Rotherhithe the Place

Community Council area

The Rotherhithe Community Council area is in the North Eastern quadrant of Southwark, East of Bermondsey and North East of Peckham. The River Thames winds its way round the North East of Rotherhithe, while to the South it borders with Lewisham and is a short distance from neighbouring Greenwich to the East.

To the North it stretches along the Thames from Bermondsey Wall East where the historic Angel pub can be found, and follows the bend of the river round to the East all the way to Greenland Dock and South Dock. Over the river, it faces City of London and Tower Hamlets.

The three wards it encompasses are Rotherhithe, Surrey Docks and North Livesey.

Green spaces

The area is renowned for its green spaces. Southwark Park dates back to 1869 and is as rich in its history as it is in flora. It includes a play area, lake, rose garden, art gallery, bandstand, a sports complex and facilities for bowls, tennis. Across Jamaica Road from Southwark Park is the more intimate Kingstairs Gardens with access to the Thames Path. Further into the peninsula, Stave Hill is an ecological park managed by the Trust for Urban Ecology. It has fantastic views over Docklands and neighbouring Russia Docks Woodlands which is an equally enticing ecological woodland with a duck pond and many picnic areas.

Things to do

There are plenty of interesting things to do and see throughout the year in Rotherhithe. Surrey Docks Farm gives urban children and adults the chance to learn about food production and meet farm animals. It offers training for adults with learning difficulties and education for visiting schools. Likewise, the Pumphouse Museum runs a number of educational and community activities. It is home to the Rotherhithe Heritage Museum, a variety of historical exhibitions and the Lavender Pond and Nature Park which has its own environmental study centre. The Brunel Engine House is a 19th century building that originally contained the steam driven pumps used to keep the Thames tunnel clear of water. It houses a small museum, runs various community schemes and attracts a constant flow of enthusiasts from far and wide.

Annual events

Annual events in Rotherhithe include the Rotherhithe Festival in July (with exhibitions, tours, music, refreshments and more) and the Southwark Park Event every summer. The event traditionally coincides with the Bermondsey Carnival.

Sports and fitness

Sports and fitness facilities include the Seven Islands Fusion Centre the Southwark Park Sports Centre and the Surrey Docks Water Sports Centre.

For more information

Darryl Telles
Tel: 020 7525 1787
Fax: 020 7237 0616
darryl.telles@southwark.gov.uk
Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Area Office
South Bermondsey Children and Parent Centre
Tenda Road
SE16 3PN