Join Open City for a ‘ride out’ exploring the footprint, route and present legacy of south east London’s long-lost Grand Surrey Canal
Join Open City for a ‘ride out’ exploring the footprint, route and present legacy of south east London’s long-lost Grand Surrey Canal
Led by architectural designer and artist Cameron Bray, this bicycle tour traces the path of the historic Grand Surrey Canal which fell victim to the expanding city in the 1970s. Passing waste incinerators, modernist housing estates, community centres and public libraries — the tour reveals the extraordinary past and present infrastructure hidden on the back streets of south east London.
Starting in Rotherhithe and finishing off in Peckham, this special cycle tour supported by Thames Water, with a focus on water and sanitary heritage also explores themes of industry in the city, housing, waste, public space and redevelopment. It offers an insight into the past, present and possible futures of this corner of south east London.
Highlights include the Stirling Prize-winning Peckham Library, the celebrated Pepys Estate, Rotherhithe’s last docks, Stave Hill Ecological Park, the incredible murals of the North Peckham Civic Centre, and the thriving industrial spaces of Surrey Canal Road.
Key information
Meet: Outside the Salt Quay Pub, 163 Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 5QU.
Duration: 2.5 hours.
Tour end: at the Western end of Burgess Park.
Ticket cost: £5, with support from Thames Water.
Route: This is a fairly easy ride which we will take at a gentle pace. It’s mostly on bicycle paths with the occasional road section, and busy intersections will be tackled on foot. Participants must be competent riders; bring their own bicycle. If you have attended the Docklands cycle tour led by Aidan Hall and Rosalind Peebles there is some overlap with this one so you may not wish to book this tour.
Tickets are non refundable and our tours go ahead rain or shine…
We aim to be inclusive and accessible where possible, please contact Adrianna at tours@open-city.org.uk to discuss your needs, reduced ticket prices and if you require a free carer ticket or have any additional queries.
MEET THE TOUR GUIDE
Cameron is a designer, artist and community organiser. He splits his time between JA Projects, working on urban strategy, and public works, where he's part of the team running R-Urban Poplar. He also teaches at Central Saint Martins and produces sound art and regular radio shows. Cameron has been running this tour of the Surrey Canal since 2020.