Map & location
Overview
SE23 3HZ falls within the Forest Hill neighbourhood of the London Borough of Lewisham. Forest Hill is a thriving residential area on the southern slopes of the North Downs ridge, known for its Victorian and Edwardian housing stock, independent shops, and strong sense of community. The postcode sits close to the heart of the district, within easy reach of the local high street on Dartmouth Road and the well-regarded Horniman Museum and Gardens.
The surrounding streets are predominantly made up of period terraced and semi-detached houses, many subdivided into flats, and reflect the wide demographic mix typical of inner south-east London. Forest Hill benefits from excellent transport links into Central London via the Overground, good local schooling, and a variety of cafés, restaurants and leisure facilities that have made it an increasingly popular destination for young families and professionals.
Getting here
Forest Hill Overground station (London Overground, East London Line) is approximately 500 m from SE23 3HZ and provides frequent services to Canada Water, Whitechapel, Dalston Junction and Crystal Palace. Honor Oak Park station is also within walking distance to the north-west. Numerous bus routes serve the area, including the 122, 176, 197, 356 and P4, linking the postcode to Lewisham, Catford, Sydenham and beyond. Cyclists can use quiet residential streets as well as on-road cycle routes heading towards central London. The A205 South Circular Road passes close to the area, making it accessible by car, though parking on residential streets is subject to permit controls in parts.
What it's famous for
Forest Hill is best known as home to the Horniman Museum and Gardens, a world-class free museum housing internationally significant natural history, musical instruments and anthropology collections, set within 16 acres of gardens with panoramic views across London. The area has a rich artistic heritage — the abstract expressionist painter Frederick Horniman built his eponymous museum here, and the neighbourhood continues to attract creative residents. Dartmouth Road is celebrated locally for its cluster of independent coffee shops, delis, galleries and boutiques. Forest Hill Pools, a restored Art Deco swimming complex, is another local landmark and community hub.
Services & facilities
Local authority providing housing, planning, waste and social services for SE23.
Public library on Dartmouth Road offering books, digital access and community events.
Full service Post Office on Dartmouth Road serving the local community.
London Fire Brigade station on Perry Vale, providing emergency cover for the area.
Tourist attractions
World-class free museum with natural history, musical instruments and anthropology collections, with panoramic gardens.
~400 m16-acre public gardens with formal gardens, an animal enclosure and stunning views over London.
~400 mBeautifully restored Art Deco leisure centre with pools, gym and fitness studios.
~600 mAncient woodland and nature reserve, part of the Great North Wood, popular for walking and wildlife.
~1.2 kmForest Hill's high street with independent cafés, delis, boutiques and restaurants.
~350 mLocal nature reserve managed for wildlife and community enjoyment.
~700 mHospitals & NHS
Major NHS hospital providing A&E, surgical and specialist services for south-east London.
~3.5 kmUrgent care for minor injuries and illnesses, co-located with University Hospital Lewisham.
~3.5 kmNHS GP practice serving patients in the Forest Hill area.
~500 mGPs, pharmacies & dentists
GP surgeries
NHS GP surgery offering appointments and online services.
~500 mGP surgery serving Honor Oak and Forest Hill residents.
~900 mPharmacies
Pharmacy on Dartmouth Road offering dispensing, consultations and health products.
~350 mPharmacy serving the local area with dispensing and health services.
~600 mDentists
General and cosmetic dental services for adults and children.
~400 mNHS and private dental care in Forest Hill.
~350 mSchools & universities
Ofsted-rated outstanding primary school in Forest Hill.
~600 mVoluntary aided CoE primary school in Forest Hill.
~700 mGirls' comprehensive secondary school with sixth form in Sydenham.
~1.0 kmBoys' comprehensive secondary school with sixth form.
~800 mFurther education college offering vocational and academic courses.
~4.0 kmBusinesses & shops
Cluster of independent shops, cafés and restaurants forming Forest Hill's vibrant high street.
Popular local pub serving food and drink on Dartmouth Road.
Retail and hospitality outlet attached to the world-famous Horniman Museum.
Leisure facility offering gym membership, fitness classes and swimming.
Gyms & leisure
Free world-class museum with natural history and musical collections.
