Battersea, Chelsea and Beaufort Mansions

[Katharine]

Next week I have 2 hours by myself in Battersea. Does anyone know the area and can suggestion how I should spend this time? I'd hate to get home and find I'd missed out on a great secondhand bookshop!

[Julie2owlsdene]

There's the Battersea Dogs Home. That's probably where I'd spend two free hours!

[Daisy]

I wonder how many dogs you'd want to bring home with you Julie!

[Katharine]

I wondered if anyone would suggest the dog's home. I'm not really a dog lover though. I suppose if I can't find anything else to do, I'd better take a good book with me, hopefully I'd be able to find a quiet spot somewhere.

[Pippa-Stef]

There is always the flower market, more towards Vauxhall, but only a short walk from Battersea. I've done that walk a few times. There is also a very nice Thames Walk.

[Stephen]

I've been to Battersea a few times in the last few years because I've driven a friend to some school reunions, mostly in and around the vicinity of Clapham Junction. Obviously it's been at night - but a Battersea housing estate remains the only place I've ever seen a fox in real life! To be honest, I wouldn't mind looking around Clapham Junction itself as it's the largest station in Britain.

In the daytime, I've been with my sister a few times to Battersea Park which involves a nice walk by the Thames.

[Moonraker]

Next week I have 2 hours by myself in Battersea.

Poor you! I'd find a pub and pretend you're somewhere else!

[Julie2owlsdene]

I wonder how many dogs you'd want to bring home with you Julie!

If I saw them, probably all of them, Daisy. But you've seen the new downsized Owl's Dene, so I don't think I'd fit them all in!

[Anita Bensoussane]

I've been with my sister a few times to Battersea Park which involves a nice walk by the Thames.

I haven't been there for over twenty years but yes, it's a pretty park and it's fun to walk across the bridges over the Thames. Once you've crossed the Thames from the park it's not far to 32, Beaufort Mansions, Chelsea, where Enid and Hugh lived in a top-floor apartment when they first got married. I've never seen the building but Barbara Stoney describes it as "a red-brick block of Victorian mansion flats, between the Embankment and the King's Road."

Edit: Just did a spot of Googling and it's in Beaufort Street:

http://search.knightfrank.com/CHL120285" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[pete9012S]

May a bit out of reach in a two hour visit,but Enid Blyton was a governess to a Surbiton family for four years from 1918, at a house called 'Southernhay', on the Hook Road.

Regards

Pete

[Katharine]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. The river walks sound lovely, but I don't think I'll do those as I'll be on my own.

Stephen, I've been warned there's a particularly bad housing estate in the area, I don't know if that's the one where you saw a fox though! In fact I've been warned about the area in general by a couple of people, so I'm a little apprehensive about going.

At the moment I think Anita's suggestion of the flat in Chelsea sounds the most appealing option, although I'll have to see if it's achievable in the time I've got. My knowledge of London is virtually zero, so I've no idea how close anywhere is. Also I'll be in heels rather than sensible walking footwear which will slow me down a bit, but I'm definitely going to see if I can manage Beaufort Street.

[Anita Bensoussane]

Personally I wouldn't worry about going to that area alone - there are sure to be plenty of people about in the main streets and the park, and on the bridges. What is a bit of a pain is that Battersea and Chelsea are not well served by the Tube network. From memory, Battersea Park is about a 15-20 minute walk from the nearest Tube station.

[Katharine]

Thanks for the info Anita. My limited experience of London is the City end, and I was left with a general feeling of pushing/shoving, every man/car for himself.

We've been advised the nearest station is Clapham Junction which is 15 minutes from where we need to be (very close to the park I think). However I think I've managed to find a bus which will take us most of the way. Normally I'd wouldn't think twice about walking that distance, but we'll have luggage with us, so the bus seems a better option.

Still keen on the Beaufort Street visit if I can, must make sure I take a camera.

[Julie2owlsdene]

I have a DVD of Gideon' s Way, and one of the episodes on that shows Battersea Power station and all around the fun fair!!! Of course it was in black and white in the 60's. I guess it's all a bit different these days! And of course there was a murder in that particular episode, but don't let that put you off, Katharine!

[Katharine]

Thanks Julie!!!! I noticed on the news this week there was a murder of a during rushhour in Victoria station which is where I'll need to catch a connecting train from. I've also been told that Clapham Junction was where a lot of the riots two years ago were.