Discover Southwark and Bermondsey: A Comprehensive Guide to Living in London’s Historic and Vibrant Boroughs

Southwark: A Blend of History and Modernity

What It’s All About

Southwark is a borough steeped in history, seamlessly blending the old with the new. Southwark’s story is captivating from the maritime legacy of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe to the springs of Camberwell and the prestigious Dulwich College. With a vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and ongoing regeneration projects, it’s a magnet for young professionals and families.

Fact File

• Key Areas: Borough, Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Walworth, Peckham, Camberwell, Peckham Rye, Nunhead, and Dulwich.
• Famous Residents: Enid Blyton, Rio Ferdinand, Tim Roth, John Boyega, and Florence Welch.
• Average Sold Price: £742,638 over the last 12 months.

Architecture and Housing

Southwark offers a treasure trove of housing options, from Georgian cobbled streets near the Thames to luxury modern apartments and riverside warehouse conversions. The Elephant and Castle area is a regeneration hub, while Camberwell and Peckham boast solid Victorian terraces. Further south, you’ll find more extensive properties with spacious gardens, promising a comfortable living experience.

Best Streets to Live on in Southwark

• Borough High Street: Close to Borough Market and excellent transport links.
• Bellenden Road, Peckham: Known for its vibrant community and artistic vibe.
• Camberwell Grove: Famous for its beautiful Georgian terraces.
• Shad Thames, Bermondsey: Offers stunning riverside warehouse conversions.

History of Southwark

Since Roman times, Southwark has been the gateway to London from the south. From medieval markets and inns to Bermondsey’s industrial rise in leather and biscuit production, Southwark’s history is rich and preserved in its architecture, landmarks, and cultural institutions.

Schools in Southwark

Southwark boasts some of London’s best educational institutions:

• Dulwich College: Prestigious public school known for academic excellence.
• London South Bank University: Offers a range of courses.
• London College of Communication: Renowned for media and arts programs.
• Camberwell College of Arts: Top-tier art and design courses.

Additionally, Southwark has 34 primary and 19 secondary schools, ensuring quality education at all levels.

Parks and Green Spaces

Southwark is one of London’s greenest boroughs, with 130 parks and open spaces:

• Southwark Park: The largest park, featuring a café, art gallery, boating lake, and sports facilities.
• Dulwich Park: Known for its scenic beauty and recreational facilities.
• Peckham Rye: Offers wide open spaces, gardens, and playgrounds.
• Brunswick Park: Features a BMX track, playgrounds, and community gardens.

Living by the River

Living along the Thames offers stunning views, easy access to central London, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Areas like Shad Thames and Bermondsey provide luxury apartments, historic warehouse conversions, and trendy eateries.

Historic Parts of Borough

• Borough Market: London’s oldest and most famous food market.
• The Shard: The UK’s tallest building, offering breathtaking views and dining experiences.
• The George Inn: A historic pub dating back to medieval times.
• Shakespeare’s Globe: A reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, offering world-class performances.

Property Prices in Southwark

• Average Sold Property Price: £742,638 over the last 12 months.
• Rental Prices: One-bedroom apartments average £1,800 per month, and three-bedroom houses around £3,200 per month.

Connectivity and Transport

Southwark boasts excellent transport links, making travel across London easy.

Rail

Southwark has 11 railway stations, including London Bridge. Additionally, six Overground stations form part of the South London line extension.

Tube

Three tube lines (Bakerloo, Northern, and Jubilee) serve seven stops, providing quick access to central London.

Bus

Numerous 24-hour bus routes connect Southwark to all parts of London.

Road

Key roads include the A210 Inner Ring Road, A2 Old Kent Road, and A202 from Peckham to Camberwell.

Cycle

Cycle Superhighways connect Elephant and Castle to the City and King’s Cross, while a Quietway runs from Waterloo to Greenwich.

Bermondsey: A Revitalised Gem of South London

What It’s All About

Once heavily bombed during WWII, Bermondsey has risen to become one of London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. Known for its industrial chic, Bermondsey blends historic charm with modern amenities. Its central location, vibrant food scene, and artistic community attract young professionals and creatives.

Fact File

• Historical Significance: Named after Beormund, a Saxon lord.
• Economic History: Known as a ‘biscuit town’ and a significant leather production centre.

