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Living in Southwark

A culturally rich and diverse borough in south London, Southwark offers historic landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods and excellent transport links across the capital.

About Southwark

Stretching from the Thames to Crystal Palace, Southwark is a borough steeped in history and buzzing with modern energy. From Shakespeare’s Globe and the Mayflower pub to street food markets and cutting-edge galleries, it’s a place where heritage and creativity meet. 

With leafy parks, top schools and a wide range of housing, Southwark appeals to all. Regeneration projects and a thriving cultural scene continue to attract new residents to this dynamic part of London.

Fact file

  • Southwark includes Borough, Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Walworth, Peckham, Camberwell, Nunhead, and Dulwich.
  • Famous locals include Enid Blyton, Florence Welch, Tim Roth, and John Boyega.
  • The borough’s coat of arms references Hamlet, Chaucer, maritime history, and Dulwich College.

Architecture and housing

Southwark offers everything from riverside warehouse conversions and Georgian terraces to Victorian homes and new-build apartments. Elephant and Castle is undergoing major regeneration, while areas like Camberwell and Peckham feature solid period housing. Properties tend to get larger and greener the further south you go.

Going out

Dining options range from the riverside OXO Tower to Latin American flavours at Paladar and crepes at Necos. Corsica Studios and East Dulwich’s bar scene offer lively drinking spots, while The Mayflower in Rotherhithe is a historic gem. Nightlife includes Ministry of Sound and CLF Art Café, while entertainment venues like The Old Vic, Globe Theatre and Jazzlive at the Crypt offer world-class culture.

Local amenities

Tate Modern is London’s leading contemporary art gallery, showcasing world-class exhibitions and permanent collections. Nearby, the Hayward Gallery hosts rotating modern art shows and offers a fascinating digital archive. 

For something unique, Peckham Levels transforms a former car park into a creative hub with studios, shops, bars and performance spaces. Art lovers should also visit Dulwich Picture Gallery, a historic gem designed by Sir John Soane, renowned for its light-filled neo-Greek architecture and exceptional collections.

Green spaces

Southwark is home to Brunswick Park, Southwark Park, Dulwich Park and Peckham Rye. These green spaces offer playgrounds, sports facilities, boating lakes and peaceful gardens, making them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Education

Southwark offers a rich mix of educational opportunities, from prestigious independent schools to specialist colleges and universities. Dulwich College stands out as one of London’s most respected independent schools, while London Nautical School provides a unique curriculum with a maritime focus.

Camberwell College of Arts attracts creative students from across the UK, and London South Bank University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 

Transport

Southwark is one of the best-connected areas in London, offering a comprehensive network of transport options. London Bridge and Elephant & Castle stations provide access to National Rail and multiple Underground lines, making travel across the city fast and efficient. 

The area is also served by a wide range of bus routes, ensuring easy access to neighbouring boroughs and central London. Cyclists benefit from dedicated lanes and quiet routes, supporting active travel. Whether commuting, studying or exploring, Southwark’s transport infrastructure makes getting around simple and convenient.

Properties for sale in Southwark

New Globe Walk, Borough, London, SE1
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New Globe Walk, Borough, London, SE1

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Positioned within the quietly tucked away Bear Pit Apartments on Bankside, this exceptional residence forms part of one of SE1’s most characterful boutique developments, discreetly set within a cobbled cul-de-sac.

The apartment is thoughtfully configured, offering two generous double bedrooms, including a principal suite with a private en suite bathroom, alongside a beautifully appointed second bathroom. At its heart lies a striking open-plan living, dining and kitchen space, framed by full-height glazing that draws in an abundance of natural light and enhances the sense of volume throughout.

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Leroy Street, Bermondsey, London, SE1
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Leroy Street, Bermondsey, London, SE1

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Situated on the ever-popular Leroy Street, this attractive purpose-built apartment offers well-balanced living space in a highly convenient central location.

The property comprises two generous double bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it ideal for professionals, sharers or those seeking additional space for a home office.

At the heart of the home is a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area, designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The property further benefits from two modern bathrooms, enhancing comfort and practicality for occupants.

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Empire Square, Southwark, London, SE1
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Empire Square, Southwark, London, SE1

Apartment
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Set within the ever-popular Empire Square development, this well-presented one- bedroom apartment offers modern city living just moments from Borough and London Bridge. Residents also benefit from a lift, concierge service. The property comprises a spacious open-plan reception room and modern fitted kitchen, creating an ideal space for both relaxing and entertaining. Easy access out to the private balcony provides valuable outdoor space.

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Great Dover Street, Borough, London, SE1
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Great Dover Street, Borough, London, SE1

Apartment
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A spacious two double bedroom flat to rent in a popular, secure block close to Borough tube. Light and bright throughout. Development boasts gym and a daytime concierge.

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Alscot Road, London, SE1
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Alscot Road, London, SE1

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Set within a desirable residential development in Bermondsey, this well-presented two-bedroom apartment offers comfortable living space together with the added benefit of private access to a communal garden.

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Tooley Street, London Bridge, London, SE1
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Tooley Street, London Bridge, London, SE1

Apartment
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A modern and spacious two double bedroom two bathroom apartment to rent in a secure block moments from London Bridge, with excellent storage and private balcony. Parking Available.

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