Hammersmith is one of those parts of west London that rewards a little wandering. The town centre is busy and exceptionally well connected, but a short walk towards the Thames brings a different side of the neighbourhood: riverside gardens, historic pubs, Hammersmith Bridge and the leafy streets around Upper Mall.
There is plenty to do without travelling far. The area has two major theatres, a celebrated live-music venue, one of west London’s larger parks, a stretch of the Thames Path and several places connected with important figures in London’s cultural history.
The best things to do in Hammersmith depend on what kind of day you want. A first visit might combine the river, Hammersmith Bridge and Riverside Studios.
Families can make use of Ravenscourt Park and the Lyric’s programme, while culture lovers have a strong choice of theatre, cinema and live music. For a quieter afternoon, the streets around Upper Mall and Brook Green offer a chance to see a more residential side of the district.
This guide covers the main things to see and do in Hammersmith, practical transport information and nearby places worth adding to a longer west London itinerary.
The best things to do in Hammersmith at a glance
| Place or activity | Best for | What makes it worth visiting |
| Hammersmith Riverside | Walks and views | Thames scenery, gardens and riverside paths |
| Hammersmith Bridge | Architecture and photography | Striking historic suspension bridge |
| Riverside Studios | Arts and cinema | Theatre, film, comedy and riverside setting |
| Eventim Apollo | Live entertainment | Major concerts, comedy and shows |
| Lyric Hammersmith Theatre | Theatre and families | Drama, comedy and children’s productions |
| Ravenscourt Park | Green space | Walking, sport, play areas and gardens |
| Upper Mall | History and architecture | Historic riverside buildings and cultural connections |
| Kelmscott House | William Morris history | Home associated with the designer and writer |
| Brook Green | A quieter walk | Open green space and historic surroundings |
| Riverside pubs | Food and drinks | Traditional London pub atmosphere beside the Thames |
The Best things to do in Hammersmith
1. Walk along Hammersmith Riverside
For many visitors, the Thames is the natural starting point.
The riverside section around Hammersmith is particularly pleasant because the town centre is close by but feels surprisingly distant once you reach the water. Furnivall Gardens provides green space beside the river, while the path continues towards Hammersmith Bridge and Upper Mall.
The Thames Path is a good option when you want to explore Hammersmith on foot rather than spend the day moving between individual attractions. The local authority has been working on improvements to the Hammersmith section of the Thames Path, including better connections between the town centre and riverside.
What to look out for
- Views across the River Thames towards Barnes
- Hammersmith Bridge
- Furnivall Gardens
- Riverside pubs and terraces
- Historic houses along Upper Mall
- Riverside Studios
- Boats and rowing activity on the Thames
The best approach is to avoid treating the river as simply a viewpoint. Allow time to walk slowly, particularly around Upper Mall, where Hammersmith’s historic character becomes much more apparent.
2. See Hammersmith Bridge
Hammersmith Bridge is one of the area’s defining landmarks.
The current bridge opened in 1887 and is a Grade II* listed structure. Sir Joseph Bazalgette designed it and is an important example of Victorian suspension-bridge engineering.
The bridge has also had an unusual recent history. Motor traffic has been excluded since 2019 following the discovery of structural problems. As of 2026, the bridge remains closed to motor traffic but is open to pedestrians and cyclists.
That makes it particularly useful for walkers exploring both sides of the Thames.
You can cross from Hammersmith into Barnes on foot or by bicycle, then continue towards Barnes village and Barnes Common. The bridge itself is worth seeing even if you do not cross it: its ornate structure makes an excellent focal point for photographs from the riverside.
Practical tip: If you are visiting specifically to cross the bridge, check the latest local status before travelling because the structure remains subject to ongoing monitoring and restoration work.
3. Spend time at Riverside Studios
Riverside Studios sits close to the Thames at Queen Caroline Street, a few minutes’ walk from Hammersmith Broadway.
The venue combines arts and entertainment with a particularly good riverside setting. Its programme includes theatre, comedy, live music, cinema, workshops and community events. The building also has a café and outdoor seating overlooking the river and Hammersmith Bridge.
