Shadwell Area Guide

UK Area Guides

Shadwell, East London

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Living in

Shadwell is an East London neighbourhood with a lot of character. It features a mix of old and new properties as well as stylish conversions, and benefits from being near the Thames and close to Central London, with excellent transport links. Regeneration is happening fast here, and the area's rough reputation is fading, though its diversity and sense of community remain. 

Ratings

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Community

There is a longstanding, diverse community of residents in this area, which has also historically had a lot of social housing. Regeneration efforts are undoubtedly having an impact, but have largely not changed the character of the area as yet. 

Safety

Shadwell may still be trying to shake off a somewhat rough reputation, but it is a safe place to live. The Met police currently rate the area as having average crime, as well as most of the surrounding area, although crime rises as you move West toward the City. The 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate were just barely above the London rates.

Parking

Parking in this area is a little more difficult and expensive than average for London. The rate of car ownership in this area is half that of London as a whole, with fewer than one car for every two households. Road links are fairly good, with the A1203 and the Rotherhithe Tunnel at your doorstep, but these can be congested. 

Nightlife

Shadwell itself is not really a nightlife destination, though there are a few great pubs and taverns in this area. However, neighbouring East End areas do have a lot of nightlife, and are easily reached by Shadwell's excellent transport links. 

Family Friendly

Shadwell is home to many families, indicated by the fact that there is a slightly higher percentage of children aged 0-15 in this area than in London as a whole. There is a lot of choice of schools in the area, and while there's not a lot of green space in the area itself, it's not hard to get to. Much of the housing is apartment blocks, some built by the council, though there are some Victorian terraces. 

Pet Friendly

The housing in this area mainly consists of apartment blocks, many of which are council-built, which may not make ideal homes for pets. There's somewhat limited green space in the area, though there are some lovely waterside walks and a few smaller parks and squares.

Transport

Shadwell has a DLR station and an Overground station. Wapping and Whitechapel are also on the Overground. Limehouse is served by National Rail and the DLR. Nearby, Stepney Green is on the Hammersmith & City and District Lines. There's also access to the Circle and District Lines at Tower Hill, via the DLR at Tower Gateway, and Fenchurch Street, Aldgate, and Aldgate East are also nearby. The area is well-served by local buses, including night buses. The A13, A11, and A1203, as well as the Rotherhithe Tunnel, mean this area has good - if often congested - road links.