Explore South East London

We're surrounded by a whole host of amazing places in South and East London that are filled with museums, shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, green spaces. Read our area guides below to find out more about our neighbourhood, and places you can explore locally.

I really love South East London. Peckham, Deptford, and Greenwich are for me, some of the most exciting areas of London. If you're interested in the arts, Peckham and Deptford have a rich and exciting art scene and some really good food places. Brockley has wonderful cafes and one of my favourite London bookshops – Crofton Books.

Maria, MA Contemporary Art Theory

Maria, MA Contemporary Art Theory

Brockley

Located just 10 minutes from Goldsmiths Campus, Brokley is home to the award-winning Brockley Market. It's a brilliant place to pick up fresh produce supplied by local farmers and traders, and enjoy some street food.

You'll find independent shops and cafes as well as the Brockley Jack Theatre and the beautiful Rivoli Ballroom, London's only intact 1950s ballroom, which still hosts regular dance and music events. Our hall of residence Raymont Hall is also in the area.

Getting there

  • 15 minutes walk
  • 6 minutes cycle

Highlights

Fruit and vegetables on a stall in Brockley Market

Fruit and vegetable stall in Brockley Market

People viewing art at an exhibition at the South London Gallery, Camberwell

Exhibition at the South London Gallery, Camberwell

Camberwell

Camberwell has a huge array of shops, restaurants and pubs as well as an abundance of arts and culture.

It's home to the South London Gallery, which was described as "one of the most elegant art spaces in London" by the Guardian. The gallery was named joint winner of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020. Most exhibitions are free, as are many of its events.

One of our halls of residence, Town Hall Camberwell, is also in the area. It sits right next to Theatre Peckham, the community theatre that was the stomping ground of Star Wars actor John Boyega when he was still at school.

Getting there

  • 15 minute cycle
  • 20 minute bus
  • 50 minute walk

Highlights

Deptford

Deptford is less than a 10-minute walk from Goldsmiths and has been voted London's coolest high street. There’s a growing creative community in the area, with many artists and makers filling the studios that sit beside Deptford Creek, the old docks.

At Deptford Market, you’ll find stalls selling fruit and veg from all corners of the world sitting alongside performing arts centre The Albany and community hub Deptford LoungeDeptford Market Yard also plays host to lots of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, and 3 Creekside is home to Little Faith Brewery and street food market.

Getting there

  • 10 minutes walk
  • 5 minutes cycle

Highlights

South East London is the best place to study in the city, no competition. Deptford was my favourite area. It has the best market, pubs, cafes and arts centre!

Ralph, MA Performance and Culture

Ralph, MA Performance and Culture

Greenwich

Greenwich is a 25-minute walk from campus. With historic maritime connections and status as a world heritage site, Greenwich has history and beauty galore. Famous attractions like the Cutty Sark ship and National Maritime Museum (which is free) sit side-by-side with bars, theatres, comedy clubs and restaurants.

There are plenty of options to keep you entertained: try the Greenwich Picturehouse for arty films, browse the markets, or take a walk along the river.

There is so much choice for food in Greenwich, and their world-famous market has a variety of food, arts and crafts stools. The cheapest way to eat in this area is to take a picnic to the 183-acre Greenwich Park, which has amazing views over London, and is home to the Royal Observatory.

Getting there

  • 25 minutes walk
  • 7 minutes cycle
  • 20 minutes bus

Highlights

Cutty Sark in Greenwich

Cutty Sark in Greenwich

Grassy field and trees in Lewisham Park

Lewisham Park

Lewisham

Lewisham is a bustling local area and has a shopping centre with high-street stores as well as a large market selling everything from food and flowers to bric-a-brac.

The area, which is in the process of major regeneration, also has a pop-up street food market, temporary exhibitions and plenty of green spaces. It's also home to the Migration Museum, exploring how the movement of people to and from Britain across the ages has shaped who we are.

Getting there

  • 25 minutes walk
  • 10 minutes cycle
  • 20 minutes bus

Highlights

Peckham

Peckham is just 15 minutes by bus from Goldsmiths campus and is an area buzzing with culture, food and activities for all interests. Whether you're looking for a moment of tranquillity in Peckham Rye Park, or seeking out the latest blockbuster movie at the Peckham Plex (where tickets are just £4.99 for all movies), there's something for you.

Rye Lane itself is home to a selection of high street stores and independent butchers, fishmongers and grocers. The recent film Rye Lane by Raine Allen-Miller will give you a glimpse of Peckham and its vibrant culture.

Getting there

  • 30 minutes walk
  • 10 minutes cycle
  • 15 minutes bus

Highlights

South East London is one of the most real, exciting, funny, attractive, diverse and vibrant areas of London.

Marta, BA Sociology

Marta, BA Sociology

Shadwell

Shadwell offers amazing river views and easy access to the buzz and excitement of East London. It is also home to one of our halls of residence, Quantum Court.

In Shadwell and the nearby area of Wapping, you'll find plenty of curry houses, pubs and restaurants, as well as Wilton's Music Hall, which presents a year-round programme of live music and theatre.

Getting there

  • 17 minutes train
  • 30 minutes cycle

Highlights

Shoreditch

Shoreditch has received a lot of attention in recent years for its transformation from a neglected part of the capital to a nightlife hotspot. The area attracts a young, creative crowd who flock to its many music and arts venues.

It's a great spot for shopping with a sizeable vintage market, and street food venues dotted around the area to please the most discerning foodie. Speaking of food, the world-famous Brick Lane has everything from a 24-hour bagel shop to a huge selection of South-East Asian cuisine.

Getting there

  • 25 minutes train
  • 30 minutes cycle

Highlights

Street food stall in Shoreditch

Street food stall in Shoreditch

Signage outside the Peckham Plex cinema

Peckham Plex cinema, Peckham

Display of books at local bookshop, The Word

The Word bookshop, New Cross