Surrey Quays is one of South East London’s most distinctive waterside neighbourhoods, combining the calm of dockside living with easy access to the City and Canary Wharf. Known for its marina, modern developments, and leafy surroundings, it provides a relaxed yet well-connected lifestyle. Families, professionals, and long-term residents are drawn to its balance of open green spaces, riverside walks, and excellent transport links. Once part of London’s bustling docks, Surrey Quays has transformed into a vibrant residential hub that continues to attract buyers and renters looking for quality homes within reach of central London.
History & Regeneration
The history of Surrey Quays is deeply tied to London’s maritime heritage. Originally part of the Surrey Commercial Docks, the area was a hive of activity from the late 17th century through to the mid-20th century. The docks handled timber, grain, and other commodities, making Rotherhithe and the wider docklands crucial to Britain’s global trading power.
By the 1960s, the docks had fallen into decline as larger container ships required deeper waters and moved to Tilbury. Surrey Docks eventually closed in 1970, leaving behind a derelict landscape of disused warehouses and abandoned quays. For a time, the area struggled with unemployment and urban decline.
The turning point came in the 1980s with the creation of the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC). Surrey Docks was rebranded as Surrey Quays, marking its transformation from a neglected industrial zone to a thriving residential and leisure destination. The opening of Surrey Quays Shopping Centre in 1988 symbolised this rebirth.
South Dock Marina, now London’s largest marina, was developed as part of the regeneration, alongside a wave of new residential housing built throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and later the Jubilee Line made the area highly accessible, further boosting its appeal.
Today, Surrey Quays is undergoing yet another phase of regeneration, with British Land spearheading a large-scale masterplan to redevelop Canada Water and its surroundings. This project promises new homes, retail, leisure, and community spaces, ensuring Surrey Quays remains one of London’s most exciting waterside districts.
Property Market & Architecture
Surrey Quays offers a diverse property market shaped by its docklands heritage and waves of regeneration. Each development here has its own community feel, quirks, and opportunities – and we’ve advised buyers and sellers across them all, always happy to share insights that go beyond the listings.
Dockside Developments
Much of Surrey Quays is characterised by low-rise, purpose-built developments from the 1980s and 1990s. Many of these offer direct water views, communal gardens, and access to docks and riverside paths. Homes around South Dock Marina and Greenland Dock are particularly sought-after for their lifestyle appeal.
Riverside Apartments
Modern riverside developments along the Thames provide spacious flats with balconies, concierge services, and underground parking. Many buyers are attracted by the combination of views, amenities, and proximity to Canary Wharf.
Townhouses & Mews Homes
Surrey Quays is unusual among docklands areas in that it also offers family-friendly townhouses and mews-style homes. These are especially popular with families looking for larger space within a central location.
New-Build Schemes
Ongoing regeneration around Canada Water and Surrey Quays is bringing in state-of-the-art new builds. These developments often feature contemporary architecture, high-spec interiors, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and community spaces.
Ex-Local Authority Housing
Alongside modern private developments, Surrey Quays has well-maintained ex-local authority properties. These often provide more affordable entry points for first-time buyers while still benefiting from excellent transport links.
Overall, Surrey Quays presents a strong mix of opportunities: waterside living, modern apartments, and family-friendly homes, all with the promise of further value growth as regeneration continues.
Local Amenities
- Surrey Quays Shopping Centre – Offering a range of high street shops, supermarkets, and services at the heart of the area.
South Dock Marina – The largest marina in London, providing moorings, sailing facilities, and a unique waterfront atmosphere.
Canada Water Library & Theatre – A striking modern building with cultural events, a theatre space, and excellent study facilities.
Annual Events & Traditions
Surrey Quays combines riverside tranquillity with urban vibrancy.
- Canada Day celebrations at Canada Water.
Community markets and seasonal events hosted in Canada Water Plaza.
Best Places to Eat & Drink
- Leadbelly’s Bar & Kitchen – Popular gastropub near Canada Water.
Café East – Highly rated Vietnamese restaurant.
The Mayflower – Historic riverside pub with strong maritime links.
The Ship & Whale – Local favourite with traditional pub fare.
Museums & Parks Nearby
- Russia Dock Woodland – A tranquil green space created from former dockland.
Surrey Docks Farm – A working city farm offering educational activities.
Brunel Museum – Celebrating the engineering heritage of nearby Rotherhithe.
Transport Links
- Overground: Surrey Quays Station – connections to Shoreditch, Highbury, Clapham, and Crystal Palace.
Underground: Canada Water (Jubilee Line) – direct links to Canary Wharf, London Bridge, and the West End.
DLR: Nearby at Deptford Bridge or Canary Wharf.
Buses: Excellent services to Greenwich, Bermondsey, and central London.
Cycling: Thames Path and Quietway cycle routes offer safe, scenic commuting options.
Culture & Community
Surrey Quays thrives on a mix of maritime heritage and modern vibrancy. Historic pubs and dockside paths nod to its nautical past, while Canada Water brings cultural hubs like the library, theatre, and music venues. Street food markets, cafés, and bars add a cosmopolitan flair, while nearby Bermondsey and Deptford contribute to a diverse arts and dining scene. It’s a place where history and modern lifestyle blend seamlessly.
Schools & Education
- Redriff Primary School – Ofsted Outstanding.
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School – Ofsted Good.
Alfred Salter Primary School – Ofsted Good.
Bacon’s College (Secondary) – Ofsted Good.
University of Greenwich (Greenwich Campus) – A short journey away, offering higher education in a historic riverside setting.
Playgrounds
- Russia Dock Woodland Play Area – Surrounded by nature trails and wildlife.
Southwark Park Playground – Large, well-equipped space for all ages.
Surrey Docks Farm Play Area – Child-friendly facilities in a farm setting.
Running Clubs & Fitness
- Gyms: The Gym Group Surrey Quays, PureGym Bermondsey, and Decathlon Sports Club.
Running Clubs: GoodGym Southwark – Combining fitness with community projects.
Triathlon Clubs: Greenwich Tritons – Local endurance sports club.
Parkrun: Southwark Parkrun – Free weekly 5k event in Southwark Park.
Basketball: Outdoor courts in Southwark Park are popular with local players.
Why Live in Surrey Quays?
Surrey Quays offers one of London’s best opportunities for waterside living without the price tag of central riverside districts. With a strong mix of property types, excellent transport, and large-scale regeneration in progress, it appeals to both first-time buyers and investors. Families value the parks, schools, and quieter feel, while professionals benefit from the swift commute to Canary Wharf and the City. Future growth prospects are strong, making Surrey Quays a compelling choice.
Buying, Selling & Letting Advice
Surrey Quays remains a market of growth and opportunity. For buyers, focusing on homes near the docks or Canada Water will likely yield strong long-term value. For sellers, demand for waterside properties remains steady, especially among professionals. For landlords, proximity to transport links and universities ensures consistent rental demand.
MA-Residential, your trusted estate agent for Surrey Quays, Canada Water and SE16 homes
