About

Cross Blackheath from the top end of Greenwich Park and you’ll soon find yourself in Charlton, one of the oldest settlements in London. Charlton has grown from a tiny Tudor village surrounding the manor house to become home to one of the engineering marvels of the world – the Thames Barrier.

Opened by the Queen in 1984, the Thames Barrier protects Londoners from the unpredictable river and its surging spring tides. It’s well worth a trip to see it up close from the banks of the Thames.

There’s lots of lovely parkland in Charlton stretching from the river Thames up to Charlton village which is dominated by the Jacobean grandeur of Charlton House. The interior boasts original staircases, carved marble fireplaces, intricate plasterwork ceilings and beautiful walled gardens and grounds including a Peace Garden and local favourite, Charlton Park.

Across the road from here are the well-hidden but utterly charming, Maryon and Maryon Wilson Parks. Part of the former Maryon Wilson family estate, this beautifully landscaped corner of Charlton contains both grassland and woodlands - all in a valley setting. Nestled in the middle is Maryon Wilson Animal Park – the happy home of many animals including sheep, goats, pigs, ponies, a busy duckpond and even a herd of friendly fallow deer.

Back down towards the river, at the bottom of the hill is The Valley, home to Charlton Athletic, and a popular and noisy Saturday afternoon venue for locals.