Playground
To be found at the bottom of the Common near the A23. It has swings of various kinds and a variety of climbing frames for children of all ages but will be undergoing a massive transformation from September 2017 which will improve the lives of all local children and essentially, their parents! There is a paddling pool area but it has not been filled since 2005 for lack of staff; instead it is a good area for running around and kicking a ball etc. There are benches and tables. And toilets are available, at least during the holidays and at weekends.
Paddling pool
Although the pool in the playground is currently out of use, the one near the car park is open during the summer and funded purely through donations of the local people and managed by Sccoop on our behalf . The water level is low for safety reasons. Both the pool area and the water are kept clean. There are picnic tables on the grassy area around the pool and makes for a great day out for children and parents looking for free & fun activity
Tennis court
There is one court on Hilly Four Acres, close to Covington Way. There is a booking fee and can be booked online
Cafe
Situated by the car park at the intersection of Covington Way and Streatham Common south, the Rookery Cafe is open daily – fully licensed and offering some delicious home made fare 7 days a week. Check for opening times!
Pubs & restaurants
We have 3 fabulous pubs, all serving fantastic food, all with Gardens and offering a family friendly atmosphere at the bottom of the Common, on Streatham High Road (the A23).
The Bull
The Mere Scribbler
The Rabbit Hole [Formerly the Greyhound]
Also, for coffee, snacks and cake – Il Forno
A little further down the road, behind the ice rink, on Ellora Road you will find the very funky Earl Ferrers, which has its own style of fayre and evening events. Attached here is Vegan Sweet Tooth, a vegan cafe recently opened [July 2017].
Car park
This is situated next to the cafe and is open until early evening. Closing times vary and are posted around the car park.
Woodland
Above the car park is an area of well established woodland, predominately oak, intersected by a path and horse ride. It is home to many birds, and insects who keep the bio-diversity of the area going. No fires.
The Rookery
Comprising a number of discrete areas, the Rookery includes a garden area that is on the English Heritage Register of Historic Gardens. The garden area includes an Old English Garden, a White Garden, water features and a well that is on the site of one of the original Streatham spas. The Rookery is closed around dusk – exact times are on the noticeboards.
The Orchard
Between the Rookery and Hilly Four Acres there is a good area for picnicking, with tables, lawn and trees for shade.
Hilly Four Acres
A sloping meadow (the only original meadow left in Streatham) next to the Orchard that is only mown once a year – in the Autumn – and is notable for its beautiful grasses, as well as offering splendid vistas. If there is snow, the meadow becomes a tobogganing slope.
Viewpoints
Dotted around the whole Common are designated viewpoints consisting of a bench and a floor-plate that indicates where landmarks can be seen. These viewpoints were provided by the Friends of Streatham Common and the Streatham Management Advisory Committee as a Millenium project.
Dog walking
With the exception of the Rookery, the Orchard, the playground, the paddling pool and the cafe, dogs are allowed on the Common but must always be under control of the owner. Any dog ‘poop’ must be scooped and placed in the bins provided.
Kite flying
Because of its position, the lower part of the Common is ideal for flying kites and is the site an annual Kite Festival in the spring.
Sports
There is a cricket strip (artificial turf) and some soccer pitches (goals can be supplied and the pitch marked out if a booking is made). Soccer training for children takes place at weekends, and running clubs use the Common for stamina training.
Transport
The Common is on numerous bus routes (50, 60, 109, 118, 159, 249, 255, 417) and is within less than 10 minutes walk of both Streatham Station and Streatham Common Station.