Wallington is a suburban town in south London between Croydon and Sutton. It offers affordable family houses and three grammar schools.
Wallington can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon times, with its name derived from “Waletone” – meaning “village of the Britons”. As recorded in Domesday Book 1086, William The Conqueror held it at that time and enjoyed a significant range of assets; 11 hides, 2 mills, and 8 acres of meadow. Wallington was situated near what is now known as Wallington Bridge over River Wandle where settlements were first established centuries ago.
The construction of the railway in 1847 kick-started an unprecedented wave of development and urbanisation, with roads and housing quickly crisscrossing through lavender fields. To this day, a magnificent eighteen-foot sculpture commemorates this traditional industry at the intersection point between Woodcote Road & Stafford Road. Moreover, we’re seeing a resurgence throughout Banstead as they’ve planted their own 25-acre stretch of fragrant blooms – celebrating past customs while looking ahead to further progress.
Located 10 miles south of the hustle and bustle of London’s city centre Wallington has become an increasingly popular destination for first-time buyers and families alike. With easy access to central areas of the capital by public transportation, flats near its station have been attracting those priced out of more expensive neighbourhoods while houses offer larger living spaces that can be extended as needed. Schools in this area are also highly sought after which further adds to Wallington’s charm! Residents of the Wallington area have much to celebrate, as their neighbourhood hosts more commemorative gold post boxes than anywhere else in honour of local hero David Weir. His incredible Olympic successes in London 2012 are a cause for ongoing celebration and admiration!
Property scene
Wallington is a diverse residential area, with housing options ranging from classic Victorian and Edwardian to contemporary one-bedroom flats. On its desirable south side lies Lordsbury Field’s five-bed Thirties detached home available for £1.3 million, and an impressive six-bedroomed semi in Park Hill Road commanding just under the million mark at £975k. Modern flats fetch between £200,000 to £300,000. There are also retirement developments perfect for those looking to downsize offering prices starting at around 180K and going up towards 325K.
New build homes
New Mill Quarter in Wallington is an idyllic location situated near the River Wandle and minutes away from Beddington Park, providing beautiful scenery to enjoy with running, cycling, or leisurely walks. This newly developed area offers 440 homes of various sizes for those who wish to settle down; ranging from 1–3-bedroom apartments/houses as well as convenient access into London Victoria through Hackbridge Station – all within a 30-minute journey! Residents are able to take advantage of nearby amenities such as Lidl supermarket, as well as, proposed cafés and shops at their doorstep along with onsite gardens perfect for unwinding after long days.
Renting
Wallington is becoming an attractive option for young commuters who are yet to get on the property ladder. The grammar schools’ wide catchment areas also make it popular amongst families, with flats and houses available at monthly rates of £1192 and £1723 respectively on average.
Transport
With Wallington Station, commuters can enjoy direct access to London Bridge in just 30 minutes and journey times of 40 minutes on the Victoria Line. Hackbridge station provides greater travel options too; Thameslink services take only 35 minutes to Blackfriars, while Farringdon is reachable within 40 mins and St Pancras International takes 45 mins! Bus routes serve Purley, Sutton or Croydon but there are no options directly into Central London. Travelling from Zone 4’s Hackbridge station to central London costs £2,208 annually for a travel card. Wallington station is in Zone 5 and a yearly pass will set you back £2,628.
Postcode
SM6 is the postcode for Wallington, encompassing the picturesque locales of Beddington, Hackbridge and Roundshaw.
Shops and restaurants
Wallington is the perfect spot for a shopping adventure with Woodcote Road boasting its own small centre, Sainsbury’s and Lidl along with several other well-known brands. The Wallington Arms Pub in the Antic chain brings an added shabby chic touch to your experience. If it’s tasty food that you’re after then look no further than Wallington high street- Ginger Frog serves up delicious breakfast brunch with their now-famous pouch eggs. El Nido provides classic Spanish cuisine from one family-run business since 1978, and Korykos ensures a friendly experience as well as Turkish dishes on Manor Road. Stafford Road is home to the popular PizzaExpress and Sizzle’N Shake; a classic American diner everyone loves. Get creative at Glazed All Over DIY pottery shop, and satisfy your cravings for sandwiches and pizza at Bandon’s Bakehouse Coffee Shop afterwards! Woodcote Green Garden Centre in Woodmansterne Lane has an impressive selection of plants and a café on site for those looking for something more nature-oriented.
Open space
Beddington Park is a renowned historical and archaeological site in South West London. It dates back to 1351 when it was used as a deer park for the Carew family, who continued living at this location for 500 years until 1851. Highlighting its lush heritage with an investment of £3.7 million from Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund, Beddington Park now offers sports pitches, barbecue stands, outdoor gym facilities plus children’s playground amenities; not forgetting one can take pleasure in The Grange restaurant-bar & wedding venue while also enjoying a peaceful walk alongside River Wandle towards the lake situated within Grange Garden area!
Mellows Park provides a peaceful, picturesque escape in the heart of Stafford Road. Boasting 7.75 hectares of open grassland with tranquil hedges and amazing mature trees encircling it, this park offers something for everyone – from football pitches to skate parks and outdoor gyms! You’ll also find an inviting children’s playground as well as a café perfect for refuelling after all your adventures!
Leisure and the arts
Wallington Public Hall, the memorable Art Deco venue in Stafford Road that hosted many renowned Sixties and Seventies bands has unfortunately been closed down with plans to redevelop it as a block of flats. Since its inception 70 years ago, The Carshalton and Wallington Art Group continues to thrive making exhibitions every year for artists across Sutton or Croydon to showcase their creativity.
Schools
Primary schools
Wallington’s schools have much to be proud of – three primary institutions, Bandon Hill in Sandy Lane South, Stanley Park Infants in Stanley Park Road and St Elphege’s RC Infants and Juniors in Mollison Drive all earned the coveted rating of “outstanding” from education watchdog Ofsted. All but one school achieved a “good” or higher judgment.
Comprehensive
For parents in the area looking for a top-rated education, there are superb comprehensive schools close by. Harris Academy Purley (co-ed, 11–18) on Kendra Hall Road; London’s Harris Invictus Academy (ages 11 to 18) at London Road Croydon and Glenthorne High School (11–18), Sutton Common Rd have all been declared ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Six education institutions in the area have been judged to be ‘good’ They include Stanley Park High (co-ed), located on Damson Way; The John Fisher RC (boys) situated on Peaks Hill, Purley; Carshalton High School for Girls residing at West Street and its companion institution, Carshalton Boys Sports College based out of Winchcombe Road; Greenshaw High featuring both boys and girls found in Grennell Road, Sutton as well as Overton Grange – a co-educational school open to students aged 11 – 19 years old set up along Stanley Drive.
Private
Private schools abound in the local area, from Collingwood School for co-ed students between 2 and 11 years old to Old Palace of John Whitgift School which provides an all-through independent education for girls aged 3 through to 18. Laleham Lea RC offers primary schooling along with Cumnor House Boys’ and Girls’, Homefield Boys’ as well as Elmhurst preparatory school specifically tailored toward boys only. Highlighting this vast array is one of the region’s leading private secondary institutions: Whitgift, which serves pupils aged 10 to 18 at Haling Park in South Croydon while Sutton High welcomes female students ranging from age 3 up until 18.
Wallington is a great place to live for families who want access to great schools and affordable housing. The town has a rich history dating back to when it was just a small village, and its recent revival has made it an even more attractive place to live. If you’re looking for a suburban town with plenty to offer, Wallington is definitely worth considering.
