Living in Avery Hill

Avery Hill has a close-knit, community-focused atmosphere shaped by local events, friendly neighbours, and well-used public spaces. The area benefits from Avery Hill Park, a major green area with sports facilities, running routes, and the historic Winter Garden—a unique glasshouse offering exotic plants and a tranquil retreat.

Local community centres and church halls host activities throughout the year, including fitness classes, youth clubs, and seasonal fairs. Residents often gather for park clean-ups, environmental initiatives, and family fun days. The presence of the University of Greenwich campus lends a multicultural dimension to local life, as term-time brings students from the UK and around the globe.

The wider locale includes weekly markets and shopping parades in Eltham and Sidcup, alongside regular farmers’ markets. Avery Hill's community events and welcoming environment create a sense of belonging for people of all ages.

Safety and crime rates in Avery Hill compare favourably to other London boroughs. The area is perceived as generally safe, with relatively low levels of violent crime and anti-social behaviour compared to more urbanised locations.

Neighbourhood policing teams work closely with the local community on crime prevention and awareness, holding regular meetings and drop-in sessions. There are several Neighbourhood Watch groups across Avery Hill, which contribute to a sense of reassurance and vigilance.

Residents report that Avery Hill Park and surrounding residential streets feel secure, particularly during daylight hours. However, as with any London district, it is advisable to remain alert at public transport links and in more isolated spots at night.

Parking in Avery Hill is generally considered manageable compared to inner London locations. Most residential streets allow on-street parking, and many houses have driveways or allocated spaces. Some streets operate controlled parking zones, particularly near schools and the university during term times, so resident permits may be necessary in those areas.

The neighbourhood is served by key roads such as the A20 (Sidcup Road), providing swift access to central London and the M25, as well as local routes to Eltham, Sidcup, and Greenwich. Traffic congestion is usually confined to peak commuting hours, and road surfaces are generally well maintained.

Nearby town and city connections by road:

• Eltham – approx. 10 minutes via A210 (2 miles)
• Sidcup – approx. 8 minutes via A221 (2 miles)
• Greenwich – approx. 20 minutes via A2 (6 miles)
• Central London – approx. 40 minutes via A20/A2 (10 miles)
• Dartford – approx. 25 minutes via A2 (12 miles)

Parking for visitors is typically available but can be limited during local events or university term time. Despite some busy periods, road access remains one of Avery Hill's strong points.

Food and drink options in Avery Hill cover a range of traditional pubs, independent cafés, and takeaways, with additional variety found in neighbouring Eltham and Sidcup. Popular local pubs include the White Hart and The Royal Blackheath Golf Club’s bar, known for their relaxed, family-friendly atmospheres and good selection of classic dishes.

For casual dining, there are independent Italian restaurants, fish and chip shops, and a selection of Indian and Chinese takeaways on local high streets. Coffee lovers will find artisan cafés in Eltham, while Avery Hill Park often hosts pop-up food stalls and summer events with street food offerings.

Nightlife in Avery Hill is generally low-key, appealing more to those seeking a peaceful evening or a catch-up over drinks rather than late-night clubbing. For a livelier scene, residents head to Eltham, which offers bars, live music venues, and easy links to the entertainment districts of Greenwich and central London. The area's food and drink scene centres on community and comfort, ideal for relaxed socialising close to home.

School quality: Avery Hill is well served by several primary and secondary schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, ensuring families have access to reputable education options locally.
Parks and green space: The centrepiece, Avery Hill Park, provides expansive playing fields, playgrounds, and the unique Winter Garden, popular for family picnics and recreation.
Childcare: A range of nurseries, playgroups, and after-school clubs serve the community, supporting working parents and young families.
Safety: Avery Hill maintains a reputation as a safe area, with low crime rates compared to other London suburbs and active Neighbourhood Watch groups.
Family activities: From weekend sports to park events and local libraries, there are plenty of opportunities for family relaxation and enrichment.

Avery Hill’s appeal for pet owners is largely built on access to open spaces, especially Avery Hill Park, which offers miles of dog-walking trails, open fields, and woodland edges. The park is popular with local dog-walking groups, and dogs are welcome in many of the area’s outdoor cafés and public spaces.

There are several local veterinary practices and pet shops within a short drive, including options in Eltham and Sidcup. Pet-friendly housing is common, with landlords and housing associations typically accepting pets by arrangement.

The general attitude toward pets in Avery Hill is positive, and there are community noticeboards for lost pets, training classes, or animal-related events, supporting a pet-inclusive lifestyle.

Avery Hill benefits from a strategic location with diverse transport links. Several National Rail stations are within easy reach, offering regular services to central London and beyond. New Eltham station (Southern and Southeastern lines) is the nearest, providing direct trains to London Charing Cross, Cannon Street and London Bridge.

Local bus routes connect Avery Hill with Eltham, Bexley, Sidcup, and nearby areas, as well as linking to North Greenwich for the Jubilee Line underground. The A20 is a main arterial road that runs adjacent to Avery Hill, enabling straightforward access by car throughout south east London and towards Kent.

Travel times (approximate):

• Central London – 30 minutes by train (from New Eltham)
• Canary Wharf – 35 minutes (via North Greenwich Jubilee Line nearby)
• London City Airport – 30 minutes by car or DLR from Lewisham
• Greenwich Town Centre – 20 minutes by bus or car
• Bluewater Shopping Centre – 30 minutes via A2

Cyclists can make use of local cycle routes, while local bus services offer frequent connections for non-drivers. Avery Hill’s blend of public transport and road links ensures convenience for commuters and families alike.

The education landscape in Avery Hill is shaped by both its local schools and the presence of the University of Greenwich campus.

Primary Schools:

- Alderwood Primary School: Located near Avery Hill, it has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its latest inspection (2019), making it a popular choice for local families.
- Deansfield Primary School: Just to the south in Eltham, Deansfield Primary is highly regarded and was rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted (2017).
- Wyborne Primary School: Another nearby option, Wyborne also received a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2018) and serves a wide catchment in the area.
- Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School: Situated close to Avery Hill, it enjoys a strong reputation among parents and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2018).

Secondary Schools:

- Eltham Hill School: A girls' comprehensive with a co-educational sixth form, Eltham Hill was rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2017).
- Harris Academy Greenwich: Known for strong performance, Harris Academy was rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted (2022) and serves students from Avery Hill and neighbouring areas.
- Thomas Tallis School: Located in Kidbrooke, a short journey from Avery Hill, it holds a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2022).
- St Thomas More Catholic School: Based in Eltham and Ofsted rated 'Good' (2018).

Colleges and Sixth Forms:

- Shooters Hill Sixth Form College and Christ the King: St Mary’s Sixth Form College are both easily accessible and serve students from Avery Hill with a wide selection of courses and enrichment opportunities.

Universities:

- University of Greenwich (Avery Hill Campus): This main feature of the area occupies the historic Avery Hill Mansion and surrounding parkland, offering courses in education, health, sport, and science. The campus provides a significant academic presence and contributes to the community, drawing students from across the capital.

The quality and variety of educational facilities in Avery Hill make it an attractive base for families and students alike.