Why Borough
Borough has everything going for it: from its highly diverse property market to its central location and scenic views – and its long-running cultural heritage.
It’s best known for the Borough Market, which has existed for nearly 300 years and attracts 4.5 million visiors annually. The presence of the market, and some of the best restaurants in London makes Borough stand out from surrounding areas.
Borough is just a stone’s throw away from the Thames and London Bridge, making it a highly desirable, central London location. It’s easy to get in and get out, making it a flexible option both for commuters and those who want to put down roots in this historic district. Explore our blog on living in Borough for more detail.
Property in Borough
Borough is known for its mix of properties. You can expect to see a blend of Georgian and Victorian-era homes, while unique properties include converted barns and mills, riverside homes and slick warehouse conversions. There are also unobtrusive new property developments in the area, such as that around the Borough tube station.
Development in Borough: Borough Yards, a £300 million retail-led scheme built around the former Vinopolis site, reopened the pedestrian route linking Borough Market to Tate Modern and London Bridge station via Bank End and the newly created Dirty Lane. Just north on Bankside, the wider £3 billion Bankside Yards scheme is adding over 700 homes, with its first residential building, Opus London, due to complete in 2026 with 249 flats. Between them, these schemes are bringing new retail, office and residential space within a short walk of Borough.
Find out more about up to date, local house prices here and here. Explore the best property types in borough and best streets in borough in our dedicated blogs.
Transport Links
Borough sits in a prime location for getting about London, with numerous options for travel throughout the city and beyond…
- Car & Road: Borough High Street serves as a main thoroughfare, connecting to major roads including the A3 which leads south out of London. The area also provides access to London Bridge, linking to the north side of the Thames. Driving into central London takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. However, do note that Borough falls within the Congestion Charge and ULEZ zones, meaning additional fees apply for most vehicles.
- Bus: More than 15 bus routes serve Borough, operating from several stops throughout the area. Key routes include the 35, 40, 133, and 343, connecting to destinations like Oxford Circus, Liverpool Street, and King’s Cross. Night buses N35, N133, and N343 also operate, ensuring 24-hour travel options.
- Train: London Bridge station sits at the northern edge of Borough, offering National Rail services to destinations across South East England. Trains to Gatwick Airport take only 30 minutes, while services to Brighton take about an hour. Cannon Street and Charing Cross stations can be reached in under 5 minutes, with connections to Kent and Sussex.
- Tube: Borough Underground station on the Northern Line provides swift journeys across London. London Bridge station also offers Jubilee Line services. From Borough, the West End is approximately 10 minutes away, while Canary Wharf can be reached in about 7 minutes.
- Cycling: Borough benefits from several Cycle Superhighways, including CS7, which runs from Merton to the City. Multiple Santander Cycle docking stations are scattered throughout the area, making bike hire straightforward. Dedicated cycle lanes along many streets improve safety for cyclists.
- Walking: Borough’s central location makes walking a practical option for many journeys. The Thames Path offers a scenic route into the City or westward towards Westminster, while Borough High Street leads north directly to London Bridge.
- The nearest major airport is London City Airport, reachable in about 30 minutes via the Jubilee Line and DLR.
For more information about transport options in Borough, take a look here.
Eating & Drinking
This is what Borough does best. Beginning with Borough Market, there are wine merchants, cheese makers, condiment stalls, fish markets, and much more. The market hosts diverse stalls, offering everything from Venezuelan to Malaysian cuisine. You can find food for virtually any palette from almost every culture.
Borough Road is a prime spot for food exploration, leading to diverse eateries from cafes to fine dining. Nearby, Flat Iron Square offers street food and varied cuisines, including burgers from Mother Flipper and Vietnamese fare at Hanoi Kitchen. For refined British meals, Roast in Borough Market sources fresh, seasonal market ingredients. Notable venues include The George Inn, a historic coaching inn on Borough High Street, and Elliot’s, which emphasizes seasonal, market-sourced ingredients for its farm-to-table menu.
When it comes to food & drink in Borough, there’s so much to explore, and we can’t possibly cover it all here!
Shopping
There are multiple Tesco stores as well as an M&S and Waitrose located in Borough for your everyday shopping needs. Both the Borough and Maltby Street markets offer a range of food products.
Borough Yard is a new addition to the area and well worth a visit, full of high-end eateries and stores to explore in creatively repurposed railway arches. Another iconic destination is Hay’s Galleria, a 19th century warehouse full of restaurants, offices and shops that overlook the Thames and boast excellent views.
Things To Do
If you’re looking for a slice of history, you can easily visit Tower Bridge or look at the elegant remains of Winchester Palace. Slightly further away stands the impressive Southwark Cathedral too.
The Shard is the perfect place to visit if you want to look over the London skyline. Equally, you could dedicate untold hours to exploring the Borough and Maltby Markets and the range of high-end restaurants spread across the area. It’s also very easy to access other attractive destinations in London because of Borough’s central location.
Landmarks
Borough sits at the heart of London’s history, offering countless places to visit that tell stories of the capital’s past and present while adding value to life for locals beyond mere tourist attractions.
- Borough Market – The 1,000-year-old food market offers exceptional produce, seasonal ingredients, and specialty items from independent traders. The market operates under historic railway arches, making it an essential stop for food lovers. (8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL)
- The Shard – This 95-storey skyscraper presents the highest viewing platform in London with 360-degree views stretching up to 40 miles. The observation deck allows visitors to see the Thames winding through the city. (32 London Bridge Street, SE1 9SG)
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – A careful reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare’s plays were performed, offering tours and authentic productions throughout the year. (21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT)
- Southwark Cathedral – London’s oldest Gothic cathedral dating back to 1106 stands as a peaceful place amid the bustling Borough area. The cathedral contains monuments to Shakespeare and John Harvard. (London Bridge, SE1 9DA)
- Tate Modern – Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, this world-class modern art museum showcases international works from 1900 to the present day across its vast galleries. (Bankside, SE1 9TG)
- HMS Belfast – This Royal Navy light cruiser served during World War II and now rests as a floating museum on the Thames, allowing visitors to explore nine decks of naval history. (The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2JH)
- The Old Operating Theatre Museum – Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre sits hidden in the garret of St Thomas’s Church, offering insight into medical practices before anaesthesia. (9a St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY)
- Clink Prison Museum – Built on the site of one of England’s most notorious prisons, this museum explores the harsh conditions of medieval incarceration with interactive exhibits. (1 Clink Street, SE1 9DG)
- Hay’s Galleria – Once a wharf and warehouse, this covered shopping area features stores and eateries around a central shiplike sculpture called ‘The Navigators’. (1 Battle Bridge Lane, SE1 2HD)
- Southwark Playhouse – This independent theatre presents innovative productions of new works and reinterpretations of classics in an intimate setting. (77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD)