That makes Riverside Studios useful even when you are not attending a performance.
You can combine a film or show with a riverside walk, or simply use the area as a stopping point while exploring the neighbourhood.
The venue’s cinema is another reason to put it on a Hammersmith itinerary. Its two screens show a mixture of films, including classics, contemporary releases and festival programming.
Why visit Riverside Studios?
- Theatre and live performance
- Cinema
- Comedy and music
- Family and community activities
- Riverside food and drink
- Views towards Hammersmith Bridge
For visitors arriving by Underground, Hammersmith station is the nearest major station, served by the District, Piccadilly, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines. Riverside Studios advises that it is around a three-minute walk from the Broadway via Queen Caroline Street.
4. Catch a show at the Eventim Apollo
If live entertainment is your priority, the Eventim Apollo is one of the most recognisable venues in Hammersmith.
The Art Deco building opened in 1932 as the Gaumont Palace and later became known as the Hammersmith Odeon. It is Grade II listed and has hosted major music acts, comedy performances and theatre productions over many decades.
Its history is part of the attraction. The Beatles played there repeatedly during the 1960s, David Bowie performed his final concert as Ziggy Stardust there in 1973, and Queen also appeared at the venue.
Today, the programme covers much more than rock and pop. Comedy, theatre, family entertainment and other live shows feature alongside concerts.
The venue is directly opposite the Broadway Shopping Centre, with Hammersmith’s Underground and bus stations nearby. It is served by the Piccadilly, District and Hammersmith & City lines.
Visiting for a concert?
Check the venue’s current event information before travelling. Performance times, entry arrangements and accessibility provisions can vary by event.
It is also sensible to use public transport. The Apollo does not have its own parking and advises visitors against parking in nearby residential streets.
5. See a performance at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is another major reason to visit the area.
Located on King Street, the theatre has a strong reputation for producing contemporary work as well as family entertainment. Its programme includes drama, comedy, dance, children’s productions and seasonal shows. The theatre also runs creative programmes for young people.
The current programme demonstrates the breadth of its offer. Productions scheduled for 2026 include The Children, August Wilson’s Fences, the For The Culture festival and the Christmas production of Cinderella.
For families, the Little Lyric programme is particularly useful. It is designed around children’s shows and family audiences, with productions aimed at younger visitors.
The theatre is on Lyric Square, making it easy to combine a performance with time in central Hammersmith.
Is Lyric Hammersmith good for families?
Yes. The theatre has a dedicated family programme, and its wider schedule includes children’s productions, workshops and activities. Check the individual production details because recommended ages and running times vary.
6. Explore Ravenscourt Park
Ravenscourt Park is one of the best choices if you want to add green space to a Hammersmith day.
The park lies between King Street and Goldhawk Road and is one of the larger parks in Hammersmith & Fulham. It contains open lawns, mature trees, sports facilities, gardens and play areas. The park forms the centre of the Ravenscourt and Starch Green Conservation Area.
It works for several types of visitors.
A casual walker can take a circuit through the grounds. Families have play areas and recreation facilities to choose from, while visitors looking for a quieter break can simply find a bench or patch of lawn.
The park’s layout also makes it useful as part of a walking route between Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush.
Things to do in Ravenscourt Park
- Walk through the park
- Have a picnic
- Use the sports facilities
- Visit the gardens
- Let children use the play areas
- Combine the park with King Street and central Hammersmith
Visitors with dogs should check the current local restrictions before arriving. Hammersmith & Fulham has designated dog-free and lead-only areas within Ravenscourt Park, including around several play, sports and wildlife areas.
The council is also undertaking a play-area transformation programme covering several parts of the park, so families should check for any temporary changes before visiting.
7. Walk along Upper Mall
Upper Mall is one of the most characterful streets in Hammersmith.
Running beside the Thames, it provides a useful link between the riverside around Hammersmith Bridge and the wider neighbourhood. The architecture, river views and historic associations make it particularly rewarding for anyone interested in London’s local history.
This is a good place to slow down rather than follow a strict sightseeing schedule.
