From cycling at the Velodrome, to skate boarding in Belair Park, there are more than enough sports activities to go round! Even if you do not take part, be sure to visit the Herne Hill Velodrome, which was used for the 1948 London Olympics.
The picture above is a photo of a mural to be found on the railway viaduct on Burbage Road celebrating Dulwich’s rich sporting history - worth seeing if you have time. It is also opposite a mural celebrating the life of Richard Burbage - a great friend of Shakespeare and one of the founders of the world famous Globe Theatre on the banks of the Thames in central London.
The Herne Hill Velodrome is one of the oldest cycling tracks in the world, having been built in 1891 – partly as a response to bike road racing on normal roads being illegal. At the time it was described as "the fastest track in the world"
There are cycling sessions for all age groups so everyone can experience the thrill of cycling round a banked track.
The track was used for the 1948 London Olympic Games and was briefly the home of Crystal Palace Football Club during the first world war. More about the history of the track can be found here
Interesting fact: The velodrome is one of the landmarks on The Knowledge - the test that drivers of London black cabs must pass to show that they know the name and location of every street and the shortest or quickest route to it
There are superb sports facilities at both Dulwich Park and Belair Park – most of which are free to use - including tennis courts, outdoor table tennis, football pitches, a skate park, outdoor gym equipment, cricket nets and a bowling green.
Dulwich and Sydenham Hill Golf Club is not only a great course to play but has the most amazing views across Dulwich to central London, just a few miles away. The clubhouse can be booked for private events and the view across London is magical at night.
Interesting fact: The lower parts of the Golf Course border Hambledon Place, a small gated residential community. Margaret Thatcher bought a house there in the 1980s
Where to find (links to Google Maps):