Mortlake Area Guide

UK Area Guides

Mortlake, South West London

Exceptional4.4

Living in

Mortlake is a peaceful and pretty suburb that lies along the South bank of the Thames, near Richmond. It has a mixture of new apartment buildings along the river and Victorian terraces, and is surrounded by fantastic green spaces including the world-renowned Richmond Park and Kew Gardens. The area is naturally popular with families, who will find good schools nearby, and it is well-connected by rail, bus, and nearby Tube for commuters. Mortlake is famous for being the finishing point of the Oxford and Cambridge boat race.

Ratings

Exceptional4.4

Community

Mortlake is a friendly area with a village-like atmosphere due to being surrounded by green space, the River, and pretty period properties. It is popular with families. There are a number of independent shops and restaurants, and the pubs feel like proper locals. 

Safety

Mortlake is very safe. The area is currently rated as having average crime by the Met police, and there aren't any high-crime hotspots nearby. The 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate were both significantly lower than the rates for London as a whole.

Parking

Parking in Mortlake is a little easier than average for London. The rate of car ownership is slightly high, at just under one car per household. Road links into and out of Central London, including the South Circular and the A316, are good. 

Nightlife

Mortlake is home to many cafes and restaurants as well as several appealing riverside pubs. There's not much in the way of nightclubs or theatre, though - but you can easily take a bus into Hammersmith for more options.

Family Friendly

Mortlake property is mainly Victorian terraces, as well as some new-build apartments, many of which are spacious enough for families. There is a wealth of green and open space in Mortlake, which is just bordering on Richmond Park, and there's also the Thames as well as several playing fields and recreation grounds. Schools in this area are generally very good, and include an 'outstanding' Catholic primary. A high percentage of the population of Mortlake is aged 0-15.

Pet Friendly

Property in this area includes period houses as well as new apartments, so it is possible to find accommodation that is suitable for pets here. There is a wealth of green and open space in Mortlake, which is just bordering on Richmond Park, and there's also the Thames towpath for dog walking. This would be a great place to own a dog.

Transport

Mortlake station is in Zone 3 and is served by South West Trains, as is Barnes Bridge, and it is a quick journey to Waterloo. Nearby Kew Gardens Station is on the Overground as well as the Richmond branch of the District Line. The Thames towpath offers a pleasant walking and cycling route as well as a useful connection to other transport options. The area is well-served by buses. Road links into and out of Central London, including the South Circular and the A316, are good.