Idyllic Eltham is nestled beneath the rapidly changing neighbourhood of Woolwich. With tree-lined streets and modest terraced houses, families are unsurprisingly drawn to the attractive locality. Not only is the area home to plenty of wonderful schools, there is also a plethora of green space. From the historic Well Hall Pleasaunce to Eltham Common, there are more than enough ways to enjoy the outdoors in Eltham. While the area might be lacking in high end eateries and shops, there are still some interesting restaurants. One favourite amongst locals is the renovated Tudor Barn. The barn dates back to the 16th century, and now serves a delicious modern British menu. For those who do yearn for more to do or eat, it’s an easy ride into Central London from local Eltham rail station. With all that it has to offer, it’s no wonder that the neighbourhood cultivates such a happy and tight knit community.

Well Hall Pleasaunce dates back to the 13th century, and later it served as the manor for Henry VIII. The Tudor house that sits on site today was built in the 16th century. At the time that it was constructed, it was an outbuilding that eventually served as a public house. By 1936, the former borough of Woolwich took over the site, opening up the Pleasaunce to the public. The Tudor barn on site served as a library, art gallery and museum for the public. Eventually, in 2003, Greenwich Council was able to renovate the gardens and house, bringing it back to its former glory.

Due to the neighbourhood’s proximity to the former Woolwich Arsenal and Royal Military Academy, Greenwich Cemetery is home to many renowned military icons. Some of these include Surgeon General James Jameson, commander of the British Ambulance Division as well as General Sir Arthur Holland, commandant of the Royal Military Academy.

This part of Eltham was the location of the horrendous murder of Stephen Lawrence back in 1993. Lawrence was stabbed by a group of white youths because of his race and it quickly became clear that this was a hate crime. While many Londoners still associate this neighbourhood with that catastrophic event, residents do feel that the area has become much more diverse and welcoming since then.

Eltham has seen increased investment from developers as well as its own council over the years. Having started in 2016, the borough of Greenwich has recently finished a major regeneration project in Eltham. Through this £6.6 million scheme, the high street has seen the creation of safer pedestrian routes, new trees, a cinema complex, and better public spaces. In terms of private development, the Waterford Place scheme is currently under construction providing new terraced and semi-detached homes along Holland Gardens to the east of this neighbourhood. What’s especially unique about these family friendly homes is that many of them will be entirely wheelchair accessible.