Car Hire Woolwich

Woolwich sits in southeast Greater London, offering a rich blend of military heritage, green open spaces and evolving riverside culture. Home to around 85,000 residents, this historic town is easily accessed via the A206 and A205, making it a great choice for a short day trip or an unhurried weekend wander. The weather tends to shift quickly, so it’s worth packing light layers and a waterproof jacket. Spring and early summer show the area at its best, when its parks are full of life and the riverfront walks feel fresh. Before heading back to Kidbrooke, it’s easy to lose track of time exploring the town’s unique attractions.

Attractions In Woolwich

Woolwich invites slow discovery—its mix of military landmarks, local creativity and wide-open space gives it a character that’s distinct from the more polished corners of the city. Whether you’re here for the history, the views or just a change of pace, the area offers more than first impressions might suggest.

Thames Barrier Park

Thames Barrier Park is a beautifully designed 22-acre green space offering sweeping views of the iconic Thames Barrier. Located along the Royal Docks, the park features a long sunken garden called the Green Dock—an architectural nod to the area’s docklands past. Tree-lined paths, fountains and geometric flower beds create a space that feels thoughtful and calming, even on busy days. It’s a popular escape for those based in Plumstead, who often stop by for quiet walks or a weekend picnic. With a café, children’s playground and broad lawns to stretch out on, there’s something here for everyone. With over 2,000 reviews and a 4.5 rating, it remains one of Woolwich’s most admired spots.

Royal Victoria Gardens

Spread out beside the river in North Woolwich, Royal Victoria Gardens offers a laid-back space for all kinds of outdoor activity. Whether you’re after a quiet bench, a run around the grassy field or a game of tennis, there’s something here for everyone. The park includes a basketball court, table tennis, adult gym equipment and a well-kept children’s playground. Three separate entrances make it easy to access and a clear view of the Thames provides a gentle backdrop. Clean, tidy and often surprisingly quiet, it’s a space where locals can breathe and unwind. The mix of wide paths and shaded corners adds to its versatility, especially for those visiting with kids or dogs.

Woolwich Riverside Fountains

Woolwich Riverside Fountains brings a playful edge to a modern corner of the neighbourhood. Nestled between residential blocks, this small park is defined by a series of interactive fountains and a lawn of clover instead of standard grass. During summer, the fountains are alive with families and children, offering a burst of cool air and movement in an otherwise quiet setting. It’s the kind of spot you might stumble across while exploring the riverside but end up staying longer than expected. The contrast between the lively water features and the surrounding flats gives it a pocket-park charm, where community and design meet refreshingly.

Wellington Park

Wellington Park offers a calm escape tucked within the Royal Arsenal, surrounded by well-kept lawns and a thoughtful mix of sculpture and greenery. It’s the kind of space where you sit down and end up staying longer than expected, especially on a quiet weekend afternoon. The sculptures lend character without overwhelming the peaceful atmosphere and there’s a gentle rhythm to the way the park opens out between the buildings nearby. Before heading back to Abbey Wood, it’s a great spot to pause, relax and let the day slow down. It may not draw crowds but for locals and visitors alike, it offers just the right kind of stillness.

General Gordon Square

General Gordon Square is a green oasis in the heart of Woolwich, blending open lawns, shaded paths and a few unexpected touches of history. The square’s gently winding footpaths and mature trees create a relaxed setting, ideal for people-watching or a midday breather. It’s not just about the greenery, though—look closely and you’ll find busts honouring Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore and WWII secret agent Nora Inayat-Khan. These quiet tributes add meaning to the space, especially for those who enjoy walking through history. Whether you’re stretching your legs or sitting with a coffee, the square offers a place to linger without any rush.

Equitable House

Equitable House is far more than its stately exterior suggests—a former bank turned pub that now blends shabby-chic style with a lively local spirit. The interiors are cosy and characterful, complete with vintage decor, a well-stocked bar and a food menu that’s both decent and well-priced. Tucked within easy reach of Thamesmead, it’s a popular evening stop for people looking to unwind after a day around Woolwich. The staff are known for their friendliness and the atmosphere strikes just the right balance between relaxed and energetic. Whether for a pint, a casual meal or just a glimpse inside a repurposed landmark, it’s worth stepping in.

Royal Brass Foundry

Built in 1717, the Royal Brass Foundry is a striking piece of Woolwich’s military past. Located just outside the modern Woolwich station, the building once played a key role in producing cannons for government use until the late 1800s. Its tall doors and robust structure were designed to accommodate a vertical boring machine and ease the transport of finished weapons. Though the site is no longer in operation, its presence remains imposing, a reminder of the area’s industrial strength. It’s one of those landmarks that doesn’t demand attention but rewards it—quietly rooted in the history of Britain’s defences, standing solidly among the more modern surroundings.

