Canada Water area guide

Situated just a short stop away from some of the top attractions in London, Canada Water is a great home base to explore the best city in the world. Here are the top 10 London landmarks that are easily accessible on the Jubilee line:

1. The Shard: 5 mins The tallest building in the UK, The Shard is a 95-story skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city.

2. Tower Bridge: 7 mins One of London’s most famous landmarks, Tower Bridge is a spectacular suspension bridge crossing the River Thames.

3. Tower of London: 10 mins A must-see for history buffs, the Tower of London is one of the world’s most famous fortresses, home to the British Crown Jewels.

4. St. Paul's Cathedral: 11 mins One of the most recognisable landmarks in London, known for its spectacular dome, intricate mosaics, and paintings.

5. Trafalgar Square: 13 mins Home of the National Gallery, where you can admire extraordinary artworks from Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.

6. London Eye: 15 mins A giant Ferris wheel offering unparalleled views of the city’s skyline. Each ride takes around 30 minutes with 360 views that’ll blow you away.

7. Westminster Abbey: 15 mins A historic church that has been the site of coronations, royal weddings and funerals of the British monarchy, including Queen Elizabeth II.

8. Big Ben and the House of Parliament: 15 mins Home of the UK government. The iconic clock tower, Big Ben is hands down one of London’s most famous landmarks and looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated.

9. British Museum: 17 mins One of the world's greatest museums, the British Museum is home to an incredible collection of artifacts from around the world including the Rosetta Stone, mummies from Ancient Egypt, and other treasures from human history.

10. Buckingham Palace: 20 mins Home of His Majesty, The King. Pop in to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, take a tour of the State Rooms or visit the Royal Mews, one of the finest working stables in existence.

From quintessential British pubs to quirky bars, there are many local watering holes in Canada Water students can pop into for a fun night out.

The Yellow House: Located just a short walk from Canada Water station, this trendy gastropub offers a wide selection of cocktails, craft beers and wood-fired pizzas. Head over for a bite to eat or a cheeky pint.

Leadbelly's Bar & Kitchen: Situated right by the waterfront, this ultra-cool venue offers awesome views of the marina. Tuck into burgers, wings and pub grub faves at student-friendly prices and enjoy live sports on the big screen. There’s also a Happy Hour discount every day if the mood strikes.

The Mayflower: Have a drink in the oldest pub on the River Thames, dating back to the 16th century. If you’re after delicious classic British dishes and traditional ales, then look no further. Be sure to try the fish and chips and catch the sun set over the river.

Whether you're looking for a quick pick-me-up before class or a cosy spot to catch up on work, Canada Water has some superb coffee houses in the area.

Canada Water Café: This laid-back café serves up excellent coffee and homemade cakes. If you’re feeling for something more filling, there’s an extensive Italian menu you can enjoy al fresco when the weather’s warm.

Vixen Coffee: A cool local hangout with hot drinks, smoothies and over 18 flavours of gelato. This is the perfect spot for your daily caffeine fix or afternoon treat. You can also grab a free cuppa coffee on your next visit if you sign up to their loyalty program.

City Brew: Conveniently located inside Canada Water station, City Brew is a reliable spot for a quick cup of coffee on your commute to college. They take pride in their organic, fair-trade coffee and offer some cracking sweet and savoury snacks to go with.

Canada Water is just minutes away from top student party spots like Shoreditch and Brick Lane but if you want to keep it local, there’s a few places you can’t miss.

Printworks: This former newspaper printing factory is one of the hottest clubs in the city, hosting world-renowned DJs and artists that’ll keep you dancing all night long. If you’re into techno and house music, this is the place to be.

Hollywood Bowl: With an American themed diner and buzzing bar, this bowling alley is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends. If you feel like something different, enjoy a round of pool or let your inner child loose in the arcade.

Elsewhere, there's loads of great options to let your hair down after a long week at uni. Head one stop to Canary Wharf and mingle in London’s ‘mini-Manhattan’ with loads of vibey bars and eateries. Or, head over to Soho and soak in all the London glitz and glam.

