Lewisham Mini Guide
The Appeal of Lewisham?
Formed in 1965 Lewisham is now a borough of London that was formed by the London Government Act 1963. It incorporated two areas, Lewisham and Deptford. The actor Jude Law was born in Lewisham as was the musician Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols.
Where is it and How Can I Get There?
Lewisham is a South London district linked by a network of roads and railway lines. It is situated between Greenwich to the east and
Bromley to the west. There is a substantial road system in and around Lewisham.
The History of Lewisham?
The birth of Lewisham is said to have occurred with the burning of a boat by a pagan settler. The place he chose was supposedly drier, and so in the 6th century Lewisham arose from the ashes of a pagan’s boat. As to the name it is said to derive from the Saxon word for meadow, leswe.
What is There to See and Do?
Covering a large area there are lots of things to see and do in Lewisham, from art houses and museums to exhibitions and the Quicksilver amusement park.
If I Hire a Car?
With Lewisham being such a large area hiring a car is a good idea unless you like to walk. Plus with the boroughs of Greenwich and Bromley close by you can head out and explore other areas. Greenwich has the National Maritime Museum and is the site of the O2 Arena. In Bromley there are the Christchurch Caves.
Shopping and Dining
In the heart of Lewisham is a vast shopping centre where you will find plenty of high street stores. Then with an appetite worked up, there are close to twenty restaurants around Lewisham for a place to dine.
Additional Information
London City Airport is the closest airport to Lewisham.
Lewisham has some amazing discoveries waiting to be uncovered. Crystal Palace Park, where the great Victorian exhibition centre once stood, is now a fabulous recreation area complete with concrete and iron dinosaurs created and installed by the Victorians. There’s also a huge indoor swimming pool in the park.
For those interested in the history of music, a short drive away by hire car is the Horniman Museum where displays of instruments sit side by side with interactive exhibits. Finally, take some time to visit St Pauls Church, considered to be a marvel of 18th century architecture.