First Step: Guided Walks Around New Cross
Goldsmiths, a local campus university, spreads its unique influence across 5 main areas of South-East London: New Cross, Deptford, Brockley, Peckham, and Lewisham. So, when you come around for a visit, there is loads for you to cover to truly get to know your university. It’s easy to get lost in such a welcoming, vibrant, and busy area, but there are always things to see and do, so here are some guides around Goldsmiths for you to explore and, of course, get your daily 10K steps in.
1. Campus Walk
While I recommend you stop by Goldsmiths on one of our exciting regular events (Open or Applicant Day), or even book a personal campus tour, sometimes you just can’t get the timing right for one. So here is a suggestion for you on an individual visit, when the university is buzzing with students, lectures, rehearsals, and exhibitions.
Start at the main entrance and explore the Great Hall, Careers Service, and the Cinema in the Richard Hoggart building. Grab a coffee at Café 35 or a delicious meal at the Refectory to fuel up – we have an exciting journey ahead! Make your way around the College Green, hopefully enjoying some good weather, climb uphill to check out our studios at the Professor Stuart Hall, and walk down Laurie Grove to see the famous scribble and peek into our halls. Have some fun at the Student Union and cool off in the library. Now do the whole tour the other way around and look out for some hidden gems, such as the Yurt!
2. Greenwich Walk
This is a longer walk for nature-lovers. Starting off at New Cross Gate, you will encounter markets, parks, the river Thames itself, a stunning peninsula, and even an underwater tunnel! This walk covers two local areas – Deptford and Greenwich, which will both come in handy for shopping, sports, and social life during your studies. There is an extension to the route for the most adventurous travelers, marked in strokes and leading all the way to Canary Wharf skyscrapers and back. I would strongly recommend you spare some cash for this one, as the markets are full of handmade produce, vintage clothing, and yummy bites, and some of the sightseeing spots are ticketed.
3. Peckham Walk
Starting off at New Cross Gate again, this map will lead you around Peckham and Brockley, suggesting a look around Nunhead, again, marked in strokes. Wear comfy shoes for the Peckham walk, as there are loads of hills for you to conquer. Telegraph Hill Park opens up a gorgeous skyline to the City of London and is great for observing big events from afar without queues and stampedes. Take a stroll around Nunhead cemetery – this may sound spooky, but there is a beautiful park and a plant market around. We are then coming back to the Peckham market for some alternative fits and fresh local produce.
4. Lewisham Walk
Our final option is an especially lengthy one and is perfect for a stroll-and-shop. New Cross is part of the borough of Lewisham, so it is crucial to travel to its very heart before you join a fellow community of its students. You will get to walk down a cute river and say hi to some ducks and swans. Refuel at the Food market after a long shop in the Lewisham Centre and walk all the way back through Brockley, which is notorious for its street art. This walk does not have a specific ‘adventurous’ option, but feel free to explore the area around Lewisham station in your own time – can you find a unique local store or a hidden park?
