Canada Water is on the Rotherhithe Peninsula, to the south of the river Thames and east of the centre of London. This was originally an industrial area with a huge network of docks and warehouses. The last of these closed in 1969 and since then more than 400 acres in this area have been redeveloped. It is now primarily a residential area. As it has been built up very recently, the area lacks some of the character and historic charm that you can find in other parts of London. However, there is a big shopping centre nearby, views over the old docks and the vast green space of Southwark Park to be enjoyed.
There are not many hotels near Canada Water Station. The accommodation is of a high standard – luxury serviced apartments and the 4 star Hilton Hotel – but not as expensive as you might think, perhaps because the immediate area lacks a few facilities. However, the Jubilee Line takes you very quickly into Waterloo, where all the attractions of the West End are within reach. In the other direction, the financial district of Canary Wharf is just one stop away, so Canada Water hotels would suit people coming to Canary Wharf on business.
Canada Water is a tube station on the Jubilee Line in Rotherhithe. It’s in Travelcard Zone 2. From May 2010, the London Overground will also serve the station. It’s a modern building, which was constructed in the mid-nineties and opened in 1999. Above ground it is formed of a striking glass drum, 25 metres across, which is open inside almost all the way to the platform level. This lets natural light pour right through the station. Below ground, it is a huge concrete box which is big enough to fit a Canary Wharf skyscraper inside. The station has won design and architecture awards.
Southwark Park is close to Canada Water. This huge, 25 hectare park first opened in 1869. It has a boating lake, formal gardens, children’s play area and a range of sporting facilities including an athletics track, bowling green, football pitch and tennis courts. It also has a café and art gallery. This exhibits modern art and has a reputation for launching new talent.
Surrey Quays Shopping Centre is a big indoor retail centre nearby. It was built on the old Canada Dock and opened in 1988 as part of the redevelopment of the area. It’s got all the usual high street stores as well as places to get snacks and lunches. At one end of the centre is Greenland Dock, which is a location for watersports. The Surrey Quays Leisure Park has a cinema, bingo hall and bowling alley as well as restaurants and a pub.
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