Royal Arsenal

Explore the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, an area rich in military history which is now home to contemporary artwork, shops, pubs and places to eat.

In the 1700s, firework manufacturing began on the site and eventually it became home to one of the largest ordnance factories in the UK. Traces of this heritage can be seen in the architecture, including the transformation of two former ‘pepper pot’ shaped guard rooms into a cafe and shop.

Look out for Assembly, a sculpture featuring 16 partial body moulds, grouped together in a tribute to the workers and families that lived on the site. Nearby, you’ll find Nike, an abstract bronze sculpture unveiled in 2012 to mark the closing of the London Olympic Games.

Stop for a drink in one of the local pubs such as Dial Arch or Salt Woolwich. The latter serves up real ales and wood-fired pizzas. If you’re lucky enough to visit on the first or last Saturday of the month, you can stock up with artisan foods from the Royal Arsenal Farmers Market.