North Woolwich Railway Pier

The North Woolwich Railway Pier dates back to 1854 and carries the weathered charm of a forgotten era. Though no longer in use and officially closed, the structure still draws interest from history fans and urban explorers alike. Sitting along the Thames, it offers a haunting look at London’s transport past—rusted rails, fading signage and a sense of abandoned purpose. Access isn’t officially restricted but caution is advised as the site lacks gates or safety warnings. For those who appreciate lost infrastructure and industrial relics, it’s a fascinating, if fragile, trace of Woolwich’s connection to the river and rail.

Royal Arsenal Heritage Site

The Royal Arsenal Heritage Site blends centuries of military history with modern architecture and striking public art. Preserved buildings line the river, while Anthony Gormley’s sculptures offer striking contrasts against the historic brickwork. The regeneration here has been careful, respectful and quietly impressive—bringing life back into one of London’s most historically significant military hubs. It’s a place to walk slowly, take in the details and reflect on the weight of the past woven into every corner.

Royal Arsenal Gatehouse

The Royal Arsenal Gatehouse stands as one of the more recognisable remnants of Woolwich’s military past. Once the formal entrance to the vast Royal Arsenal complex, it now plays a different role in the community, offering spaces and courses geared toward local business development. The building retains its commanding presence, its architecture a reminder of the controlled access and strategic importance once placed on this site. Though modern use has shifted its purpose, the Gatehouse continues to represent the link between Woolwich’s industrial legacy and its evolving urban identity. For those interested in how historic sites can remain active parts of community life, it’s an understated but meaningful stop.

Woolwich Rotunda

Woolwich Rotunda is a curious historical landmark originally built in the early 19th century as a venue for celebrations. Its circular structure sits beside the military barracks, reflecting its early ties to ceremonial and social gatherings. The building later served as a museum, although today it stands unused, with access not always guaranteed and the interior typically closed. Even so, its architecture and setting remain a quiet draw for those exploring the area’s military heritage. While there may not be much to see inside, the Rotunda still holds interest as a forgotten part of Woolwich’s civic past, modest in size but rich in historical layers.

Iron Pier

Set along the Thames Path, the Iron Pier is one of Woolwich’s more unusual historical features. This distinctive metal structure stretches into the river with a character that’s both industrial and quietly poetic. Though its surroundings have modernised, the pier feels untouched, standing out as a solitary reminder of the area’s former river trade and transport links. Visitors often note the lack of a formal footpath, making access a little awkward but the visual impact is still strong from a distance. Whether you’re walking along the Thames or simply enjoy overlooked structures with a story, the Iron Pier is a compelling piece of riverside history.

St George’s Garrison Church

St George’s Garrison Church is one of Woolwich’s most quietly moving historic sites. Though partly ruined, it’s been sensitively restored and now functions as an open-air memorial space with regular public access on Sundays. Its standout feature is a striking mosaic wall commemorating recipients of the George Cross, bringing colour and reverence to the remains of the old chapel. It’s often recommended by locals from Eltham who know the value of quiet corners steeped in meaning. The blend of architectural remains, peaceful layout and thoughtful curation makes this church not just a relic but a place of continued reflection and purpose.

Buddy Bear

Brightly painted and standing proudly in General Gordon Place, the Buddy Bear adds a touch of cheerful personality to Woolwich town centre. Part of a global art initiative promoting peace and understanding, this sculpture has become something of a local landmark in its own right. Tourists and children alike gravitate toward it, often stopping for photos with the bear’s vivid design. It’s playful, unexpected and stands out against the more traditional surroundings—proof that public art doesn’t have to be grand to make an impression. For those wandering through the square, it’s an easy moment of colour and curiosity in an otherwise historic setting.

The Royal Arsenal Panorama

The Royal Arsenal Panorama is a massive mural stretching along the flood defence wall beside the Woolwich Ferry overflow car park. Depicting scenes from Woolwich’s industrial and military past, it captures key moments of the area’s evolution in a single sweeping image. Popular with art lovers from Beckton, the mural rewards both distant viewing and close inspection, with intricate detail revealing itself the longer you look. Its only challenge is visibility—during ferry operations, parked vehicles may partially obstruct it, so timing your visit can enhance the experience. Still, it’s a rare example of large-scale public storytelling right out in the open.

Military history and river views characterise this south-east London area, where the Thames Barrier stands as an impressive feat of engineering. Also, Greenwich’s maritime heritage lies nearby, with Blackheath’s expansive common and Georgian terraces within easy reach.