Deptford’s history centres around its historic dockyard, but shipbuilding has given way to more contemporary sights and sounds this century amid a wave of gentrification – from hipster hangouts like trendy coffee shops and kitsch pubs to art studios and start-up spaces.
Deptford: the ‘up and coming’ capital of London
Deptford’s rich maritime history has iconic figures like Henry VIII and Sir Francis Drake at its core. But its reliance on all things nautical was also its downfall in the mid-20th century when the docks started to close, prompting a period of post-industrial decline. But this resilient corner of southeast London didn’t remain in the doldrums for long.
Tucked between well-healed Greenwich and gritty New Cross, the area has undergone a twenty-first-century renaissance that’s made it emblematic of a common London label: ‘up and coming’. The presence of Goldsmiths College, and nearby University of Greenwich, Bellerby’s College and Trinity Laban have brought the creative impetus that typically stimulates redevelopment – not to mention a hipster vibe. Today Deptford is a vibrant riverside community where craft ale breweries and vegan cafés sit harmoniously alongside West Indian supermarkets and pie n’ mash shops.
Transport
- National Rail: Trains from Deptford station whisk passengers to London Bridge in just eight minutes, Cannon Street or Blackfriars in 14 minutes, Farringdon in 19 minutes, and St Pancras in 23 minutes. St John’s station provides services to London Bridge in 10 minutes and Cannon Street in 16 minutes.
- DLR: Deptford Bridge and Elverson Road stations are situated on the Docklands Light Railway, with direct trains to Canary Wharf.
Property scene
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Georgian and Victorian houses dominate the period property scene around here, including small two and three-bedroom flat-fronted Victorian terraces. Property developers have seized on the area’s potential, with several new developments befitting its creative edge. This includes the Timberyard: a scheme of 1,132 homes plus shops, restaurants and flexible workspace for start-ups.
- Average property price: £431,355
- Average house price: £900,000
- Average flat price: £418,689
- Property price range: £100,000 – £900,000
- Average rental price: £510 per week
- Rental price range: £323 – £923 per week
Schools
- Primary schools: The Ofsted rated “outstanding” primary schools in the local area are: Tidemill Academy and Hatcham Temple Grove Free School.
- Secondary schools: The local secondary school (ages 11 to 16) is Addey and Stanhope School, which is Ofsted rated “good”.
- Private schools: The local private schools are found in the Greenwich/Blackheath area: Heath House Preparatory School (co-ed, ages three to 11), Blackheath High School (girls, ages three to 18), Greenwich Steiner School (co-ed, ages three to 14), and the Pointer School (co-ed, ages three to 11).
Lifestyle
- Market: Deptford market is held on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, selling everything from fresh fish, fruit and vegetables to haberdashery and clothing.
- Deptford Market Yard: Here you’ll find 14 arches filled with local, independent businesses, creative spaces and places to eat and drink.
- Open space: Greenwich Park is just a 15-minute stroll away – a Royal Park that’s home to some of London’s most iconic views.
- Leisure and the arts: The Albany is a long-established arts centre offering circus, dance, theatre and family shows. Wavelengths Leisure Centre is the local council-owned swimming pool.
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