Woolwich Area Guide | Things to do in Woolwich, South East London

Woolwich is situated near Greenwich so is ideal for students at Ravensbourne University and the University of Greenwich. Woolwich offers lots of different type of housing and the amount of rent can range quite dramatically depending on which part of Woolwich you look into. Whilst many believe Woolwich to be an unsafe area to live, it has certainly improved a lot over more recent years. Read on for some of our recommendations of what to get up to in Woolwich in our Woolwich Area Guide.

Living in Woolwich | Woolwich Area Guide

Woolwich is a colourful South East London town situated in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It’s history dates back to the Iron Age, but has kept up with modern times with newly built flats and the gentrified Royal Arsenal Riverside. Woolwich now offers great transport links with the newly opened Elizabeth line, meaning it only takes 20 minutes to get to Tottenham Court Road! You’ll be surprised that Woolwich offers more things to do than first meets the eye, you just have to know where to look

Woolwich lies on the south bank of the River Thames. Formerly a metropolitan borough of London, it was made part of the enlarged borough of Greenwich in 1965. It is well known for its military connections, as it is home to the Royal Artillery Barracks.

Woolwich boasts an excellent location and transport links. While it may not offer as much as nearby Greenwich, it has great connections to other parts of London. The Elizabeth Line takes you to central London in 20 minutes, and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) can get you to East London in the same time. Trains provide easy access to central London and Kent. Additionally, the Uber Boat and Woolwich Ferry offer unique travel options to North Woolwich and other areas of London.

Woolwich is not as rough as it once was. The recent addition of Royal Arsenal Riverside has split the neighbourhood. Woolwich Town Centre remains a bit rough around the edges, but Royal Arsenal feels like a completely different part of London. The Riverside offers more activities, including events at Woolwich Works and shows by the theatre group Punchdrunk.

Things to do in Woolwich

There are many things to do in Woolwich, you just need to know where to look. Luckily for you, we’ve got it covered!

Punchdrunk

In most theatres, you sit in your assigned seat and watch the action unfold on stage. With Punchdrunk, however, they transform an entire building, filling every room and space with richly detailed sets, and invite the audience to explore it on their own, anonymously. Walk through the space and lose yourself in the world they’ve created. The theatre group set up permanent residency in Woolwich in 2020 and allow residents to buy half price tickets with proof of address. 

Woolwich Common

Woolwich common is a large area of grass associated with picnics and dog walkers. It is partly used as military land and partly as an urban park. Travelling circuses and funfairs often occupy the space over the summer months, so it’s certainly a place to have fun. It is also part of the South East London Green Chain. 

Woolwich Market

Woolwich is home to not one, but two markets!  The market in Beresford Square has been operating since the 1600s, and offers a variety of fruit and vegetables at bargain prices every day except Sunday. Royal Arsenal Riverside has its own Farmers’ Market, offering a variety of locally sourced foods for residents and visitors including bakers, greengrocers, cheesemongers, florists, and fresh fruit vendors.

Grab a bite to eat

The Guard House

A roomy pub serving British classics with a twist in a former arsenal building with a vintage vibe.

House of Denna

House of Denna is a small art cafe near the river and holds various events, including jewellery workshops, sip & paint and pottery held after hours. Tickets can be booked on their website.

Time for a drink?

The Dial Arch

An atmospheric old munitions factory turned dining room and terrace pub serving cask ales.

The Great Harry – JD Wetherspoon

Although it’s certainly not the nicest Spoons in London, it will certainly make for a cheap night out!

For more information about properties to rent in Woolwich head to our Woolwich Neighbourhood Guide.

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