8 of Our Favourite Things To Do on Greenwich Peninsula
At Design District we’re fortunate to be located aside the many and varied attractions of Greenwich Peninsula. Allow us to be your local guide…
Where we work matters. The space we occupy and the people we’re surrounded by shape our creativity and productivity. So too can the neighbourhood we travel to each day, that part of the city where we stretch our legs, seek out exciting lunch options and hangout after clocking off. It can even be a source of pride — a place to share with friends and family. At Design District we’re fortunate not only to have access to our own pedestrianised outdoor space, a global food hall and a rooftop basketball court, but the many and varied attractions of Greenwich Peninsula. Allow us to be your local guide…
1. NOW Gallery There’s always something interesting to see at the Peninsula’s free exhibition space for art, fashion, photography and design. This summer’s show is Maiden Voyage by JeeYoung Lee for which the artist has created an environment inspired by memories, dreams, emotions and personal experience, reminiscing about the past and imagining the future through themes of travel and nature.
2. The Tide London’s first elevated linear park — a series of raised walkways and Thames-side paths designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the studio behind New York’s acclaimed The High Line. Occupying part of the Peninsula’s 1.6 miles of access to London’s ancient fluvial artery, The Tide offers stunning views, walking and running routes, and secluded spots among the pines, birch and wild grasses for meditation and relaxation.
3. Public art The Tide is also one of many sites on the Peninsula where you’ll encounter world-class contemporary artworks, including renowned British pop artist Allen Jones’ Head in the Wind, Siblings, a bold, multi-chromatic mural by Morag Myerscough and two immense nautical sculptures by Damian Hirst taken from his Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable. More sculpture on an epic scale can be found along The Line — an outdoor gallery that follows the meridian line all the way to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Look out for Alex Chinneck’s lifesize inverted pylon, a cross-section of a sand dredger by Richard Wilson, and Antony Gormley’s monumental Quantum Cloud.
4. Greenspace Occupying an area twice the size of Soho, Greenwich Peninsula has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor space. Central Park (like its New York namesake) is the neighbourhood's urban lung, providing open lawns and shady trees for play, exercise and relaxation. For a wilder time, explore the four acres of freshwater habitat that make up the Ecology Park and discover the flora and fauna of this bio-diverse urban wetland.
5. The O2 An internationally recognised landmark right on our doorstep, The O2 is the world's busiest arena, showcasing the biggest names in entertainment, music and sport. Also home to Icon Outlet Shopping and, for the intrepid, Up at The O2, a guided climb over the dome.
6. Golf driving range Tee off in style at central London’s leading golf destination – a state-of-the-art 60 bay golf and leisure facility. Plus, there’s adventure golf!
7. The Jetty For experiences of a more organic nature, head to the Peninsula’s eastern shore in search of The Jetty, a derelict pier transformed into a verdant oasis. Volunteers are able to get their hands dirty, planting and tending to flowers, fruit and vegetables in polytunnels and outdoor planters. The Jetty also plays host to an eclectic array of events and happenings — everything from riverside yoga to talks and live music.
8. Canteen After a busy day exploring the Peninsula you’ll no doubt have worked up an appetite (and quite possibly a thirst). There are many exceptional places for food and drink in the area, but our favourite is of course our very own Canteen. A light, airy and plant-filled food hall with an exciting array of international street food offerings plus a bar, Canteen has quickly become an eatery epicentre for Design District tenants and Peninsula residents alike. Despite being surrounded on three sides by the Thames (which accounts for the epic cityscapes), Greenwich Peninsula is easy to get to: the Jubilee line, Uber Boat and Emirates Air Line cable car bring in countless daily visitors from across London and beyond.
If Design District on Greenwich Peninsula sounds like the place you want to base your creative business, you can take a look at the available workspaces here.