In England’s capital, attention often falls on the predictable big-ticket sights. Look to the South East London district of Rotherhithe, however, and you’ll find rewards — including a newly reopened hostel.
YHA London Thameside
This summer saw the reopening of one of our key city properties after refurbishment. YHA London Thameside feels removed from the urban throng while also sitting just a half-hour river stroll from Tower Bridge. It has 70 en-suite rooms in total.
Stay at YHA London Thameside.
Brunel Museum
When the Thames Tunnel opened under the river in 1843, it was a world first. The project designer was Marc Brunel, who employed his son, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, as resident engineer. This small museum tells the full story, and grants access to the tunnel shaft.
Visit the Brunel Museum.
The Thames Path
The Thames Path follows the river for 185 scenic miles from The Cotswolds to East London. At YHA London Thameside, the path threads almost right past the door, giving the perfect opportunity to hike through the heart of the city.
Walk along The Thames Path.
Stave Hill Ecological Park
Barely half a mile from the hostel door is this “urban ecology site”— part nature reserve, part recreational area and part education facility. It’s brilliant for kids, with plenty of natural woodland, and is all the more impressive for having been created from scratch.
Plan your day at Stave Hill Ecological Park.
The Mayflower Pub
Said to be the oldest pub on the Thames, this wonderfully creaky boozer has been around since 1550. Outside is the original mooring point of The Mayflower, the ship that carried the Pilgrim Fathers to North America.
Pop in for a refreshment at The Mayflower.
Photo credit: Adobe stock – I-Wei Huang / jovannig / Spiroview Inc.
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