Thamesmead in south east London has an unusual history. Originally built in the 1960s as an idyllic and exclusive forward-looking new area, economic reasons meant it fell into disrepair. The area is slowly but surely being renovated, with some dilapidated buildings being put to rest, while a number of unusual attractions entice people either way.
For TV fans, Southmere Lake is immediately recognisable as the setting of Misfits, Channel 4’s comedy drama about delinquents with superpowers, while film buffs will note that it is the area where Alex and his droogs cause mayhem for much of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange. A wander around the area will delight fans of both as they notice nooks and crannies that jog their memories of all sorts of scenes.
If you don’t care for either, perhaps you’ll want to go fishing for carp or sticklebacks, or even join the boating club. Just to the east is Southmere Park, which is home to a surprising number of freely-roaming horses. You can even hire a horse and carriage and ride around the area.
Thamesmead’s nearest station is Abbey Wood, and is easily reachable from London Bridge station.
Have a look at these photos; it’s London on film:
