Erith on the Thames

Erith combines a long Thames frontage with places for walks, quiet breaks and culture. The riverside along the river stretches for almost half a mile; Erith is also home to London’s longest public pier. In the town centre, Riverside Gardens offers river views and a peaceful, green space. There is also a church with around a thousand years of Christian worship, as well as The Exchange in the listed Old Library. These varied highlights give you several ways to make Erith part of a stay in London.

Walks and River Views

Erith Pier offers a specific walk with views of the Thames. As London’s longest public pier, it is a clearly defined waterside landmark where you can walk and enjoy views of the river. The almost half-mile-long riverside frontage, by contrast, describes the extent of the stretch along the river, while the pier identifies a particular place to walk and look out over the water. Together, these two features offer different points of reference for a riverside stay.

Riverside Gardens add another kind of riverside experience. The gardens are in the town centre and combine river views with a peaceful, green space. This means a long riverside frontage, a public pier and a central green space sit alongside one another without serving the same purpose. If, during a day in the city, you want to distinguish between a specific walking destination and a quieter place in green surroundings, these descriptions offer helpful guidance.

Culture and History in Erith

The Exchange has its historic home in the listed Old Library, a Grade II-listed building, and offers community-maker workshops. This brings together a historic library and a specific creative offering: the Old Library identifies the venue, while the workshops are an activity provided by The Exchange. If cultural activities are part of your plans for London, this is a particular point of interest in Erith.

St John the Baptist Church also gives Erith a long historical connection: it has been a place of Christian worship for around a thousand years. The First World War memorial at the church lists the names of 101 local men who died in the war. The church and memorial therefore bring two distinct historical contexts into focus: a long religious tradition and the remembrance of local men who died in the First World War. This connection makes the history of the place both long-standing and tangible.

Rail, Cycling and Walking Routes

Erith railway station is another practical reference point for planning your days: it offers frequent train services to London Bridge, Charing Cross and Cannon Street. You can take these three named destinations into account when planning your days in London and consider them alongside Erith’s riverside and cultural attractions. This means you can choose where to stay not only based on local interests, but also on the places you plan to visit within London.

Cycling and walking routes offer another point of reference. Many local and some national cycling routes lead to or pass through Erith, so it can be either a destination or part of a route. The first section of the LOOP walking trail runs from Erith Riverside to Old Bexley Village. While the cycling routes describe the local and national scope of the routes, the LOOP section identifies a specific stretch with two set endpoints. These are different ways to include Erith in your travel plans.

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