~400 mArt Deco leisure centre with pools and gym.
~600 m16-acre public gardens with animal enclosure and London views.
~400 mCommunity pub with food, drink and regular events on Dartmouth Road.
~300 mNearest multiplex cinemas accessible by bus or Overground.
~3.5 kmService providers
Full Fibre and standard broadband infrastructure serving SE23.
Cable broadband and TV services available in parts of Forest Hill.
All major mobile networks provide coverage in SE23 3HZ.
Electricity and gas network operator for south-east London.
Residential & community
The dominant housing stock in the SE23 3HZ area, many converted to flats.
A significant proportion of local properties are converted ground and upper-floor flats.
Mix of owner-occupied and privately rented properties, with some social housing nearby.
Some modern flatted developments have been built in Forest Hill in recent years.
Transport
Train & Tube
Forest Hill Station
London Overground East London Line: services to Crystal Palace, Dalston Junction, Highbury & Islington and Clapham Junction.
Honor Oak Park Station
London Overground East London Line: adjacent stop providing the same Overground services.
Sydenham Station
London Overground services towards Crystal Palace and London Bridge (via separate route).
Bus stops
Dartmouth Road / Forest Hill
Main bus corridor serving Forest Hill high street.
Perry Vale
Bus stops on Perry Vale serving south and east Forest Hill.
Cycle hire
On-road Cycle Routes
Quieter residential streets link to the Waterlink Way greenway and the wider Lewisham cycle network.
Santander Cycles
Docking stations not present in SE23 but available in central London zones accessible by Overground.
EV, defibrillators & more
EV charging
Forest Hill Pools Car Park EV Charger
Electric vehicle charging point at the leisure centre car park (estimate).
Defibrillators
Forest Hill Overground Station
Defibrillator reported at station entrance.
Postboxes & Post Office
Forest Hill Post Office
Full service Post Office on Dartmouth Road.
Fuel stations
Esso Petrol Station, Stanstead Road
Nearest petrol station to SE23 3HZ.
Places of worship
Parish church serving the Forest Hill community.
~500 mRoman Catholic church on Brockley Rise.
~1.0 kmBaptist congregation in Forest Hill.
~600 mVarious community and faith groups use halls near the Horniman Museum.
~400 mCrime & safety
403 street-level crimes were reported within about a mile of this postcode in April 2026.
Source: data.police.uk. Locations are approximate (anonymised to map points) and cover England, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Area data & demographics
Housing & utilities
Approximately £550,000 (all property types, 2024 estimate); flats average around £350,000.
Predominantly Victorian and Edwardian terraces, many converted to flats, with some 1960s–70s social housing nearby.
Two-bedroom flats typically rent for £1,600–£2,000 pcm in Forest Hill (2024 estimate).
Demographics
Air quality & noise
16 acres of public park and gardens with nature trails and formal planting.
Generally moderate air quality; the South Circular road (A205) nearby can elevate NO₂ levels at peak times.
Predominantly quiet residential streets; some noise from rail and the A205.
Low flood risk for most of the SE23 3HZ area; some lower-lying streets near the Ravensbourne have minor risk.
FAQs
What area does SE23 3HZ fall in?
SE23 3HZ is in Forest Hill, in the London Borough of Lewisham, south-east London.
What Overground station serves SE23 3HZ?
Forest Hill station (London Overground, East London Line) is the nearest station, approximately 500 m away.
Which borough is SE23 3HZ in?
SE23 3HZ is in the London Borough of Lewisham.
Is the Horniman Museum near SE23 3HZ?
Yes — the Horniman Museum and Gardens is approximately 400 m from SE23 3HZ and is free to enter.
What council tax band are properties in SE23 3HZ?
Most properties in this area fall in Council Tax bands B–D; the exact band depends on the individual property's valuation.
What is the nearest hospital to SE23 3HZ?
University Hospital Lewisham, approximately 3.5 km away, is the nearest major hospital with A&E facilities.
Are there good schools near SE23 3HZ?
Yes — Kilmorie Primary School (rated Outstanding by Ofsted) and Forest Hill School for boys are both within walking distance.
Useful links
Official records and property listings for SE23 3HZ: