London/Southwark and Lewisham

Southwark and Lewisham are two boroughs of inner south east London.

Understand
Southwark was one of the earliest extensions of settlement in London beyond the walls of the Square Mile and across the river, beginning back in the Roman period and is traditionally referred to as "the Borough" in order to distinguish it from the "Square Mile" of the City. The eastern part of the district, downstream of Tower Bridge, is generally referred to (and marketed heavily) as "the Pool of London", referring to the old docks and wharves of the area that have been reconverted into housing and retail areas. The north-western riverside portions of the borough of Southwark are dealt with in our South Bank district.

The Crystal Palace was a huge steel and glass building designed by Joseph Paxton to house the Great Exhibition, Prince Albert's brainchild for bigging up the British Empire to the rest of the world. It was erected in Hyde Park and closed in 1851. Parliament closely voted not to retain it as a permanent feature in Hyde Park and it was later transported to the top of Sydenham Hill. The surrounding area, still known to many locals as Upper Norwood, is now known as Crystal Palace. The palace burned down in 1936 in still unexplained circumstances.

Dulwich has a number of recognised sub-districts, which include North Dulwich, bordering Herne Hill, Dulwich Village (which includes the traditional village centre, and is the home to the Dulwich Picture Gallery, James Allen's Girls' School, Dulwich College and Dulwich Park), and East Dulwich which bounds Peckham and has a number of independent shops, restaurants and bars along Lordship Lane.

Lewisham is a largely residential borough of south inner London and includes some of the most run-down areas in the whole city. To the east of this borough is the historic, more gentrified Blackheath, which hosted the first England v Wales rugby international, now ideal for flying a kite. Deptford (home of Queen Elizabeth I's naval dockyard) and Surrey Quays are on the riverside.

Get in
Despite their ideally close proximity to the City of London, Southwark and Lewisham are poorly connected by public transportation to the rest of London; on the whole, South East London is generally not served by the London Underground so the suburban rail services and the bus network are used to get around.

By train

 * There are also services from London Victoria to Orpington and Woolwich which serve stations in this area.


 * The London Overground – Windrush line shares a route with trains from Crystal Palace and West Croydon to London Bridge as far as New Cross Gate then veers northwards to Canada Water then crosses under the river to the East End and Islington. Another branch of the Overground Windrush line links Canada Water eastwards to Peckham and Clapham Junction.


 * The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) runs from Lewisham rail station northwards to Greenwich and then under the river to the Isle of Dogs in the East End. These are driverless trains so get a seat at the front for a driver's eye view.

By London Underground (Tube)

 * The Jubilee line serves Canada Water and Bermondsey stations then goes west to Stratford station in East London and east to the South Bank, the West End and North West London.


 * For Northern line and Bakerloo line services to the northern part of Southwark borough see our South Bank page.

By bus
All parts of this area are served by regular bus services. Many bus stops have 'spider maps' – diagrammatic representations of the buses serving that area and where they go to. These can be worth a look as they have a lot of info. PDFs of these maps can be downloaded here and here.

For those who like to party late into the night in Central London, the night buses serve all parts of this area, all night long. Most night buses run at hourly intervals but many places are served by more than one route so service intervals are reduced. Check services on TFL's website.



See



 * Rotherhithe's Nordic Churches, once an important place for Scandinavian dockers, the only trace of this legacy left is the Norwegian, Finnish (next to each other) and Swedish Churches. While not having regular services, you can go for traditional saunas at these churches.
 * Rotherhithe's Nordic Churches, once an important place for Scandinavian dockers, the only trace of this legacy left is the Norwegian, Finnish (next to each other) and Swedish Churches. While not having regular services, you can go for traditional saunas at these churches.
 * Rotherhithe's Nordic Churches, once an important place for Scandinavian dockers, the only trace of this legacy left is the Norwegian, Finnish (next to each other) and Swedish Churches. While not having regular services, you can go for traditional saunas at these churches.
 * Rotherhithe's Nordic Churches, once an important place for Scandinavian dockers, the only trace of this legacy left is the Norwegian, Finnish (next to each other) and Swedish Churches. While not having regular services, you can go for traditional saunas at these churches.
 * Rotherhithe's Nordic Churches, once an important place for Scandinavian dockers, the only trace of this legacy left is the Norwegian, Finnish (next to each other) and Swedish Churches. While not having regular services, you can go for traditional saunas at these churches.
 * Rotherhithe's Nordic Churches, once an important place for Scandinavian dockers, the only trace of this legacy left is the Norwegian, Finnish (next to each other) and Swedish Churches. While not having regular services, you can go for traditional saunas at these churches.


 * Hilly Fields is a park between Brockley and Lewisham with good views in all directions. Access from 484 bus.
 * Hilly Fields is a park between Brockley and Lewisham with good views in all directions. Access from 484 bus.

