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All change at Thamesmead as Elizabeth line opens

The Elizabeth Line is now open, bringing massive benefits to the Thamesmead community.


From Abbey Wood it’s now just 11 mins to Canary Wharf, 25 mins to Tottenham Ct Rd and 29 mins to Paddington. Anyone using the line can now get to 40 other destinations across London and reach Heathrow Airport and Reading.

Not only is this fantastic news for Thamesmead commuters, it’s also great news for anyone wanting to escape city life and enjoy all that Thamesmead has to offer. Here are our top 10 reasons why Londoners should whizz over to Abbey Wood.

Southmere Lake – A popular destination for locals, Southmere Lake is surrounded by wildlife and beautiful green space. Wildflowers are now in bloom.

Brutalist architecture – Thamesmead’s iconic 1960s design – the backdrop to several films, TV series and music videos – is a must-see for architecture and culture fans alike.

The Lakeside Café (at the Lakeside Centre) – Drinks, snacks and hearty portions of homecooked food to suit all tastes. A peaceful outdoor terrace overlooks Southmere Lake. Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 3pm.

Culture – Thamesmead offers people things to do all year round. Come along to the Jubilee Jamboree on 2 June and look out for the Fields of Everywhen hot air balloon, an incredible floating art gallery, taking to the skies this summer.

Thamesmead Festival – A major community event celebrating Thamesmead’s diverse community and local talent. Guaranteed to keep you smiling all day.

Cygnet Square – Overlooking Southmere Lake, South Thamesmead’s new public square is home to a state-of-the-art public library, art and gallery spaces and commercial units (due to open later this year). Get a feel for what’s to come.

Canal walks – Thamesmead offers 7kms of picturesque canal network. Spot the floating reedbeds, home to an array of flowering plants and insects including dragonflies and damselflies.

Street art – There’s artwork in abundance in Thamesmead, including stunning murals on underpasses along the canal network. Recently listed as some of the “world’s most beautiful murals of 2021” (Widewalls).

Lesnes Abbey Woods – Offering 88 hectares of beautiful ancient woodland, a park and abbey ruins. A perfect retreat from the busy-ness of London life.

 

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