Woolwich Area Guide

UK Area Guides

Woolwich, South East London

Fabulous3.6

Living in

Woolwich is an area that has become synonymous with 'regeneration' as a billion-pound scheme has transformed the Royal Arsenal historic buildings into a new residential area. In addition to many thousands of new homes, there is a significant amount of development in the town centre, including a new library. The area is also well-connected, with DLR trains to the City and Canary Wharf, trains to London Bridge and Cannon Street, and Thames Clippers for those who prefer an unconventional commute - and this will improve even further with the arrival of Crossrail in 2018. 

Ratings

Fabulous3.6

Community

This area is undergoing rapid and significant changes, with the redevelopment of the Royal Arsenal and the town centre. The addition of a new library and public square, as well as new shops and restaurants, is likely to increase the area's sense of local identity. 

Safety

Woolwich currently has an average crime rating from the Met police, but there is an above-average crime hotspot in neighbouring Peninsula ward. The 2014/2015 crime rate and violence against the person rate in both Woolwich Riverside and Woolwich Common wards were higher than the rates for London as a whole. 

Parking

Parking in Woolwich is about average for London. The rate of car ownership in this area is low for London, at about one car for every two households. Road links are good, if busy - the South Circular runs through the neighbourhood.

Nightlife

Woolwich has a good selection of local pubs and a handful of restaurants. There are also some bars and sports bars, and there will likely be more as the town centre regenerates.

Family Friendly

There's a variety of property on offer in this area, but much of it comes in the form of either social housing estates or new apartment blocks, with somewhat fewer family homes available. Woolwich offers abundant green and open spaces - parks include Woolwich Common, Maryon Park, Gilbert's Pit, Shrewsbury Park, Plumstead Common, and more. There's also the Thames riverfront, offering a waterside footpath. Schools in this area are generally very good - there are several local, state primary and comprehensive schools that are rated 'good' or 'outstanding' by Ofsted, and some private schools in nearby Blackheath. A high percentage of children live in this area. 

Pet Friendly

While there's a range of property available in this area, much of what's on offer consists of flats in purpose-built blocks, which can be less suitable for pets. There is good access to green and open space in Woolwich - parks include Woolwich Common, Maryon Park, Gilbert's Pit, Shrewsbury Park, Plumstead Common, and more. There's also the Thames riverfront, offering a waterside footpath for walking or jogging with a furry companion.

Transport

Woolwich is well-connected, with DLR trains to the City and Canary Wharf, trains to London Bridge and Cannon Street - and this will improve even further with the arrival of Crossrail in 2018. Woolwich Arsenal station is in Zone 4, while Woolwich Dockyard is in Zone 3. Crossrail will cut the journey to Canary Wharf to 8 minutes, the trip to Bond Street to 22 minutes. The area is well-served by local buses, and road links are good, if busy - the South Circular runs through the neighbourhood. There are also Thames Clippers for those who prefer an unconventional commute.