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Living in Surrey Quays

A riverside neighbourhood with a rich maritime history, Surrey Quays offers modern homes, green spaces and excellent transport links just minutes from Canary Wharf and the City.

About Surrey Quays

Surrey Quays is a peaceful yet well-connected part of southeast London, known for its marinas, nature reserves and modern housing developments. Once a bustling dockyard, the area has transformed into a residential haven with scenic walks, watersports and a strong sense of community. 

With easy access to Canary Wharf and the City, it attracts both professionals and families. Historic Rotherhithe and nearby Bermondsey add character and culture to this evolving neighbourhood.

Fact file

  • The Mayflower ship began its voyage to America from Rotherhithe in 1620.
  • The Thames Tunnel, designed by Brunel, was the world’s first under-river tunnel.
  • Canada Water is the only freshwater lake in Docklands.

Architecture and property

Surrey Quays features a mix of modern terraced homes, large apartment complexes, and warehouse-style flats. The area was redeveloped in the 1980s and again in the 2000s, with over 5,000 homes built on reclaimed dockland. Conservation areas like Rotherhithe Village offer sought-after 19th-century warehouse conversions. New developments continue to shape the skyline.

Going out

Local favourites include Sammy's for upscale pub food and Canada Water Café for all-day dining. The Mayflower pub offers riverside views and historic charm, while Midnight Apothecary serves garden-inspired cocktails. Bermondsey’s weekend food market and vibrant dining scene are just a short walk away.

Local amenities 

Canada Water’s striking library and cultural centre, designed by Piers Gough, is a local landmark with a ground-floor café and quiet reading spaces above. For shopping, head to Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, home to a large Tesco Extra. Film enthusiasts can visit Sands Film Studio, known for its extensive costume collection, while the Rotherhithe Picture Library welcomes the public. Families love Surrey Docks Farm, where kids and adults can enjoy hands-on animal experiences.

Green spaces

Surrey Quays is home to Southwark Park, Russia Dock Woodland and Stave Hill Ecology Park, offering boating lakes, gardens and wildlife trails. The Thames Path provides scenic walks and cycle routes with views of the London skyline. Surrey Docks Farm adds a rural touch with animal interaction for all ages.

Education

Surrey Quays offers a variety of primary and secondary schools, catering to different educational preferences, including faith-based and specialist options. St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and Albion Primary School are popular choices for younger children, known for their nurturing environments. 

For secondary education, Bacon’s College provides a broad curriculum with a focus on personal development, while Harris Academy Bermondsey offers a strong academic programme with a commitment to excellence. The area’s proximity to other parts of southeast London also gives families access to additional schooling options.

Transport

Surrey Quays benefits from excellent transport links, making it a convenient base for commuting and exploring the city. Canada Water station provides fast Jubilee Line services to central London, including direct access to Canary Wharf and London Bridge. Surrey Quays and nearby Rotherhithe stations connect to the London Overground, offering frequent services across east and south London. 

The Thames Clippers river bus service adds a scenic and efficient alternative for travel to Canary Wharf and beyond. With a mix of rail, river, and bus options, Surrey Quays is well-equipped for modern urban mobility.