Museums and galleries




Cinema and theatre

 * The Broadway Theatre, Catford, hosts pantomime, stand-up comedy, serious dramas and off-West End musicals, often for a bargain price compared to what you would pay in Theatreland. It has a rather ornate art-deco facade and interior. Likewise there is The Albany at Deptford, as well as the Brockley Jack which has an intimate theatre, seating only about 50 at the back of a rather nice same-named pub in Brockley.
 * The Blue Elephant Theatre on Bethwin Road is the only theatre venue in Camberwell.
 * Camberwell is home to several art galleries including Camberwell College of Arts, the South London Gallery and numerous smaller commercial art spaces. The annual Camberwell Arts Festival is well supported. Jazz in the Crypt, for the discerning jazz crowd, is located below St. Giles Church, on Camberwell High St, and has seriously good acts each Friday night.
 * Camberwell is home to several art galleries including Camberwell College of Arts, the South London Gallery and numerous smaller commercial art spaces. The annual Camberwell Arts Festival is well supported. Jazz in the Crypt, for the discerning jazz crowd, is located below St. Giles Church, on Camberwell High St, and has seriously good acts each Friday night.

Sport and leisure

 * Catch a football match at Millwall or Crystal Palace F.C. These two rival teams have been somewhat yo-yos, yet enjoy zealot-like support from fans in the rougher-parts of London, particularly Millwall who have become infamously portrayed in several hooligan films. It should be fairly easy to purchase tickets for The New Den and Selhurst Park respectively, though you'll want to sit in the home end, to be on the safe side. Near to Selhurst Park, is the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, which boasts an international athletics arena (which hosted some of the earliest FA Cup finals) and Olympic swimming pool. It is possible to watch the London Towers basketball team and London Olympians American football club too.
 * Parkrun - Weekly free parkrun events are held at 9am at several southeast London locations including Southwark Park (Southwark Parkrun), Burgess Park, Hilly Fields, Peckham Rye and Catford. In each case, it is a free, timed 5km run - it's you against the clock (pre-register with Parkrun if you want a recorded time). Join in - run, jog, walk, drive a push-chair - whatever your pace. Tourists are always welcome!
 * Beckenham Place Park, large picturesque park, were you can also play golf. Kent CCC are known to play Twenty20 matches here in Summer. Beckenham also has a nice weekend market.

Buy

 * Blackheath Farmers Market is in Blackheath railway station car park every Sunday.
 * Blackheath Farmers Market is in Blackheath railway station car park every Sunday.
 * Blackheath Farmers Market is in Blackheath railway station car park every Sunday.
 * Blackheath Farmers Market is in Blackheath railway station car park every Sunday.
 * Blackheath Farmers Market is in Blackheath railway station car park every Sunday.

Eat
The area is home to two historic desserts, a particular kind of light lemony bread pudding called the Deptford Pudding. Similarly Crystal Palace, another area gives us the spectacular, fruity, layered jelly that is Crystal Palace Pudding. See if you can track them down!


 * Vietnamese restaurants are clustered in Deptford, such as Le Gia, 41-42 Broadway, Dat Cang 236-238 Evelyn Street and Cafe Mama Pho.
 * There are several large Turkish grocery stores in the district, which are open 24/7 and sell a whole range of products including very good daily baked rolls and cakes. TFC along Bromley Road, and Turkish Food Express near the stations in Catford are great value as is its sister branch, TFC on Lewisham High St.
 * Vietnamese restaurants are clustered in Deptford, such as Le Gia, 41-42 Broadway, Dat Cang 236-238 Evelyn Street and Cafe Mama Pho.
 * There are several large Turkish grocery stores in the district, which are open 24/7 and sell a whole range of products including very good daily baked rolls and cakes. TFC along Bromley Road, and Turkish Food Express near the stations in Catford are great value as is its sister branch, TFC on Lewisham High St.
 * Vietnamese restaurants are clustered in Deptford, such as Le Gia, 41-42 Broadway, Dat Cang 236-238 Evelyn Street and Cafe Mama Pho.
 * There are several large Turkish grocery stores in the district, which are open 24/7 and sell a whole range of products including very good daily baked rolls and cakes. TFC along Bromley Road, and Turkish Food Express near the stations in Catford are great value as is its sister branch, TFC on Lewisham High St.
 * Vietnamese restaurants are clustered in Deptford, such as Le Gia, 41-42 Broadway, Dat Cang 236-238 Evelyn Street and Cafe Mama Pho.
 * There are several large Turkish grocery stores in the district, which are open 24/7 and sell a whole range of products including very good daily baked rolls and cakes. TFC along Bromley Road, and Turkish Food Express near the stations in Catford are great value as is its sister branch, TFC on Lewisham High St.
 * Vietnamese restaurants are clustered in Deptford, such as Le Gia, 41-42 Broadway, Dat Cang 236-238 Evelyn Street and Cafe Mama Pho.
 * There are several large Turkish grocery stores in the district, which are open 24/7 and sell a whole range of products including very good daily baked rolls and cakes. TFC along Bromley Road, and Turkish Food Express near the stations in Catford are great value as is its sister branch, TFC on Lewisham High St.
 * Vietnamese restaurants are clustered in Deptford, such as Le Gia, 41-42 Broadway, Dat Cang 236-238 Evelyn Street and Cafe Mama Pho.
 * There are several large Turkish grocery stores in the district, which are open 24/7 and sell a whole range of products including very good daily baked rolls and cakes. TFC along Bromley Road, and Turkish Food Express near the stations in Catford are great value as is its sister branch, TFC on Lewisham High St.
 * Vietnamese restaurants are clustered in Deptford, such as Le Gia, 41-42 Broadway, Dat Cang 236-238 Evelyn Street and Cafe Mama Pho.
 * There are several large Turkish grocery stores in the district, which are open 24/7 and sell a whole range of products including very good daily baked rolls and cakes. TFC along Bromley Road, and Turkish Food Express near the stations in Catford are great value as is its sister branch, TFC on Lewisham High St.
 * There are several large Turkish grocery stores in the district, which are open 24/7 and sell a whole range of products including very good daily baked rolls and cakes. TFC along Bromley Road, and Turkish Food Express near the stations in Catford are great value as is its sister branch, TFC on Lewisham High St.