Whether it’s a breakfast date or dinner to go, there are some brilliant Canada Water restaurants students can pop into for a bite to eat.

The Pear Tree: With smashed avocado, banana pancakes and eggs benedict, this Aussie-inspired restaurant serves up arguably the best brunch in the area. There’s also delicious baked treats, cheeses and charcuterie for you to takeaway.

Ma Po: If you like the sound of hot and sour soup, noodles and dumplings, then this sensational Chinese Sichuan restaurant is a must try. Get some appetisers to share or enjoy a meal all to yourself, we’re not judging.

Pizza 1889: Simple, stone-baked street pizza and meal deals for only £9 to £12 from Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. Just click and collect and thank us later.

If you’re in the mood to venture a little further out, other must-visit restaurants near Canada Water include Dishoom Canary Wharf for seriously good curry and Pergola Canary Wharf for fresh food surrounded by flowers and ferns.

London streetfood is sort of a big deal. There’s nothing Londoners love more than waking up on a Sunday morning and heading off in search of the city’s most scrumptious food. Here are some of the best-loved London food markets, not far from Canada Water.

Maltby Street Market: Where all the real foodies hang out, Maltby Market is tucked away under railway arches near London Bridge. You can find anything from gourmet eats to handmade treats making it the perfect stopover for those about to set off on the Bermondsey Beer Mile.

Borough Market & Flat Iron Square: With fresh produce, cheese, wine and everything in between, you can easily spend an entire day wandering around the famous Borough market. Just a short stroll from there, don’t miss Flat Iron Square, a super trendy London food hall with a beer garden, weekly DJ, pub quizzes and live sports.

Vinegar Yard: A buzzy outdoor venue right next to London Bridge station. You can pick up gourmet burgers, pizzas and other banging street food to tuck into after college. There's also great bars, pop-up shops and a weekly flea market where you can snag some vintage fashion items, books and jewellery.

As the name suggests, Canada Water has some beautiful sources of water and loads of green spaces for a breath of fresh air. If you're looking for outdoor activities in the area, here are some suggestions.

Southwark Park: This Green Flag award winning park is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or outdoor sports. There’s a football field, cricket pitch, tennis court and running track – plus a fab café for an afternoon treat.

Surrey Docks Farm: A real working farm right in the middle of London, animal lovers will be in their element at Surrey Docks, with a petting zoo, coffee shop and loads of interesting things to see and do.

Thames path: Follow England’s best-known river. The Thames Path is a national trail that runs along the River Thames for 185 miles and passes through Canada Water. Walk west towards central London and stroll by several famous landmarks, including the Globe Theatre. Or if you prefer to see the sights by boat, catch a Thames Clipper from nearby Rotherhithe, and travel along the river to Greenwich and Westminster to see the city from a whole new perspective.

Some other spots to explore include Stave Hill Ecological Park and the Russia Dock Woodland right next door, home to a variety of birds and wildlife. Or it’s water sports you’re into, Surrey Docks Fitness & Water Sports Centre offers sailing, kayaking, wind surfing and more for you to try your hand at.

From food to fashion, everything you need is right around the corner. Just one stop on the Jubilee line and you’ll find yourself in Canary Wharf Shopping Centre with charming boutiques and designer labels. Or, if you fancy more options continue to Stratford and visit Westfield Stratford City, the largest shopping centre in Europe. Some other go-to’s include:

Tesco Extra: A classic, this supermarket is a great place to stock up on affordable food and snacks on a student-friendly budget.

Surrey Quays Shopping Centre: Home to over 40 high-street shops, including student faves like H&M and TK Maxx. There’s also a cinema and several restaurants if you want to sit down and relax after a long day of shopping.

Scape Canada Water is a brand-new private student accommodation offering spacious rooms and state of the art facilities, including a cinema, outdoor terrace, all-weather sports pitch, mini golf course and 24/7 gym. Rent includes all utilities and bills and you don’t need a guarantor to book. Call +44 (0)2045718133 to get in touch with the team or drop us a message via live chat.