Overview
Kennington’s name derives from the Old English for king’s town, reflecting its origins as a royal manor. Development accelerated after the construction of Westminster Bridge in 1750, transforming it into an elegant Georgian suburb. Kennington Common, now Kennington Park, was the site of the Chartist demonstration of 1848, one of the largest political gatherings in British history. The Oval cricket ground, leased to Surrey County Cricket Club from the Duchy of Cornwall in 1845, remains the area’s most iconic landmark.
Talk to us
Looking for a home in Kennington & Oval? Speak to Jane Wood & Associates for a discreet, highly personalised search shaped around your priorities.
Our Insight
Kennington & Oval suits buyers who want a central Zone 1 or 2 location at an accessible price point than, without sacrificing period architecture or transport links. The market is varied, spanning Georgian terraces, Victorian conversion flats and a growing number of new riverside developments.
Why live in Kennington & Oval
- The Kia Oval, home of Surrey County Cricket Club, hosting Test matches and major events throughout the summer.
- Kennington Park, with its tennis courts, sports pitches, and a significant history as a site of public assembly.
- Kennington Park’s weekly farmers’ market, held every Saturday in the courtyard of St Mark’s Church.
- Georgian squares and terraces, including Fentiman Road, Cleaver Square and Walcot Square, within a short walk of Westminster and the South Bank.
- Excellent transport links, with Kennington and Oval stations on the Northern line and Lambeth North on the Bakerloo line.
Property Landscape
Kennington and Oval’s residential character reflects several distinct phases of development. Georgian terraces and squares, largely built in the early 19th century, form the most desirable part of the market. There are also plenty of Victorian conversion flats. More recently, riverside developments including The Corniche, three residential towers designed by Foster and Partners on Albert Embankment, and Oval Village by Berkeley Homes have added a contemporary alternative to the area’s period stock.
Kennington & Oval Highlights
- The Imperial War Museum, free to enter and housed in the former Bethlem Royal Hospital, with collections spanning both World Wars and beyond.
- Brunswick House, a Georgian mansion on Vauxhall Grove now operating as a restaurant and architectural salvage business.
- The Fentiman Arms has been a popular neighbourhood staple for over 150 years!
- The Cinema Museum on Dugard Way, housed in the former Lambeth Workhouse where Charlie Chaplin spent part of his childhood.
Local Alumni
Charlie Chaplin grew up in Kennington, and a blue plaque marks his former home on Kennington Road. The Kennington area was also the birthplace of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional address for Sherlock Holmes’s nemesis — Professor Moriarty is described as operating from the neighbourhood. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, held a residence at Kennington and the area has long-standing royal associations through its Duchy of Cornwall connections.
Education & Connectivity
Kennington has a range of state schools within the London Borough of Lambeth. For transport, Kennington and Oval stations serve both branches of the Northern line, with Lambeth North on the Bakerloo line also within easy reach. The Northern line provides fast connections to the City, the West End, and London Bridge, with Waterloo and Elephant and Castle stations also within walking distance.
Talk to us about Kennington & Oval
- Local Expertise: With over 25 years of experience as London buying agents, we know Kennington in detail, from the Georgian squares to the riverside developments and everything in between.
- Exclusive Off-Market Access: The finest homes in Kennington & Oval rarely reach the open market. Our network means we hear about them early.
- Professional Negotiation: We negotiate exclusively on your behalf, ensuring you secure the right property at the right price with complete confidence.