Why Canada Water
Canada Water has undergone significant regeneration in recent years, making it an increasingly popular area in central London. With its industrial chic and emerging foodie culture, the area has become a desirable location for young professionals and families.
The area boasts relatively affordable property for sale, while offering convenient access to the city centre via public transport. Across the whole regeneration scheme, a quarter of new homes will be considered “affordable” and available through social rent and shared ownership.
Canada Water also provides picturesque views of the River Thames, which runs alongside much of the area. Many excellent schools make it a highly sought-after location for families.
Eating & Drinking
Canada Water offers a wide variety of food and drink options, making it a foodie’s paradise. From local eateries and bars to international restaurants, the area has no shortage of options to satisfy your taste buds.
Some popular spots worth visiting include Leadbelly’s Bar & Kitchen – a trendy bar and restaurant offering American style food and cocktails, Hawker House – a street food market offering a wide range of international cuisine and Café East – a popular Vietnamese restaurant known for its Pho and Spring rolls. With so many options available, you’re sure to find a favourite spot to enjoy a meal or a drink.
Shopping
Canada Water offers a variety of shopping options, making it a great place to call home. For your grocery needs, you can find several supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Iceland, and M&S. For something more unique, the nearby Surrey Docks Farm offers fresh produce and locally sourced goods.
Additionally, the area boasts a number of popular retail destinations, such as Surrey Quays Shopping Centre and the bustling Canary Wharf shopping district is just a short trip away. Whether you’re looking for everyday essentials or something special, Canada Water has something for everyone.
Transport Links
There’s a lot of ways to get around in Canada Water. Here’s a helpful summary:
- By car… Owning a car in Canada Water is optional. However, the A2 and A202 provide easy access to central London and major motorways. Finding street parking can be competitive, so consider a permit if you choose to drive regularly.
- By Bus… Canada Water Bus Station is a major hub, serviced by numerous Transport for London (TfL) bus routes. Frequent buses connect you to key destinations like: London Bridge (30 mins), Oxford Street (45 mins), Canary Wharf (20 mins), Greenwich (25 mins).
- By Train… Canada Water Station (London overground) offers direct Southeastern rail services to London Cannon Street (12 mins), Lewisham (10 mins) and Greenwich too (8 mins).
- By Tube… The Jubilee Line underground station at Canada Water can take you along to Bond Street (20 mins), Westminster (18 mins), Canary Wharf (5 mins) and Stratford (15 mins) for Westfield Stratford City shopping centre.
- Nearest Airport… London City Airport (LCY) is just a 20-minute drive or a direct DLR (Docklands Light Railway) connection away for domestic and some European flights. Major airports like Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) are accessible via train or car within an hour.
Find out more on the Transport for London website.
Things To Do
Canada Water is a vibrant and dynamic area of London that offers a range of activities and attractions to suit all tastes. The area boasts a beautiful nature reserve and park for those who enjoy the outdoors, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. In addition, the nearby Southwark Park offers a variety of sports facilities, including tennis courts, football pitches, and a running track.
For those looking for cultural activities, the area is home to the popular Canada Water Culture Space. This contemporary arts centre showcases a range of performances and exhibitions throughout the year. The centre also hosts regular workshops and classes for adults and children.
Additionally, the nearby cinema provides diverse films, from blockbuster hits to independent releases, ensuring there is always something for everyone. With its excellent transport links, the area is an ideal location for those seeking a vibrant and diverse community with plenty of opportunities for entertainment and culture.
Canada Water Property
Canada Water offers an exciting mix of properties – so it is well worth setting aside some time to explore the area. You’ll find many high-rise apartments, sleek waterfront developments, several converted warehouses, and industrial buildings.
Average sold property prices in Canada Water vary depending on property type, though the average is around £542k. Terraces (£653k) and semis (£773k) are significantly pricier.
One exciting and unique project is the redevelopment of the former Surrey Quays Shopping Centre and Printworks into a massive mixed-use neighbourhood with thousands of new homes, shops, and shared spaces on the high street. Additionally, the vast Canada Water Master Plan promises further transformation, with new parks, green spaces, and revitalised transportation links.
Take a look at HM Land Registry and here for the most up to date data.
Places Of Interest
Canada Water offers a fascinating array of local sites worth visiting for those settling in this south east London neighbourhood. The area combines historical installations with contemporary spaces.
- Canada Water Library: This striking angular structure sits above the tube station and provides exceptional views across the water, near Maple Quays. The interior houses books, study areas and hosts regular events for the local public. (Deal Porter Square, London SE16 7AR)
- Surrey Quays Shopping Centre: Notable as the main retail destination in the area with many shops and facilities. Under redevelopment plans, the shopping centre will transform in coming years. (Redriff Road, London SE16 7LL)
- Lavender Pond Nature Park: Once part of the Surrey Commercial Docks, this small wetland enclave provides an unexpected green space. The small pump house contains displays about dock history. (Lavender Road, London SE16 5DZ)
- Russia Dock Woodland: A serene forested space created from filled-in commercial docks. The raised walkways and paths make it perfect for walks throughout all seasons. (Salter Road, London SE16 6QB)
- Southwark Park: This Victorian park spans 63 acres, with wide open spaces, including a boating lake, sports fields, and well-tended gardens. The bandstand dates back to 1884 and holds summer concerts. (Gomm Road, London SE16 2TX)
- Brunel Museum: This small yet informative museum tells the story of Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Thames Tunnel, the world’s first tunnel built under a navigable river. (Railway Avenue, London SE16 4LF)
- The Printworks: This vast former printing facility now functions as an entertainment venue hosting music events and exhibitions in its industrial spaces. (Surrey Quays Road, London SE16 7PJ)
- Canada Water Basin: The actual water feature that gives the area its name offers pleasant walks around its perimeter with resident swans and ducks. (Canada Street, London SE16 7AR)
- Stave Hill Ecological Park: An artificial hill built from rubble of the old docks providing superb views across London. The attached ecological park contains several habitats for wildlife. (Timber Pond Road, London SE16 6EX)
- Thames Path: This section of the famous riverside walking route passes through Canada Water area, offering splendid views of Canary Wharf and central London landmarks. (Rotherhithe Street, London SE16)