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.
Colourful Community
Excellent Transport Links
Great Amenities
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.
Students, Young Professionals, Families, Cultural Community
Multiple large supermarkets, Transport links, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Green spaces, Market, Theatre, Leisure centre
Woolwich is generally considered less safe than other areas of London, but the gated community of Royal Arsenal Riverside is far safer than the town centre.
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 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 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.
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 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 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.
House
£2500
Per month, based on 3 bedroom property
Utilities
£225
Per month
Wifi
£33
Per month
Council Tax
£1078.59
Per year
Fibre Download Speed
30 Mbps
Fibre Upload Speed
5 Mbps
5G/4G
Good Coverage
Based on all major phone networks
Gym Membership
£34.99
Per month
Weekly Food Shop
£40
Per person per month
House of Denna holds various events, including jewellery workshops, sip & paint and pottery held after hours. Tickets can be booked on their website.
An atmospheric old munitions factory turned dining room and terrace pub serving cask ales.
A roomy pub serving British classics with a twist in a former arsenal building with a vintage vibe.
A creative space that offers workshops alongside a coffee and a cake.
Help others find their perfect place by providing your expert knowledge and insight about your area
Woolwich certainly isn’t the safest area in London but it has changed a lot in recent years. Be vigilant at night but during the days you will be safe. If you are looking to live in Woolwich, try searching in Royal Arsenal rather than Woolwich itself. It may be a lot more expensive to live in the fancy apartment blocks by the riverside, but it’s a lot safer.
Renting in Woolwich tends to have the same pricing as most of London, however your money will go slightly further living here, than in West London. A 2 bedroom flat in the centre of Woolwich will cost on average £1,700 per month, a four bedroom house further from the centre of Woolwich will cost you around £2,600 per month (£650 split equally between 4 people, per month), yet Royal Arsenal Riverside has apartments that start from £1,800 per month for a one bed flat without bills!
Whilst you may be able to find a property a lot closer to your choice of University, Woolwich is only a bus ride away from both of these Universities. It takes 25 minutes on the bus to get to Ravensbourne and 30 minutes to get to the University of Greenwich.