During the 19th century, East Dulwich became a high-density residential area, with two new estates - Friern Manor Farm and Bower-Smith - providing for reasonably well-off workers who could only afford to live on the outskirts of London. When rail arrived in 1868, it introduced yet more people to the area. Today it's cosmopolitan suburb with brilliant transport links to the capital - the station is in Travelcard Zone 2 and offers four trains per hour to London Bridge.
East Dulwich sits between the affluent Dulwich Village and the hustle and bustle of trendy Peckham, and enjoys the perfect mix of both. Locals love it for its long, leafy streets brimming with independent shops and bars, most notably on the popular Lordship Lane. Dulwich Leisure Centre, Dulwich Library and Dulwich Picture Gallery are other local landmarks. Sydenham Hill Wood is also worth a wander - look out for the disused railway tunnel that is now a protected bat roost.