Raynes Park

What’s it all about?

Raynes Park existed for many years in the shadow of its famous neighbour Wimbledon, with which it shares certain similarities. Just a stone’s throw away from the delights of Wimbledon Common and teeming with excellent sporting facilities, it benefits from the proximity – without the associated summer madness. Life moves at its own pace here. Indeed, when you step off the train at the station, it can seem a million miles from central London’s urban jungle rather than a mere 20 minute journey. That’s not to say there isn’t a bustling shopping street – Coombe Lane was voted London’s best performing high street in 2012 – serviced by a post office, banks and independent shops as well as a handful of well selected chain stores. There’s a strong feeling of community spirit here embodied by the active Raynes Park and West Barnes Residents' Association, set up in 1928 to protect the local environment. This neighbourhood involvement contributes to the exceptionally low levels of crime, which combined with good schools and attractive properties, lure families and young professionals looking for a taste of quiet life on the edge of the city.

Fact file

• Notable Raynes Park residents include rugby star Danny Cipriani and jazz musician Tubby Hayes.
• The suburban development of Raynes Park began in 1871 with the building of the station. It's named after the Raynes family who owned the land where the railway lies. There is also a pub, the Edward Rayne, bearing this name.
• Nearby Motspur Park is home of Fulham FC training ground.

Architecture and property

Unlike much of south London where the arrival of the railway led to an immediate development boom, the Raynes Park property market didn’t flourish until the end of World War I. Because development happened slowly, the area never suffered from overcrowding, a common pitfall of London property markets, and some properties feel as spacious and secluded as countryside cottages. This is particularly true of the large detached properties towards Wimbledon, but the Victorian and Edwardian terraced homes and 1930s houses in the area have also retained a picturesque beauty as many boast gardens and off street parking. Within Raynes Park smaller areas have their own distinct architectural flavour. Just north of the station roads like Tolverne, Lambton and Trewince offer terraced homes, while to the south properties on Blenheim Road and Heath Drive have large gardens.

For house price information please visit the sold data tab.

Going out 

Eating: Raynes Park locals have a wealth of different cuisines on their doorstep, from authentic Italian pizzas at Lime and Thyme to tasty sushi at Japanese Hashi, where reservations are a must. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior at Gaya, as their Korean food is some of the best in south west London. #TheBGR is a gourmet burger restaurant. Absolute Abode is a design emporium with a deli-style cafe with a delicious seasonal menu. Lantern Coffee House has arguably the best coffee in Raynes Park, with a wide selection of cakes and treats too. 

Culture: Lantern Arts Centre is a local institution. The community theatre group stages its own productions as well as providing children’s theatre groups and workshops for all ages. Raynes Park also has an annual community arts festival called MyRaynesPark in early June, with a variety of attractions including food stalls, musical performances and family entertainment.

Sport: Raynes Park is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts who need to be close to the Capital for work. With a range of golf clubs nearby, as well as a local tennis club, football team and rugby club, there’s something for sports fans of all experience levels.

Local amenities

• There is a large Waitrose and a Sainsbury’s Local, both conveniently located near Raynes Park station. 
• There are a few independent boutiques in the area. You can find a wedding dress at Daisy's Bridal Couture or pop into My Favourite Things for a handmade card or unique children's toy. 
• Raynes Park Library puts on a variety of community events ranging from creative writing courses to CV workshops and chess clubs.
• The David Lloyd leisure centre has benefited from massive investment and now offers a luxurious spa, high quality gym and various sports pitches and courts.

Green spaces

It’s almost impossible to walk anywhere in Raynes Park without stumbling across a park or common of some kind. Pockets of green space are dotted all over the area and larger open spaces are never very far away, like the 21 hectares of Cannon Hill Common. This important conservation site is home to a 140 year old woodland, a variety of wildlife and also boasts the only fishery within the borough of Merton. Slightly further afield, the vast Wimbledon Common lies to the north of Raynes Park station, and Morden Park to the south is a popular spot with an excellent Bonfire Night fireworks display. Sporty locals can make use of the cricket pitch and tennis courts at Cottenham Park or the extensive facilities at King George’s Playing Fields and Raynes Park Sports Ground.

Changing times

In recent years Raynes Park has seen the construction of several new property developments, including that of seven new homes by Barnard Marcus near the station.

Transport

Tube: Wimbledon station is the nearest Tube and is a bus ride away. It's Zone 3 on the District Line.

Rail: There are regular services from Raynes Park station to Waterloo, taking 20 minutes.

Bus: Raynes Park may not have its own Tube station, but it is well connected by bus. The 131 (to Tooting Broadway), 152 (to Pollards Hill), 163 (to Wimbledon) and 200 (to Mitcham) all serve Raynes Park. The 57 between Clapham Park and Kingston runs a 24 hour service, and Raynes Park also has a night bus, the N87, which travels between Aldwych and Kingston.

Road: As the area is situated on the busy A3, locals have the luxury of a 20 minute drive to the M25.

Getting away: Gatwick Airport in less than 40 minutes away in the car.

Education

Young families often move here for the range of local schools. West Wimbledon Primary School, St Matthew's Primary School and Hollymount School are popular primary choices. Raynes Park High School is a mixed secondary school. Raynes Park is also home to a Norwegian School, which takes pupils in years one to ten. Those seeking private education have lots of options, including the Hall School Wimbledon.

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

 

If you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or let in Raynes Park, contact the KFH Raynes Park 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