The best things about living in Lewisham

We took to Facebook to ask Lewisham locals what they felt were some of the best things about living in the borough.

Here’s what people said:

Travel links to and from London

One of the most popular things about Lewisham life according to locals is the travel links to and from Central London.

Lewisham borough has 20 train stations with links to central London by rail via Thameslink, Southern, Southeastern and DLR services, from Lewisham, Deptford and New Cross Gate.

A journey into central London from Lewisham station takes 25 minutes, making Lewisham a popular area to live for workers commuting to and from the city.

Local parks and green spaces

Beckenham Place Park (Image: Lewisham Council)

One thing that several locals praised about Lewisham was its parks and green spaces.

Lewisham borough currently has 16 parks that have all been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award, as well as six green spaces awarded Green Flag Community Awards.

Some of its top-rated parks include Manor House Gardens with its long-standing on-site café and library, as well as Beckenham Place Park with its historical buildings and landscaped gardens.

A diverse mix of independent businesses and eateries

Catford Food Market (Image: Lewisham Council)

The shopping in Lewisham is also rated as a standout feature of the borough, with residents saying that they felt its “diverse” and “varied” range of shops and businesses added interest to the borough.

From long-standing Italian delis to award-winning Asian restaurants, locals said that Lewisham is a good place to find a new and diverse range of places to eat.

Its mix of independent shops is also mentioned as well, with particular mentions to areas known for its range of independent shops, such as Blackheath and Hither Green.

Local food markets If you’re someone who loves a food market, Lewisham is recommended as a popular borough to explore for its food markets, according to locals.

One market that came particularly recommended was Brockley Food Market, with vendors selling everything from produce, artisan baked goods and street food.

Entertainment and social activities

Broadway Theatre (Image: Lewisham Council)

Attractions like Catford Mews with its cinema and comedy club are rated by locals as worthy places to visit, along with the newly refurbished Broadway Theatre in Catford.

Welcoming attitude towards diversity

Lewisham Refugee Week Picnic 2023 (Image: Lewisham Council)

Locals don't just praise Lewisham for its shops, parks, and places, for many it was also about the people too.

Lewisham is praised for its “welcoming attitude” and “inclusiveness” towards diversity, including those from the refugee community.

In August 2023, Lewisham officially became the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution from their own countries, and protecting the rights of all migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.

Lewisham’s Migration Museum, located in the shopping centre, was also given several honorary mentions by locals, who said it was an important feature of the shopping centre.