Architecture and Property

Bermondsey offers pre-war homes, ex-council houses, upmarket period flats, warehouse conversions, and recent luxury developments. The architectural styles reflect critical periods in London’s history.

Best Streets to Live on in Bermondsey

• Shad Thames: Stunning riverside warehouse conversions and vibrant atmosphere.
• Bermondsey Street: Modern apartments and historic homes close to trendy eateries and bars.
• Spa Road: New developments and modern apartments.

Going Out in Bermondsey

Culture and Entertainment

Bermondsey is home to several cultural landmarks:

• The Scoop at City Hall: Live performances and film showings.
• Unicorn Theatre: Specialises in children’s productions.
• Menier Chocolate Factory: Renowned theatre and restaurant.
• White Cube Gallery: One of Europe’s largest commercial art spaces.
• Design Museum: Attracts thousands with its innovative exhibitions.

Food and Drink

• José: Famous for sherry and tapas.
• Casse-Croute: Traditional French cuisine.
• The Hide Bar: Popular for cocktails.
• The Woolpack: Known for locally sourced menus.

Local Amenities

• La Grotta Ices: Famous for ice creams and sorbets.
• O’Shea’s Butchers: Known for organic free-range cuts.
• Amanda Thompson Couture: Bespoke couture outfits.
• Canada Water Library: Celebrated architectural gem.
• Maltby Street Market: A foodie haven offering gourmet treats.

Green Spaces in Bermondsey

• Southwark Park: A 25-hectare park with sports facilities, a café, and an art gallery.
• Bermondsey Spa Gardens: Extensive facilities for children and families.
• Leathermarket Gardens: Named after historic markets and tanneries.

Property Prices in Bermondsey

• Average Sold Price: £742,638 over the last 12 months.
• Rental Prices: One-bedroom apartments average £1,800 per month, and three-bedroom houses around £3,200 per month.

Connectivity and Transport in Bermondsey

Tube

Bermondsey station on the Jubilee line provides quick links to Westminster, Bond Street, and Canary Wharf.

Rail

Trains from South Bermondsey station take just eight minutes to London Bridge.

Bus

Local routes include the C10 to Victoria, P12 to Canada Water/Surrey Quays, 47/N47 to London Bridge and Shoreditch, 188 to Waterloo, and 381/N381 to London Bridge.

Cycle

A largely traffic-free route from Camberwell to Durand’s Wharf provides safe cycling options.

River

Half-hourly riverboat services run to Canary Wharf and Greenwich from London Bridge pier.

Education in Bermondsey

Bermondsey offers a range of local schools, both primary and secondary:

• St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School
• St Michael’s Catholic College
• City of London Schools: Known for high-quality private education options.

Strong Reasons to Invest in Southwark and Bermondsey

For First-Time Buyers (FTB)

• Affordable Entry Point: More affordable property prices compared to central London.
• Vibrant Culture and Lifestyle: Enjoy local markets, art galleries, theatres, and dining options.
• Excellent Transport Links: Multiple Tube lines, Overground stations, and major rail stations.
• Strong Community Feel: Numerous local events and festivals.
• Green Spaces: Abundant parks provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

For Buy-to-Let (BTL) Investors

• High Rental Demand: Popular with tenants, ensuring high and steady demand.
• Strong Rental Yields: Competitive rental prices provide good returns.
• Ongoing Regeneration Projects: Increase property values and rental incomes.
• Proximity to Employment Hubs: Attracts professional tenants.
• Diverse Property Types: Allows portfolio diversification.

For Downsizers

• Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage: Landmarks like The Shard and Borough Market.
• High Quality of Life: Blend of urban living with access to green spaces.
• Excellent Amenities: Fine dining, boutique shops, theatres, and fitness centres.
• Accessible Healthcare: Proximity to renowned healthcare facilities.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities for social engagement and building new connections.

Conclusion

Southwark and Bermondsey offer an unparalleled quality of life with their rich histories, vibrant communities, and diverse amenities. From excellent transport links and top-rated schools to scenic green spaces and a thriving cultural scene, these areas provide everything residents could wish for. Whether you are a young professional, a family, or an investor, Southwark and Bermondsey are perfect places to live, work, and invest in London. Invest in Southwark and Bermondsey for a high quality of life, promising future growth, and a vibrant community spirit.