Hammersmith
· GB

Hammersmith

Hammersmith, Hammersmith and Fulham, United Kingdom

Discover the Vibrant Heart of West London: Hammersmith Nestled along a picturesque stretch of the River Thames, Hammersmith, in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, pulsates with a unique blend of urban energy and rive…

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Hammersmith.

Top Hotels in Hammersmith

Top Flights to Hammersmith

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Hammersmith.

Tours

Hammersmith Bridge Walk

A scenic walk along the Hammersmith Bridge, offering beautiful views of the River Thames and the city.

Lyric Theatre Tour

A guided tour of the historic Lyric Theatre, with insights into its architecture and productions.

Fuller's Brewery Tour

Discover the brewing process at Fuller's Griffin Brewery, ending with a beer tasting session.

Chiswick House and Gardens

Visit the beautiful Chiswick House and Gardens, a masterpiece of 18th-century British architecture and landscape.

Olympia London Exhibitions

Attend a vibrant exhibition at the Olympian London Exhibition Center.

Shopping

Hammersmith Broadway Shopping

A bustling shopping area with a variety of shops and eateries.

Shepherd's Bush Market

Explore a vibrant market offering diverse food, clothing, and crafts.

Outdoor

Ravenscourt Park Visit

Explore the beautiful Ravenscourt Park, ideal for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

Thames River Cruise

Experience a relaxing cruise on the River Thames with views of notable landmarks.

Brook Green Stroll

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through Brook Green, a tranquil park just a short walk from Hammersmith.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Hammersmith.

Currency
£ | GBP | Pound Sterling
Population
Not Available
Languages
English, English
Average weather
Hammersmith
Jan
cloud
8°3°
Feb
cloud
8°2°
Mar
rain
11°4°
Apr
rain
14°6°
May
cloud
18°9°
Jun
sun
21°12°
Jul
sun
23°14°
Aug
sun
23°14°
Sep
cloud
20°12°
Oct
rain
16°9°
Nov
cloud
11°5°
Dec
cloud
8°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Hammersmith.

What people love

Hammersmith is a vibrant area located in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in London, United Kingdom. Traveling to Hammersmith offers several advantages:

  1. Convenient Location: Hammersmith is well-connected with excellent transport links, including Hammersmith tube station, providing easy access to central London and other parts of the city.

  2. Thames River: Hammersmith is situated along the River Thames, offering beautiful riverside views and the opportunity for relaxing walks or boat rides.

  3. Cultural Hub: The area is home to various cultural attractions, including the Hammersmith Apollo, a renowned entertainment venue hosting concerts, comedy shows, and other performances.

  4. Shopping and Dining: Hammersmith boasts a range of shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.

  5. Green Spaces: There are several parks and green spaces in Hammersmith, such as Furnivall Gardens and Ravenscourt Park, providing peaceful retreats from the hustle and bustle of city life.

  6. Historic Buildings: Hammersmith features a mix of modern architecture and historic buildings, offering visitors a glimpse into the area's rich heritage.

Overall, traveling to Hammersmith can provide a well-rounded experience with its blend of urban amenities, cultural offerings, natural beauty, and historic charm.

What to know

Traveling to Hammersmith, located in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, has several potential downsides that travelers might want to consider:

  1. Traffic and Congestion: Hammersmith is a busy area, especially during peak hours. The traffic congestion can be quite severe, which might be inconvenient for those driving or taking buses.

  2. High Cost of Living: Hammersmith, like much of London, can be expensive. Accommodation, dining, and entertainment costs are generally high compared to other cities.

  3. Crowded Public Transport: The area is well-connected by public transport, with multiple tube lines and bus routes. However, the services are often crowded, particularly during rush hours, which can be uncomfortable for some travelers.

  4. Noise and Pollution: Being a bustling urban area, Hammersmith can be noisy, with constant traffic and construction sounds. Air pollution levels can also be higher due to the density of vehicles and activity.

  5. Limited Parking: Finding parking in Hammersmith can be challenging and expensive. Many streets have parking restrictions, and car parks can fill up quickly.

  6. Weather: Typical of London, the weather can be unpredictable, often gray and rainy, which might not be ideal for all travelers.

  7. Tourist Crowds: While not as tourist-heavy as central London attractions, Hammersmith does attract visitors, especially for events at venues like the Eventim Apollo, which can lead to crowded streets and public spaces.

These cons should be balanced against the many positives of visiting Hammersmith, such as its vibrant cultural scene, shopping, and dining options.

Hammersmith, located in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, is an area with a rich and varied history. Here's a detailed account of its historical development, significant events, notable figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

  • Origins: The name "Hammersmith" is believed to derive from the Old English words "hamor" (hammer) and "smæþ" (smithy), suggesting it was a place of blacksmiths. The area was originally a rural settlement.

17th and 18th Centuries

  • Development: Hammersmith began to develop more significantly in the 17th century. It was initially part of the parish of Fulham.
  • Hammersmith Bridge: The first Hammersmith Bridge, a suspension bridge designed by William Tierney Clark, opened in 1827. It was the first suspension bridge over the River Thames and a crucial crossing point for the area.

19th Century

  • Industrial Growth: The 19th century saw Hammersmith grow rapidly due to industrialization and the expansion of the railway. The arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century helped transform it into a significant urban area.
  • Cultural Developments: The area became a hub for artists and creatives. William Morris, the famed designer, writer, and socialist, lived in Kelmscott House on the banks of the Thames from 1878 until his death in 1896.

20th Century

  • Diverse Community: During the 20th century, Hammersmith became known for its diverse community, with waves of immigrants contributing to its vibrant culture. The area has been home to notable Irish, Polish, Caribbean, and more recently, Eastern European and Somali communities.
  • Hammersmith Palais: This iconic venue, opened in 1919, became famous as a dance hall and later as a concert venue, hosting performances by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Clash before its closure in 2007.
  • Hammersmith Flyover: Completed in 1961, the flyover is a significant piece of infrastructure that connects west London to central London.

Notable Figures

  • William Morris: As mentioned earlier, Morris lived in Hammersmith and was a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement.
  • Gustav Holst: The composer of "The Planets" suite taught music at St. Paul's Girls' School in Hammersmith for many years.
  • Eric Clapton: The legendary guitarist was born in nearby Ripley but spent formative years in Hammersmith.

Landmarks

  • Hammersmith Bridge: Though the original was replaced, the current suspension bridge, designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette, opened in 1887 and remains a key landmark.
  • Lyric Theatre: Established in 1895, the Lyric Theatre is a significant cultural venue in Hammersmith, known for its innovative productions.
  • Riverside Studios: Originally a film studio, it has been a center for arts and media since the 1970s.

Hammersmith continues to be a vibrant and dynamic area, known for its cultural diversity, historic architecture, and bustling city life.