Rotherhithe is a residential district in the
London Borough of Southwark. It is located on the southern bank of the
River Thames, and includes a peninsula that points north towards
Limehouse across the river.
Rotherhithe was a port area. The same as places on the opposite bank of the Thames, its dockyards are part of what is known today as the
London Docklands. There were shipyards in this area right up to the early 20th century. The area began to gentrify towards the end of the 20th century, boosted by the extension of the Jubilee Line that connects it to Central London and the
Canary Wharf areas. The London Overground was also extended to Rotherhithe in 2010, providing quick access to the
City of London.
The ship Mayflower set sail from Rotherhithe for Southampton in July 1620. At that time, the English Separatists were staying in Leiden, in the Netherlands. They hired another ship, the Speedwell, to take them from Delfthaven in the Netherlands to Southampton, where they boarded the Mayflower for the journey to America. The ship's captain, Christopher Jones, died when he returned to England in 1621, and was buried at St. Mary's Church in Rotherhithe. The voyage of the Mayflower started near a public house in Rotherhithe called the
Shippe on Rotherhithe Street. That pub has since been renamed the
Mayflower.
The Mayflower Pub on Rotherhithe StreetSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mayflower_pub._117,_Rotherhithe_Street,_London,_SE16_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1521141.jpg
Author: Chris Lordan
Places in Rotherhithe
- Brunel Museum
Museum that provides information on the history of the Thames Tunnel and its construction.
- Canada Water
Freshwater lake and wildlife refuge in the Rotherhithe part of Docklands.
- Cuckold's Point
The bend of the River Thames on the northern part of the Rotherhithe peninsula.
- Finnish Church
Officially the Finnish Seamen's Mission, church for the Finnish workers and seafarers.
- Greenland Dock
The oldest riverside wet dock in London
- Hilton Docklands Nelson Dock Pier
Pier on the River Thames in Rotherhithe.
- King's Stairs Garden
A small park along the River Thames near Bermondsey.
- Russian Dock Woodland
Long, narrow park in Rotherhithe created by filling in one of the former Surrey Commercial Docks.
- South Dock
One of the two surviving docks of the former Surrey Commerical Docks.
- Southwark Park
Public park opened in 1869 covering 63 acres.
- St Mary's Church
Anglican church at the centre of Rotherhithe village.
- Stave Hill
Man-made hill which is part of Russia Dock Woodland.
- Surrey Docks Farm
A working farm within London, raising goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys, bees and donkeys.
How to reach Rotherhithe
Take the Jubilee Line to the
Canada Water Tube Station or the London Overground to the Canada Water and Rotherhithe Stations.
More information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.
- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.