Things to Do

Rotherhithe was famous for its maritime history, both as the departure point from where the Mayflower set sail to America and for the working docks which were the centre of London's commercial maritime success. The working docks are now gone, but there is still plenty to see and do here.

Home of the site where the first tunnel under water was built, the Brunel Engine House tells the story of Sir Marc Brunel and the construction of the Thames Tunnel. People with an interest in the Pilgrim Fathers will want to visit St Mary's Church where three of the four owners of the Mayflower ship are buried. Nearby is the historic Mayflower Pub which also houses many artefacts.

Families will want to head to the Surrey Docks Farm which is still an inner city working farm, complete with a wide range of animals for children to see. The Old Pumphouse Museum is also an interesting resource about the history of Rotherhithe.

The closure of the docks and redevelopment of the area has given Rotherhithe a lot of green spaces. The Russia Dock Woodland is an ecological park created out of an old dock and there are stunning views over the Docklands from nearby Stave Hill.

Shoppers will want to head to the modern Surrey Quays shopping centre, one of the largest in London and there are also many places to eat and drink on the river and around Greenland Dock

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