Thanks to the likes of Infernos, Bunga Bunga and Northcote Records, Clapham and Battersea are better-known as night-time locations than for their daytime entertainment offerings. Yet there's plenty to see and do during the day around Battersea, Clapham and Battersea Park.
Battersea Flower Station
A 20 minute walk north of Clapham Junction station is the punny Battersea Flower Station, a garden centre located in the alleyway next to the railway embankment. It's a very Instagrammable spot, all colourful bunting and hand-painted signs.
Not the green-fingered type? No problem. Take a stroll through the enchanting alleyway, then pick up a bunch of flowers from the florist at the end, and pass them off as your own handiwork.
(Nearest station: Clapham Junction)
Look up in Debenhams
Come out of Clapham Junction station, walk into Debenhams, make your way up to the cafe on the top floor, and gawp at the gorgeous ceiling.
It puts us in mind of the opulence of Paris' Galerie LaFayette. The whole Debenhams building has an interesting history, having been built in 1910 to house the Arding and Hobbs department store.
(Nearest station: Clapham Junction)
Go on a charity shop crawl
Northcote Road made it into our list of the best charity shop crawls in London, thanks largely due to the high-end, good quality items that are donated to the shops around here. Intersperse your shopping with pitstops at the many places to eat and drink along Northcote Road and you've got yourself a whole day of entertainment (and maybe a new pair of jeans too). While you're on Northcote Road, check out whether there are any exciting events on at Waterstones — author talks and signings, book launches and book clubs all feature regularly.
(Nearest station: Clapham Junction)
Moonshine Raceway
Tucked away inside the Four Thieves pub is this miniature racetrack. Up to 10 people can compete at once, using real steering and pedal controls to steer their mini mascot around the track. Weekdays it's only open in the evening, but during weekends it opens at lunchtime, and it's not pricey either, starting at £3 per person for 20 laps.
(Nearest station: Clapham Junction)
Clapham Picturehouse
This branch of the faithful Picturehouse chain mainly sticks to the newly released blockbusters — ideal if you're craving an afternoon of popcorn and big screen action. It does occasionally host other events, such as Q&A screenings, and showings of Royal Opera House performances on the big screen — check the listings to see what's coming up.
(Nearest station: Clapham Common)
Clapham Common
One of south London's biggest green spaces, Clapham Common offers up children's play areas, cafes, all manner of sports courts, a model boating lake and plenty of greenery for walking, cycling, dog walking, picnicking and other outdoor pursuits. Good luck getting a spot on a sunny day.
(Nearest station: Clapham Common/Clapham South)
Yoga Haven
Yoga Haven offers up a full schedule of yoga classes every day, running from 6am-9pm, and including Yin Yoga, Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Flow and more. Take a look at the schedule to see what's on this week.
(Nearest station: Clapham Common)
575 Wandsworth Road
The National Trust doesn't have many properties in central London, but 575 Wandsworth Road is one of them. It can only be visited by a guided tour, which you'll have to book in advance, to see the impressive hand-carved fretwork installed by the previous resident Khadambi Asalache. He began the decoration when he lined the walls with pine floorboards to disguise the damp, and began embellishing them. Be prepared to take your shoes off while you explore the house, to preserve the intricate work.
(Nearest station: Wandsworth Road)
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Further north in the shadow of Battersea Power Station is the world famous Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Not looking for a new moggie or fido? No problem — you can still go in and visit the animals, for a small admission fee which goes back into the home's great work. There's also a cafe and gift shop on site.
(Nearest station: Battersea Park)
Battersea Park and Children's Zoo
Not got your fill of animals at the home? Pop across the road and into Battersea Park for a trip to the Children's Zoo (entry fee applies). You won't see the likes of lions and tigers, but otters, monkeys, meerkats, lemurs and the like make for an entertaining couple of hours.
Battersea Park itself is worth a visit if the weather's decent, with plenty of gardens to wander through, a couple of cafes, sculptures and statues, a boating lake, and for those feeling really energetic, a Go Ape course.
(Nearest station: Battersea Park)
When night falls
If you find yourself in the area when evening falls, but can't face a night at Infernos (we hear you) check out what's on at the excellent Battersea Arts Centre. Elsewhere, The Jam Tree runs a Sunday night quiz, and the Four Thieves hosts regular comedy nights, as well as Plonk Crazy Golf.
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