Look for the historic buildings along the waterfront and take time to view the river from different points. The area also provides access to several notable riverside pubs.
Upper Mall is especially enjoyable when paired with Hammersmith Bridge, Furnivall Gardens and Riverside Studios. That combination creates an easy walking itinerary without requiring a car or extensive public transport.
8. Visit Kelmscott House and explore William Morris’s Hammersmith
Hammersmith has a significant connection with William Morris, one of Britain’s most influential designers, writers and political thinkers.
Kelmscott House stands at 26 Upper Mall and was Morris’s home during the later part of his life. The William Morris Society operates the site as a museum and exhibition space.
Visitors can see the craft workshop, Albion Press, Coach House and library, with exhibitions relating to Morris’s work and the wider Arts and Crafts movement.
The museum is relatively small, which is part of its appeal. It is best suited to visitors who want to understand the person behind the familiar Morris patterns rather than simply see decorative objects.
Opening arrangements can change, so check the William Morris Society’s current information before making a special journey.
For anyone interested in design, printing, architecture or London’s literary history, this is one of the more distinctive things to do in Hammersmith.
9. Relax in Furnivall Gardens
Furnivall Gardens sits between the town centre and the Thames and provides one of the easiest ways to combine a short green-space break with riverside sightseeing.
The gardens are particularly useful for visitors who want somewhere to pause during a walking route. Their location means you can reach them from King Street and continue towards Hammersmith Bridge and Upper Mall.
The gardens also form part of the wider riverside landscape that gives this part of Hammersmith its distinctive character. Local planning documents identify Furnivall Gardens as a local park and open space and as part of the Thames Policy Area.
Rather than treating it as a major attraction requiring a separate trip, think of Furnivall Gardens as a natural stopping point on a Hammersmith riverside walk.
10. Spend some time around Brook Green
Brook Green is just north-east of the main Hammersmith centre and offers a quieter change of pace.
The green itself is an open space surrounded by residential streets and historic buildings. The wider conservation area has a long history, with the settlement recorded as far back as the late medieval period. It later developed from a rural and market-gardening landscape into the residential neighbourhood visible today.
This is a good area for an unhurried walk, especially if you are interested in London’s architecture rather than major tourist attractions.
You can reach Brook Green from Hammersmith Broadway and combine it with a walk towards Kensington Olympia or the streets around Hammersmith Road.
It is also a useful reminder that Hammersmith is more than its transport hub and entertainment venues.
11. Enjoy a traditional riverside pub
Hammersmith has a strong pub tradition, particularly around the Thames.
The stretch around Upper Mall is the place to look for historic riverside pubs where the setting is as much part of the experience as the food and drink.
The Dove is one of the best-known examples. The historic pub at 19 Upper Mall has a terrace and views across the Thames and is listed by Visit London among the capital’s notable riverside pubs. It is also associated with a Guinness World Records claim for having one of the world’s smallest bars.
The Blue Anchor is another riverside option nearby.
A pub stop works particularly well after walking from Hammersmith Broadway to the river. If the weather is good, the riverside setting can turn a simple drink into one of the more memorable parts of a Hammersmith afternoon.
12. Take a Thames-side photography walk
Hammersmith is a useful area for photographers because the scenery changes quickly over a relatively short distance.
Start around Furnivall Gardens and work west towards Hammersmith Bridge. Continue along Upper Mall, stopping at different viewpoints across the river.
The best subjects include:
- Hammersmith Bridge
- Thames boats
- Riverside architecture
- Furnivall Gardens
- Upper Mall
- Reflections on the water
- Views towards Barnes
Early morning and late afternoon generally provide softer natural light, while overcast weather can work well for architectural photographs.
The bridge is particularly striking from the riverside, where its suspension structure can be framed against the water.
13. Plan a family day in Hammersmith
Hammersmith works surprisingly well for a family day because several attractions are close together.
A simple itinerary could look like this:
- Morning: Start at Ravenscourt Park and allow time for play, walking and a picnic.
- Early afternoon: Head towards King Street and central Hammersmith.
