It is situated 9.5 miles (15.3 km) south-southwest of Charing Cross, in the valley of the River Wandle, one of the sources of which is Carshalton Ponds in the middle of the village.

In addition to Honeywood Museum, there are several other cultural features in Carshalton, including the Charles Cryer Theatre and an art gallery in Oaks Park.

It is also home to the Sutton Ecology Centre, and every year an environmental fair is held in Carshalton Park to the south of the village.

[1] To the south of the area now known as Carshalton, remains of artefacts dating from the Neolithic to the Iron Age have been found, suggesting that this was an early place of habitation.

[9] In the Domesday era there was a church and a water mill in Carshalton, which was then still made up of a number of hamlets dotted around the area, as opposed to a single compact village.

[10] In the Middle Ages the land in the village was generally farmed in the form of a number of open fields, divided into strips.

The meaning of the Cars element is uncertain but early spellings (Kersaulton and Cresaulton) may indicate connection with a cross or perhaps cress, watercress having been grown locally.

In his book History of the Worthies of England, the 17th century historian Thomas Fuller refers to Carshalton for its walnuts and trout.

"[12] During the Victorian era and into the early 20th century, Carshalton was known for its lavender fields[13] (also see below under "Landmarks"), but the increasing land demand for residential building put an end to commercial growing.

Its name is thought to derive from the rye that was once grown in this area, or from the Anglo-Saxon word rithe which means a small stream.

The current church contains 12th century work; the tower is the oldest part of the building and is thought to date back to before the Norman Conquest.

The dramatic west end gallery, which accommodates the large three manual Willis Organ, was designed by the Anglo-catholic architect Ninian Comper.

In the late 17th century Josias moved from Chilworth to Carshalton to run a Gunpowder Mill on the River Wandle and decided to make his home nearby at the lodge.

Dickinson built his house between 1902 and 1904, and achieved a unique blend of traditional and Art Nouveau, which has featured in several recent TV series on architectural history.

Dickinson named his house as a homage to George Frederick Watts, the Victorian artist, sculptor and social campaigner, whose ideals he greatly admired.

In particular, during the period 1896 to 1903 when it was owned by one John Pattinson Kirk, a London merchant, a large Edwardian wing was added to the south side.

[33] The house now plays host to the London Borough of Sutton's Museum, and has a local history collection, including objects that date back to the Bronze Age.

[36][37][38] It is an area of mainly open space where visitors can find out about wildlife habitats, alternative energy, recycling, composting, and organic gardening.

In common with the London Borough of Sutton as a whole, Carshalton has many green spaces, with three of its main public parks worthy of particular note.

Although much reduced from its original size, it still offers features of historical significance and includes a grotto, the Hog Pit Pond, and a recently rediscovered air raid shelter.

Hog Pit is now empty of water, and takes the form of an amphitheatre which is utilised as the main stage for the annual Environmental Fair, which the park plays host to.

The Grove, including the ornamental gardens, was bought by Carshalton Urban District Council in 1924[39] and the park was opened to the public a few years later.

The 1.5-metre fall is now ornamental in design, but its original purpose was to create a head of water in order to provide power for the nearby "Upper Mill".

The theatre opened in the early 1990s on the site of a former public hall as part of the then "Arts in Carshalton" campaign coordinated by the local council.

[45] At a meeting in October 2018, the local council announced that the theatre would be brought back into use, following a successful bid to run the venue (on a 25-year lease) by Cryer Arts Ltd.

It also includes music, performing art, poetry, children's activities, campaign groups, local craft, interactive demonstrations, and a farmers' market.

Retail outlets in Beeches Avenue include an art gallery, a chocolatier, gift shops and hair and beauty salons.

Trains run from the current Carshalton to Victoria (in around 25 minutes), London Bridge and Thameslink stations including Blackfriars, Farringdon and Kings Cross St Pancras.

In 2012 Westcroft underwent a major renovation costing £11 million, bringing improved swimming facilities, dance and spinning studios and beauty treatment rooms.

There are eight courts in the sports hall, providing facilities for activities including badminton, gymnastics, trampolining, basketball, football, netball and volleyball.