_Deptford transformed: A community by the river
Deptford transformed: A community by the river

Lifestyle
With its excellent transport links, brilliant night life and dining hotspots, Deptford proves to be one of London's top riverside locations.
Once the royal docks founded by Henry VIII, Deptford has been home to a bustling community for hundreds of years. During that time, it’s been visited by Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth, Peter the Great of Russia, Sir Frances Drake and Captain James Cook – it’s always been a point of interest for the great and the good.
Three hundred years on, what does this historical area look like? We examine everything this riverside community has to offer those looking to purchase property in London.
Location & transport links
Deptford lies on the South Bank of the Thames, in the borough of Lewisham. It borders Greenwich – home to the National Maritime Museum – and is bang smack in the middle of Zone 2.
In terms of transport, Deptford is well connected. You can catch fast and frequent National Rail, Overground and Underground services to other parts of London and reach lots of places in a little under 30 minutes. Places like Canary Wharf, London Bridge, Waterloo, South Bank and Shoreditch can all be reached within half an hour on public transport, which is really rather handy. If you prefer to hop on your bike, there are plenty of great cycle routes in the local area you can explore.
How to spend a weekend
Spending a weekend in Deptford is easy. It has a lively cultural scene with local places to watch live music, theatre and dance, from local performers to professional productions. Museums and galleries can also be found in Deptford or, of course, in nearby Greenwich.
If shopping is your thing, there are two local markets and the ever-popular Deptford Market Yard right on your doorstep. The main market at Deptford Market Yard will give you a real taste of London life. Barter away to your heart’s content as the lively, bold traders offer a huge range of products including vintage fashion, trinkets, antiques and street food. At the Deptford Bites market you’ll find fresh produce a-plenty, including more exotic fruits and vegetables that may be hard to find elsewhere. Deptford is known as an area popular with artists, foodies and creatives, so pick up something you’ve never tasted and try a new recipe or two.
Under the old railway arches at Deptford Market Yard, you’ll find makers, creatives, and cooks serving up their wares from spaces transformed into galleries, shops and restaurants.
For your own little explorers (or those you’re babysitting), Creekside Discovery Centre is a local environmental education facility. If you think that makes it sound dull, we promise it’s not. Take the kids along on a “low tide” walk through the creek and discover the wildlife that lives on the riverbed. It’s pretty fascinating for adults too.
Night life and dining
In the evenings, options await at many of Deptford’s local bars and restaurants.
There’s a real mix in the area in terms of what’s on offer, and the best thing about the selection is its authenticity. Deptford is a multicultural area and this is reflected in authentic cuisine from around the world. Options include, but are not limited to, tapas and wine, Italian plates, traditional Caribbean dishes and Indian feasts.
If you’re looking for a true London experience, Pie and Mash from one of the local pubs, or specifically from Manze’s, will satisfy your appetite.
After dinner, there’s heaps happening with local bars catering for those who love live music or bars with a theme. At Deptford Market Yard you’ll find live music and event spaces, wine bars and kitsch cocktail spaces – some serving up their very own gin.
Developments
New opportunities to move to Deptford are increasing as the area grows in popularity. New properties like Deptford Landings offer up integrated communities featuring all the latest mod cons built around private courtyard gardens.
Across a portfolio of apartments and townhouses, interiors are cool and contemporary - and boast underfloor heating throughout. The design of each apartment ensures optimal levels of fresh air, space, and natural light. Each is equipped with the latest heating and lighting controls, including smart meters to ensure optimal energy efficiency. It’s smart living in an area that has lots to offer anyone looking to purchase property in London.
For more information on Deptford Landings, visit our website:
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