- Afternoon: See a family production at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre or visit Riverside Studios if its cinema or family programme suits your schedule.
- Late afternoon: Walk towards Furnivall Gardens and the Thames.
- Evening: Finish with an early meal or, for older children and teenagers, a suitable live event.
The main advantage is that you do not need to cross London repeatedly. Hammersmith’s major venues, parks and riverside are concentrated within a manageable area.
14. Enjoy Hammersmith after dark
Hammersmith becomes a particularly good evening destination when its entertainment venues are active.
The Eventim Apollo is the obvious choice for large concerts and comedy, while Lyric Hammersmith Theatre offers theatre and family productions. Riverside Studios provides another option for cinema, theatre and live entertainment.
The best approach is to choose the event first and then build your evening around it.
For an Apollo performance, the concentration of restaurants, shops and transport around Hammersmith Broadway makes the area convenient before and after the show.
For Riverside Studios or a theatre performance, consider arriving early enough to walk down towards the river before taking your seat.
Hammersmith transport: how to get there
One of Hammersmith’s biggest practical advantages is its public transport network.
The area has Underground services on several lines. Hammersmith station is served by the District, Piccadilly, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines, making it one of west London’s most useful interchanges.
There are also numerous bus services through Hammersmith Broadway and towards the surrounding neighbourhoods.
For visitors planning a day around the river, the main point to remember is that Hammersmith Broadway and the Thames are close enough to connect on foot. Riverside Studios, for example, advises that it is around a three-minute walk from the Broadway via Queen Caroline Street.
Getting around Hammersmith
| If you want to visit… | Start around… | Best approach |
| Eventim Apollo | Hammersmith Broadway | Walk |
| Lyric Hammersmith | King Street | Walk from Broadway |
| Riverside Studios | Queen Caroline Street | Walk towards the Thames |
| Hammersmith Bridge | Riverside | Walk |
| Upper Mall | Hammersmith Riverside | Walk |
| Ravenscourt Park | King Street/Ravenscourt Park area | Walk or use local transport |
| Brook Green | Hammersmith Broadway | Walk or take local transport |
For live events, always check the venue’s own travel information before setting off, particularly if engineering works or weekend closures affect Underground services.
A useful one-day Hammersmith itinerary
If you only have one day, there is no need to cram in every attraction.
Morning
Start at Ravenscourt Park.
Walk through the park, explore its gardens and recreation areas, and allow children time to use the play facilities if needed.
Late morning
Head towards King Street and central Hammersmith.
Stop for food or coffee before continuing towards the river.
Early afternoon
Walk through Furnivall Gardens and down towards Hammersmith Riverside.
Continue towards Hammersmith Bridge and Upper Mall.
Mid-afternoon
Spend time around Upper Mall and, if it is open when you visit, explore Kelmscott House.
Alternatively, stop at Riverside Studios for a film, exhibition, performance or riverside break.
Early evening
Choose a riverside pub or restaurant before your evening entertainment.
Evening
Book a performance at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Eventim Apollo or Riverside Studios, depending on the programme.
This route gives you a good balance of parks, architecture, local history, the Thames and entertainment without turning the day into a race between attractions.
Hammersmith or nearby west London?
Hammersmith is also a useful base for exploring neighbouring parts of west London.
Shepherd’s Bush is close to the north-east and has its own entertainment, shopping and music venues.
Barnes sits across the Thames and can be reached by crossing Hammersmith Bridge on foot or by bicycle, subject to the bridge’s current status.
Chiswick is west of Hammersmith and is known for its historic houses, gardens and riverside setting.
Fulham lies south-east of Hammersmith and provides another cluster of parks, pubs and independent shops.
This makes Hammersmith particularly useful for visitors who want to combine several west London neighbourhoods in one trip.
