London area of SE8 guide

What to do and where to stay in London's SE8 neighbourhood

Home to Britain's largest Buddhist community, SE8's Deptford has been touted as "the new Shoreditch" by estate agents owing to its trendy arts and music scene and up-and-coming affordable property. Features include the Albany Theatre, the Laban Dance Centre, the local market and the Deptford Project, while St Paul's, Deptford, is one of the finest Baroque churches in the country. Named after a ford of the River Ravensbourne, Deptford used to be a major shipbuilding centre but the area experienced economic decline in the 20th century with the closing of the docks, and the damage caused by the bombing during World War II. The Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe was killed during an alleged drunken brawl in Deptford in 1593. It's worth noting that on the pillars of the gates of St Nicholas Church in Deptford are two skulls and crossbones. These inspired parishioner Captain Henry Morgan, the renowned privateer, to use them as his ensign, and soon pirates the world over duly followed suit.

See our recommended nearby SE8 Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Leisure, Education, and Meeting Venues.

The Albany
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Douglas Way, SE8, London SE8
Originally established in 1894 as the Deptford Fund, The Albany has a long history of entertaining within the Deptford community. But it was in the early ... More

 

 

Bonnie Bird Theatre @ Laban
London > Entertainment > Theatres
30 Creekside, SE8, London SE8
The Bonnie Bird Theatre is the Laban centre's chic modern performance space. Designed by Tate Modern architects, Herzog & de Meuron, the Laban building is a ... More

 

 

Entertainment in SE8

 

Paynes and Borthwick Wharf
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
15 Borthwick Street, SE8, London SE8
Two wharves, Paynes, built in 1860, and Borthwick, built in 1934, both mostly demolished in 2004, have been incorporated into a £120 million riverside development. The ... More

 

 

Sights and Attractions in SE8

 

Shopping in SE8

 

The Deptford Project Cafe
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
121-123 Deptford High Street, SE8, London SE8
For once, you won't care that this train carriage isn't going anywhere. Pitched on Deptford High Street, the disused 1960s South East Train carriage has been ... More

 

 

Restaurants in SE8

 

Wibbley Wobbley
London > Nightlife > Pubs
Greenland Dock, off Rope Street, SE8, London SE16
Cute, unpretentious bar housed on a boat docked in the Thames. A world away from the bustling, brash mainstream bars, pubs and clubs of central London, is ... More

 

 

Pubs in SE8

 

Surrey Docks Watersports Centre
London > Leisure > Sports Facilities
Greenland Dock, Rope Street, SE8, London SE16
Watersports for Children ... More

 

 

Surrey Docks Watersports Centre
London > Leisure > Activities
Rope Street, off Plough Way, Greenland Dock, Rotherhithe, SE8, London SE16
The family-friendly Surrey Docks Watersports Centre offers an extensive year-round watersports programme including kayaking, sailing, powerboating, rowing and windsurfing. The centre is also home to Tideway, ... More

 

 

Leisure in SE8

 

Education in SE8

 

The Albany
London > Business > Venue Hire
Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8, London SE8
Originally established in 1894 as the Deptford Fund, The Albany has a long history of entertaining within the Deptford community. But it was in the early ... More

 

 

Meeting Venues in SE8