Avery Hill in SE9 is one of South East London’s greenest and most community-oriented neighbourhoods. Best known for its expansive park, historic Winter Garden, and proximity to the University of Greenwich campus, it offers the perfect balance between suburban calm and city convenience. Families are drawn to the area’s excellent schools, while professionals value its transport links and outdoor lifestyle. With its strong community feel, leafy streets, and reliable property market, Avery Hill has become a destination for buyers seeking a well-connected yet peaceful place to put down roots.
History & Regeneration
The origins of Avery Hill stretch back centuries, with Mesolithic flint tools found in the park showing evidence of very early settlement. The area took its modern name from an aviary once located here, and by the early 19th century was already known for its farmland and large mansion house.
In 1890, the estate was purchased and redeveloped by Colonel John Thomas North, a wealthy industrialist famously nicknamed the “Nitrate King.” He rebuilt the mansion and created the remarkable glass-roofed Winter Garden, one of the largest of its kind in the country. North’s work left an enduring architectural and cultural legacy for the area.
Following his death in 1896, the London County Council acquired the estate in 1902, and by 1903 Avery Hill Park was opened to the public. In 1906, the mansion became a teacher training college, later absorbed into Thames Polytechnic and then the University of Greenwich.
This evolution, from private estate to public park and educational hub, has shaped Avery Hill into what it is today: a neighbourhood combining heritage, green space, and residential charm, while remaining closely tied to South East London’s growth.
Today, the mansion and Winter Garden remain central to Avery Hill’s identity, while the surrounding parkland is a vital green lung for the community. The area’s evolution from aristocratic estate to public park and university campus reflects the broader story of South East London’s development - from rural farmland to suburban neighbourhood with enduring heritage.
Property Market & Architecture
Avery Hill SE9 offers a broad range of housing, much of it dating from the early to mid-20th century. Semi-detached homes, 1930s terraces, and purpose-built apartments dominate, with many properties benefiting from generous gardens and leafy surroundings. The area’s architectural character appeals to families, professionals, and investors alike.
Key residential developments include:
Avery Hill Road (SE9): Known for 1930s family homes with large gardens, bay windows, and original period details.
Bexley Road and Crown Woods Way (SE9): Popular with families, featuring spacious semi-detached and detached homes, often set on wider plots.
Falconwood area (DA16): A mix of mid-century homes close to Falconwood station, schools, and parks, offering value and convenience.
Eltham Heights (SE9): A desirable pocket with tree-lined avenues, well-kept houses, and a strong sense of community.
Each of these neighbourhoods has its own quirks and opportunities. We’ve advised buyers and sellers across them all and are always happy to share insights that go beyond the listings.
Demand in Avery Hill is steady, driven by families seeking school catchments, professionals who value the balance of green space and connectivity, and landlords interested in reliable student rental opportunities from the University of Greenwich campus. While family houses remain the strongest draw, apartments and smaller homes near transport links also perform well. The combination of history, parkland, and accessibility makes Avery Hill one of SE9’s most dependable and attractive markets.
Local Amenities
- Avery Hill Park – A vast public green space with sports facilities, playgrounds, and the historic Winter Garden.
Eltham High Street – Just minutes away, offering supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, and independent shops.
Broadway Shopping Centre, Bexleyheath – A short drive or bus ride, providing a wider retail choice including fashion chains and household stores.
Annual Events & Traditions
Avery Hill offers a relaxed lifestyle with a strong community spirit. Local residents enjoy Avery Hill Park’s seasonal events, from family fun days to volunteer-led activities organised by “Friends of Avery Hill Park.”
- Annual events in nearby Eltham, including the Christmas lights and local festivals, add to the wider community experience.
Best Places to Eat & Drink
- The Tudor Barn – a historic pub and restaurant set within parkland
Rusty Bucket Pub – a popular local micropub with a friendly vibe
Eltham GPO – modern British restaurant with strong reviews
The Long Pond – well-known for craft beer
Côte Brasserie Eltham – French brasserie popular with locals
Museums & Parks Nearby
- Avery Hill Park (with Winter Garden, playground, sports pitches)
Nearby Oxleas Woods, one of London’s ancient woodlands
Transport Links
- Rail – New Eltham (SE9) and Falconwood (DA16) stations connect to London Bridge, Charing Cross, and Cannon Street.
Bus – TfL services link to Eltham, Sidcup, Greenwich, Woolwich, and Bexleyheath.
Road – Direct access to the A2, providing routes into Central London or out towards Kent.
Cycling/Walking – Avery Hill Park’s cycle path and the Green Chain Walk link to Eltham, Bexley, and other green spaces.
Culture & Community
Avery Hill is defined by its balance of heritage and greenery. The Winter Garden remains an iconic cultural landmark, attracting historians and architecture enthusiasts. Nearby Eltham Palace and Oxleas Woods add further cultural and historic richness. Community-driven initiatives, from park conservation groups to seasonal festivals, reflect an engaged and welcoming local culture. For residents, culture here means more than just history; it’s the shared enjoyment of green space, community spirit, and a slower pace of life within reach of central London.
Schools & Education
- Dulverton Primary School – Outstanding
Deansfield Primary School – Outstanding
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School – Outstanding
Burnt Oak Junior School – Good
Secondary Schools:
Bexley Grammar School (DA16) – Outstanding
Crown Woods Academy (SE9) – Good
Ark Greenwich Free School (SE18) – Good
Bonus Pastor Catholic College (BR1) – Good
Higher Education:
University of Greenwich, Avery Hill Campus
Playgrounds
- Avery Hill Park Playground – Large area with climbing frames, swings, and slides
Falconwood Play Area – Family-friendly green space with equipment for younger children
Eltham Heights Local Play Area – Small community playground serving local residents
Running Clubs & Fitness
- Avery Hill is a hub for outdoor activity, with facilities and clubs catering to all ages.
Gyms – PureGym Eltham, Anytime Fitness Eltham, University of Greenwich Sports Centre
Running Clubs – Eltham Runners, GoodGym Greenwich (running with volunteering), Greenwich Tritons Triathlon Club
Parkrun – Avery Hill Parkrun, every Saturday morning, drawing a lively mix of locals and visitors
Playgrounds & Sports – Outdoor gym, football and cricket pitches, tennis tables, and children’s play areas in Avery Hill Park
Whether you’re training for your first 10k, working on endurance with a triathlon club, or enjoying family playtime in the park, Avery Hill makes an active lifestyle accessible.
Why Live in Avery Hill ?
Avery Hill SE9 offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match: extensive parkland, strong schools, family-friendly housing, and direct rail links into London. It’s an area where buyers can secure space and quality of life without sacrificing connectivity. From 1930s family homes to student-friendly apartments, the property mix attracts a wide range of residents. For anyone seeking a long-term, stable investment or a family-friendly place to grow, Avery Hill is a location with enduring appeal.
Buying, Selling & Letting Advice
Avery Hill continues to offer strong value and solid demand. For buyers, the balance of green space, transport links, and reputable schools makes it a safe investment. For sellers, demand for family houses in SE9 remains consistent, making this a good time to list. For landlords, reliable rental demand from students and families ensures steady yields.
MA-Residential, your trusted estate agent for Avery Hill , Eltham and SE9 homes
