Rotherhithe: A commuter's dream on the river bank

The ease with which residents can travel into Central London and its main business and tourist areas, coupled with its proximity to the River Thames, makes Rotherhithe a very attractive place to live.

This residential district in the south-west of the capital is part of the borough of Southwark and is situated on a peninsula on the south bank of the Thames, forming part of the Docklands area.

Yet despite its location in the heart of all the action, boasting views of London's iconic skylines from the City to Canary Wharf, it can be a fairly quiet area, making it perfect for commuters who want to escape the hustle and bustle.

History of the area

Rotherhithe has a long history as a port and shipbuilding centre, and this has given it a distinctive maritime character which can clearly be seen in its architecture.

It was home to many shipyards from the Elizabethan times to the early 20th century, as well as working commercial docks. However, after suffering heavy bombing in the Second World War and struggling with larger ships and traffic congestion, the docks closed down in the 1970s.

The area along the river was redeveloped in the 80s, with a number of warehouse conversions and new-build developments popping up. Today regeneration is still taking place around Canada Water.

Living in Rotherhite

Rotherhithe is a fairly quiet part of London compared to its neighbouring districts and boasts some wonderful open spaces, including Southwark Park, the Stave Hill Ecology Park and Lavender Pond Nature Park. The Surrey Docks City Farm is also located along the river bank.

Rotherhithe Village at the south end of the Rotherhithe Tunnel is one of the most popular areas in the district thanks to its cobbled streets, old wharf buildings and amazing views of Tower Bridge.

The price of rental property in Rotherhithe, which typically includes warehouse conversion flats and new builds, tends to be higher than in many other parts of South London but lower than much of the rest of the Docklands area.

Things to do

There are numerous leisure activities for Rotherhithe's residents to enjoy, from shopping and dining to sports and relaxation. The Seven Islands Leisure Centre boasts one of the largest swimming pools in London and there are five-a-side Astroturf pitches at the Southwark Park Sports Centre.

Rotherhithe is also home to the Surrey Docks Watersports Centre which accommodates sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, powerboating and raft building.

The Surrey Quays Shopping Centre is a major attraction for the area's residents, with a number of big name brands and smaller retailers. Behind the centre is a leisure complex boasting a Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, a Gala bingo hall, an Odeon cinema and a number of cafes and restaurants.

When it comes to eating and drinking in Rotherhithe, there are plenty of options, from restaurants serving international cuisine to traditional pubs serving classic British grub. Many local pubs host live music and quiz nights, including the Mayflower, which is the oldest pub on the River Thames.

Transport links

Rotherhithe's excellent transport links are one of its best assets. It is served by three railway stations, including Canada Water and Bermondsey on the London Underground's Jubilee Line.

Passengers using these two stations can very quickly reach Canary Wharf and Stratford in one direction and London Bridge and Waterloo in the other.

There is also the former Rotherhithe London Underground station, which has been rebuilt as a London Overground stop and now takes passengers to West Croydon and Crystal Palace in the south and Highbury and Islington via the City in the north.

An extension to the line serving Clapham Junction is due to open in December 2012. Canada Water also connects to the London Overground, so residents can walk to either of the two stops.

Rotherhithe also has some excellent bus routes for those who prefer to travel by road, while the Canary Wharf to Rotherhithe Ferry is an excellent option for those working in the Docklands area.
 

Published 16th November, 2012

© 2012 Estates IT Limited