1. Clapham Park

Before getting on the bus at the start of the route, walk round to Agnes Riley Gardens. It’s a small park with a bigger history. The site used to be the grounds of a large private residence, owned by Frederick Riley. The local council decided to redevelop the area and Mr Riley offered the property to the council as long as it was developed into an open space named after a member of his family. The gardens contain a wildlife pond as well as spaces for children to play.

2. Blenheim Gardens

Take the bus and alight here and head for Windmill Gardens. As you walk towards them, you’ll come across the magnificent Brixton windmill which dominates the surrounding area. The mill was built in 1816, producing stoneground wholemeal flour until 1862. The newly-built houses in the area prevented sufficient wind to get to the sails to turn them so the sails were removed until 1902 when they were brought back and flour production was again under way. Over time, the windmill was vandalised or in need of repair and it wasn’t until the 21st century that it has started functioning as a working mill once again. It’s definitely worth a visit – check out open days in the summer months.

3. Lambeth Town Hall

There are a number of buses that stop here but there’s always something new to look at. The Black Cultural Archives are usually open but as it was Christmas week, no such luck. In Windrush Square is a memorial for the people of Sharpeville who died in the massacre in 1960. And outside Brixton library is a bronze bust of Sir Henry Tate, who gifted the library to the community.

From here, it’s an easy walk to Brixton (or one stop on the bus) to find the mural of David Bowie, who was born in Brixton and where he lived until he was 6 years old. The painting, completed in June 2013 by Australian James Cochran, is inspired by the album cover of the 1973 album Aladdin Sane.

4. Shakespeare Road

This is the stop for the Brixton Soup Kitchen, amongst other things; however it was closed so it wasn’t possible to find out what they do and what help they might need. On the opposite corner was a young lady, Erica West, who was protesting about homelessness in London and is trying to raise funds – she’s about to start sleeping there in solidarity. Along the road towards Loughborough Junction station, is Wicks Park and at the far end of this is Ebony Horse Club. The patron is the Queen Consort and their mission is to use horses to raise the education, life skills, wellbeing and aspirations of young people from disadvantaged communities within Lambeth.

5. Denmark Hill/ Camberwell Green

A brief stop off here to take a look at Camberwell Green. At the entrance is a large tree with one branch so big and over-hanging that it’s propped up by a metal pole. It’s a small park so easy to stroll around.

6. East Street

A few minutes’ walk from the bus stop is St Peter’s Church Walworth. Although it’s not always open to go inside, it’s worth a trip to see the building which is 200 years old and was the first church to be designed by Sir John Soane. Next to the churchyard is Faraday Gardens, where there is a children’s area and a conservation area. Round the corner is the Nelson Wildlife Pond, recently having received funding for enhancing maintenance and community involvement.

In the grounds of the church is a separate small garden with some interesting statues – one is a chimpanzee with a baby chimp and the inscription “Dragen Malakat Henriques Gone but never left”. The other resembles an African totem but it’s unsure why they are there and who placed them.

7. Hampton Street

Almost at the end of this route is the Southwark Library and Heritage Centre – another gem. Inside the centre is an exhibition about Southwark from how it got its name (from the earliest small settlement on the south bank of the Thames) to information about the Old Operating Theatre, the main part of which is at St Thomas’ Hospital. Although in a small space within the centre, there is much on display and to absorb.

8. Elephant and Castle station

The end of the line is at the station and just near is Elephant Arcade. It is a collective of independent shops, hair salons and cafes. Combined with a people-focused approach, this affordable site offers local people a great opportunity to test and grow business ideas on a variety of scales.

This route 45 isn’t a very long one but it’s got some really good places to stop off and see. It might be worth going on a day when the Black Cultural Archives are open as well as possibly going when the Chocolate Museum (near Brixton station stop) is open – usually Sundays only.

Toilets that are available and free of charge:

• Windmill Gardens centre
• McDonald’s Camberwell Green
• Southwark Library and Heritage Centre