Look at a London tube map and you’d be forgiven for thinking there wasn’t much going on south of the river. But you’d be gravely mistaken.

Home to diverse communities, thriving creative institutions and countless exciting food and drink options, south London is an integral part of the capital’s varied arts scene. Mooch around some of London’s best galleries, get lost in its sprawling green spaces, feast on culinary delights from all corners of the world and visit that famous pink staircase – south London has it all and more – you just have to know where to find it.

This is part of a growing series of opinionated guides which offer no-nonsense insider’s advice on what to do and see in Britain.