| How to get to St Mary Rotherhithe
The church is approximately one and a quarter miles from London
Bridge mainline and underground railway stations.
On foot, for the route of an interesting but gentle walk alongside
London's river go to 'A Thames-side walk'
By bus: Leave the forecourt of the main line railway station
by the footbridge on the left, following the signs for Guys
Hospital. The footbridge passes over St Thomas Street. Go down
the stairs to ground level turn left and walk back to St Thomas
Street. Cross this road by the pedestrian crossing and walk
to the bus stop. Catch the 381 bus to Rotherhithe tunnel. Alight
and take the road to the left of the tunnel entrance, then
almost immediately turn left into St Marychurch street.
By underground: Take the Jubilee line eastbound train to Canada
Water station. Change onto the northbound sector of the East
London line. Alight at Rotherhithe, and on leaving the station
turn right.
St Marychurch street is on the right, a few minutes walk away.
By taxi: from the forecourt of London Bridge mainline station.
From London Bridge to St. Mary Rotherhithe on foot.
This largely Thames-side walk may take you three quarters
of an hour at an unhurried pace, but allow yourself enough
time to look about.
Start at the Southern end of London Bridge and take the steps
down to the riverside path, going in the direction of Tower
Bridge.
Pass the Hay's Galleria on your right, or take a diversion
to explore the shops and eating places therein and view 'the
Navigator' - a whimsical feature sculpture by David Kemp (1987).
As an alternative to the above, make your way from London
Bridge Station to the Galleria, and walk through it to gain
the path by the river-side.
Continue along (or return to) the path, passing HMS Belfast
on your left (a World War II cruiser, now a floating museum)
and some interesting new buildings on your right.
You are now on 'The Queens Walk', between the River and a
small park. Go under the archway below Tower Bridge to 'Shad
Thames'. Take the passageway 'Maggie Blake's Cause'on the left,
to regain the riverside. Continue East, passing a large bronze
sculpture ('Inventioni' by Eduardo Paolozzi), and then on your
right the Design Museum.
Cross the small dock in front of you by the steel footbridge;
on reaching the other side bear right, go through the door
in the corner, through a short passage, and down a few steps
into Bermondsey Wall West. (This door is closed at night,
but walkers after 9.00 am and before dusk should find it
open. The alternative is a U-shaped diversion on the roads
around the dock).
Proceed to the end of Bermondsey Wall West, turning right
after St. Saviour's House then immediately left into Chambers
Street. Go past the cold storage buildings on your left and
at South Bank Studios turn left into Loftie Street, which opens
into Bermondsey Wall East. Opposite the 'Old Justice' pub bear
left across Fountain Gardens Square to reach the riverside
again. Continue along the riverside path, and follow it down
a few steps and around the entrance to Cherry Gardens Pier.
Walk on, pausing to view a group lifelike of bronze sculptures
(Dr Salter's daydream by Diane Gorvin); a lifelike cat , the
figure of a child in the dress of a century ago leaning against
the wall, and a seated male figure. Passing the 'Angel Wharf'
continue to King Stairs Close, waterside buildings with a plaque
showing a ship on them. To your right enter King's Stairs Gardens,
and go across the grass diagonally to pick up the footpath.
Go left on striking the path, which leads between small blocks
of dwellings. Pass Elephant Lane on your left and Mayflower
Street on your right and you will see the spire of St. Mary's
ahead and somewhat to the left. Head for it!
Return by Underground from Rotherhithe Station, or by bus,
or by taxi.
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