Best things to do in Hammersmith by interest
| Your interest | Best choice |
| First-time visitor | Hammersmith Riverside and Hammersmith Bridge |
| Theatre | Lyric Hammersmith Theatre |
| Live music | Eventim Apollo |
| Cinema and arts | Riverside Studios |
| Families | Ravenscourt Park and Lyric’s family programme |
| History | Hammersmith Bridge and Kelmscott House |
| Architecture | Upper Mall and Hammersmith Bridge |
| Green space | Ravenscourt Park |
| Photography | Thames Path and Hammersmith Bridge |
| Quiet afternoon | Brook Green |
| Pub atmosphere | Upper Mall riverside pubs |
| Walking | Thames Path and Upper Mall |
Are there free things to do in Hammersmith?
Yes. Some of the area’s best experiences do not require an admission ticket.
Free or low-cost options include:
- Walking along the Thames
- Crossing Hammersmith Bridge on foot
- Exploring Furnivall Gardens
- Walking through Ravenscourt Park
- Exploring Brook Green
- Looking at the historic architecture around Upper Mall
- Photographing the riverside
- Walking between Hammersmith Broadway and the Thames
Paid attractions and performances can then be added around the free parts of the day.
What makes Hammersmith worth visiting?
Hammersmith’s main strength is variety rather than a single headline attraction.
Within a relatively compact area, you can move from a major Underground interchange to a large Victorian entertainment venue, then walk towards the Thames and find historic riverside buildings, green space and one of London’s best-known suspension bridges.
It also has a useful balance between planned activities and spontaneous exploration. A theatre ticket gives you a fixed reason to visit, while the riverside and parks allow you to build the rest of your day around the weather and your interests.
For visitors searching for things to do in Hammersmith, that flexibility is one of the neighbourhood’s biggest advantages.
FAQ
1. What are the best things to do in Hammersmith?
The best things to do include walking along the Thames, seeing Hammersmith Bridge, visiting Ravenscourt Park, exploring Upper Mall, seeing a show at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre or Eventim Apollo, and visiting Riverside Studios.
2. Is Hammersmith worth visiting?
Yes. Hammersmith combines a major entertainment scene with riverside walks, historic architecture, parks and cultural attractions. It is also exceptionally well connected by Underground.
3. Is Hammersmith Bridge open?
Hammersmith Bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists but remains closed to motor traffic. Its status can change because the structure is subject to ongoing monitoring and restoration work.
4. What is there to do in Hammersmith for free?
Walking along the Thames, visiting Furnivall Gardens, exploring Ravenscourt Park, crossing Hammersmith Bridge on foot and walking around Upper Mall are among the best free options.
5. Is Hammersmith good for families?
Yes. Ravenscourt Park provides outdoor space and play areas, while Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Riverside Studios programme family-oriented performances and activities. Check individual event age recommendations before booking.
6. What is Hammersmith famous for?
Hammersmith is particularly known for its riverside setting, Hammersmith Bridge, the Eventim Apollo, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and its long cultural connection with figures including William Morris.
7. Can you walk from Hammersmith Broadway to the Thames?
Yes. The town centre is within walking distance of the riverside. Riverside Studios, for example, is around a three-minute walk from Hammersmith Broadway via Queen Caroline Street.
8. Where can you see live music in Hammersmith?
The Eventim Apollo is the area’s major live entertainment venue and hosts concerts alongside comedy, theatre and other shows. Riverside Studios also presents live entertainment.
9. What can you do in Hammersmith on a rainy day?
Theatres, cinema and indoor entertainment make Hammersmith useful in wet weather. Riverside Studios offers cinema and live arts, while Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Eventim Apollo have regular performance programmes.
Conclusion
Hammersmith is a strong choice for a west London day out because it combines culture, green space, local history and the Thames without requiring a complicated itinerary.
Start with the river if you want scenery, choose Ravenscourt Park for a slower pace, or make one of Hammersmith’s theatres and live venues the centrepiece of your visit. Hammersmith Bridge and Upper Mall add architectural and historical interest, while Kelmscott House offers a more specialised look at the area’s connection with William Morris.
Before travelling, check the official venue websites for current performances, admission arrangements and opening information. For the bridge and public transport, check the latest local travel information as conditions can change.
For a first visit, the simplest plan is to combine Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith Riverside, Hammersmith Bridge and Upper Mall, then finish with a performance at one of the area’s established entertainment venues.
