Thames River Guide: Bermondsey and Rotherhithe

Copyright Courtesy of Surrey Docks Watersports Centre

This is a very mixed area, with everything from the hip and trendy new developments of Bermondsey to the lingering maritime legacy of Rotherhithe. Both places are full of character, with plenty to discover. It's well worth taking the time to explore this lively section of the river!

The Bermondsey Fashion Scene

Bermondsey has enjoyed a transformation over the last few years from an industrial centre to a vibrant fashion and creative hub. Zandra Rhodes's Fashion and Textile Museum, with its striking orange and pink façade, has been influential in this revitalisation.

Many new designers have set up shop here, and Bermondsey Street is becoming something of a shopping hot spot. Check out Cockfighter of Bermondsey for cool, designer T-shirts. Go early to find the best bargains at Bermondsey Market. It's open every Friday from 4am and is a treasure trove of antiques and bric-a-brac.

Maritime History

Rotherhithe is steeped in maritime history. It was once home to the best and largest shipbuilders in the world. It was the launch point for the famous Mayflower ship when she set sail for America in 1620. Today the working docks are gone, but the area has become a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Try canoeing, windsurfing or sailing at the Surrey Docks Water Sports Centre, which has courses for all levels of ability.

The Thames Tunnel

Work started on the 406-metre Thames Tunnel in 1825. It was the first such structure to be built under a navigable river and, on completion 18 years later, was hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. Its designers were Marc Brunel and his son, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, both leading engineers in their day.

Take a trip on the East London Line between Rotherhithe and Wapping to travel through the tunnel or visit the Brunel Engine House Museum, which tells the story of this great feat of engineering. For more about this area's rich heritage head to the Pumphouse, where you'll find Rotherhithe Heritage Museum and Lavender Pond and Nature Park.

Open Spaces

Although this is primarily a busy, urban environment, there are also some beautiful green spaces of calm and tranquillity.

Russia Dock Woodland is a unique half-wild parkland with thousands of trees. It was created in 1980 in the former dock basin, and there is a bronze relief map by Michael Rizzello showing the docks as they were in 1896.

Southwark Park is another great place to explore. It is home to the Café Gallery Project, an exciting exhibition space featuring contemporary art and sculpture.

Eating, Drinking and Sleeping

There are a number of great pubs along this stretch of the river that make the most of their superb locations, with plenty of outdoor seating and fantastic views.

The Angel has recently undergone a major restoration, and further downstream the historic Mayflower specialises in delicious shellfish. Spice Island, a huge pub with a warehouse-style exterior, is also extremely popular, particularly in summer.

Bermondsey Street is home to some great eateries, notably Village East, a stylish offering from the founders of the nearby Garrison pub. Choose from a well-thought-out menu while sipping on fabulous cocktails in a suitably cool environment.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay in this area, all budgets are catered for. There are some great value hostels and hotels nearby, including St Christopher's Inn at London Bridge or The Southwark Rose, a budget hotel with a boutique style. At the other end of the scale, Hilton London Docklands Riverside is a four-star hotel right on the river.