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Living in Lewisham

A well-connected and evolving borough in southeast London, Lewisham offers green spaces, diverse culture and excellent transport links just minutes from the City.

About Lewisham

Lewisham is a vibrant and diverse borough that combines urban convenience with access to nature. With fast rail and DLR links, a large shopping centre and a lively market, it’s a practical choice for commuters and families. 

Surrounded by scenic parks and close to cultural hotspots like Blackheath and Catford, Lewisham offers a relaxed lifestyle without the congestion of central London. Its growing food scene, community events, and regeneration projects make it an increasingly popular place to live.

Fact file

  • The Rivoli Ballroom has hosted acts like Damon Albarn and The White Stripes.
  • Hilly Fields Stone Circle features 400-million-year-old granite boulders.
  • Lewisham is home to 13 libraries offering a wide range of community events.

Architecture and property

Lewisham offers a mix of housing, from Victorian terraces and ex-council blocks to new-build flats in developments like Lewisham Gateway and Catford Green. Larger homes can be found around Blackheath and Culverley Road. Ongoing regeneration is adding new homes, shops and leisure facilities to the area.

Going out

Lewisham’s food scene includes standout spots like Levante Restaurant, Meze Mangal, and Enish. Bars range from Elements Bar and Catford Bridge Tavern to the London Beer Dispensary. Entertainment options include the Broadway Theatre and Rivoli Ballroom. Nearby Greenwich adds jazz, comedy and cinema to the mix.

Local amenities

The award-winning Brockley Market is a Saturday staple, offering artisan produce, street food and speciality coffee that rivals Borough Market. 

Music lovers flock to The Fox & Firkin, a legendary pub near Lewisham fire station, serving craft ales and hosting live underground music almost every night. Families can enjoy creative activities at Lewisham’s 13 libraries, including free film screenings, origami workshops, and craft sessions.

Green spaces

Lewisham boasts excellent parks including Hilly Fields, Ladywell Fields and Blythe Hill Fields, offering play areas, cafés and panoramic views. The Waterlink Way connects parks and riverside paths from Sydenham to the Thames, making it ideal for walking and cycling.

Education

Lewisham offers a diverse range of educational institutions, catering to various needs and preferences. Families can choose from well-regarded schools such as Prendergast School and St Saviour’s Roman Catholic Primary, both known for their strong academic performance and community focus.

For older students, Christ the King Sixth Form College provides a supportive environment for post-16 education. Higher education is also represented locally by Goldsmiths, University of London, a renowned institution for the arts and humanities.

Transport

Lewisham boasts excellent transport links that make commuting into central London fast and efficient. The area is served by both National Rail and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), with direct connections to key hubs like London Bridge, Canary Wharf and Bank. Lewisham and St Johns stations provide reliable rail services, while the DLR offers frequent trains throughout the day.

In addition to rail, the area benefits from an extensive network of bus routes, making it easy to travel across southeast London. Cyclists are also well catered for, with dedicated cycle lanes and access to quiet routes through nearby parks and residential streets.