Clubs

 * At New Cross, such as The New Cross Inn, The Hobgoblin and Amersham Arms. Also, try the Goldsmiths Union, for cheap student parties.
 * At New Cross, such as The New Cross Inn, The Hobgoblin and Amersham Arms. Also, try the Goldsmiths Union, for cheap student parties.
 * At New Cross, such as The New Cross Inn, The Hobgoblin and Amersham Arms. Also, try the Goldsmiths Union, for cheap student parties.

Lewisham, Catford and Deptford

 * The Fox & Firkin in Ladywell is a buzzing joint with the 20-something crowd, and has late opening times, as well as film nights and great live music. A stone's throw away, is the Jolly Farmer which has a lot more beardy, grey-haired clientele, and hosts regular folk jam sessions and decent pints.
 * The Goose on the Green, near the old village pump, is the oldest establishment in the area, and was a reputed drinking hole for Karl Marx, it is wonder if he would approve of today's working-class bunch who frequent it. If you fancy a quiet pint, the Catford Ram at the back of the Mews shopping precinct, serves yummy Youngs ale. There are also a few clubs such as Motown, The Spot and Riva.
 * Deptford High Street is now home to a thriving evening economy with several bars and restaurants.
 * The Goose on the Green, near the old village pump, is the oldest establishment in the area, and was a reputed drinking hole for Karl Marx, it is wonder if he would approve of today's working-class bunch who frequent it. If you fancy a quiet pint, the Catford Ram at the back of the Mews shopping precinct, serves yummy Youngs ale. There are also a few clubs such as Motown, The Spot and Riva.
 * Deptford High Street is now home to a thriving evening economy with several bars and restaurants.
 * Deptford High Street is now home to a thriving evening economy with several bars and restaurants.

Peckham and Dulwich

 * Other pubs and bars in the area are John the Unicorn, The Montpelier, and the East Dulwich Tavern.
 * Other pubs and bars in the area are John the Unicorn, The Montpelier, and the East Dulwich Tavern.

Sleep

 * Or try a homestay. Lots of people rent out rooms in the area, to students practicing their English but tourists too!
 * Or try a homestay. Lots of people rent out rooms in the area, to students practicing their English but tourists too!
 * Or try a homestay. Lots of people rent out rooms in the area, to students practicing their English but tourists too!
 * Or try a homestay. Lots of people rent out rooms in the area, to students practicing their English but tourists too!
 * Or try a homestay. Lots of people rent out rooms in the area, to students practicing their English but tourists too!
 * Or try a homestay. Lots of people rent out rooms in the area, to students practicing their English but tourists too!
 * Or try a homestay. Lots of people rent out rooms in the area, to students practicing their English but tourists too!
 * Or try a homestay. Lots of people rent out rooms in the area, to students practicing their English but tourists too!

Stay safe
Once working-class parts of London, the boroughs that make up Southwark-Lewisham still retain a somewhat rough image in the eyes of many Londoners. Nonetheless, tourists should generally not fear for their lives; much to the contrary. In fact, the area is generally safer than much of South London and on par with London as a whole. Nevertheless, some specific areas should be approached and precautions are to be taken as a result.

Though gang-related activities are nowhere nearly as prevalent as they once were, some areas like Deptford and Peckham remain prone to gun crime and aggravated assaults.

Surrey Quays is a quiet area, but pickpockets and theft have been known to occur in the vicinities.

Southwark Park may be pleasant, but it has been known to attract some unwanted crowds at night and during big events.

If you do manage to party at the Ministry of Sound, get ready to be surrounded by hordes of drunk partygoers that can get really rowdy.

Go next
Because it doesn't appear on the Tube map, this area can get overlooked by tourists but it has good fast links to Charing Cross station (for Leicester Square and Covent Garden), to Cannon Street station (for the City) and to London Bridge station (for the South Bank) so it is a good base for visiting central London.

The Greenwich World Heritage site is a bus ride from most places in Southwark-Lewisham, or take the DLR from Lewisham station.