons Green Tube station. Open daily, the library offers extensive services including a specific children’s library, study areas and free WiFi.

Green spaces

Parsons Green is nestled between a variety of picturesque parks so that locals never have to travel far to escape the bustle of its busy shopping areas. Indeed many residents don’t need to seek out these green spaces at all, as most commutes to the Tube station will involve a stroll through either Eel Brook Common or the eponymous green in the heart of the area. The picture perfect landscape at both Hurlingham Park and Bishop’s Park are enhanced by their riverside location. Locals frequent the urban beach at Bishop’s Park in warmer months, while those who’d rather spend their summers engaged in more active pursuits make for Hurlingham Park. Once home to a pigeon shooting club and a polo club, this park was given a new lease of life when polo returned to the park in 2009. It now hosts the annual three day Polo in the Park festival every summer and for the rest of the year is filled with sporty locals making the most of its tennis courts and rugby and football pitches.

Changing times

Property developments of all shapes and sizes are appearing in Parsons Green, from single building renovations like this period conversion by Charterhouse London to high end apartment blocks on New Kings Road.

Transport

Tube: Parsons Green has its own Tube station, in Zone 2 on the District Line. From here, it’s less than 20 minutes to Victoria and half an hour to Monument. Travel to North London is straightforward, taking only half an hour to reach King’s Cross via the Piccadilly Line 

Overground: Parsons Green has two nearby Overground stations: West Brompton and Imperial Wharf. Trains run from here to Victoria or Waterloo via a change at Clapham Junction.

Bus: Parsons Green is well connected by bus. The 14 (to Warren Street) and 22 (to Piccadilly Circus) are popular routes, while the 414 and 424 serve Chippenham Road and Fulham Football Club respectively.

River: Early morning commutes don’t have to be a chore with the excellent RB6 river bus service from Imperial Wharf to Blackfriars. From there, other lines run all the way to North Greenwich.

Cycle: Many locals choose to shun traditional public transport options and enjoy the 20 minute cycle to Victoria.

Education

Parsons Green has a number of education options for younger children. Both Holy Cross Catholic Primary School and Sulivan Primary School are situated less than 10 minutes from Parsons Green station. For single sex secondary education there is Fulham College Boys' School on Kingwood Road and Lady Margaret School for girls on Parsons Green. There are also several independent schools such as Kensington Prep School, Eridge House school and the Islamic Al Muntada Primary School.

Please see our schools tab for more information on schools in this area.

 

If you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or let in Parsons Green, contact your local KFH branch today.

Did we miss something? If you have any local expertise to improve our area guide, then please email us at areaguides@kfh.co.uk