Stave Hill

Stave Hill in London is a man-made mound in Rotherhithe, next to Surrey Quays, and one of the better free viewpoints over Docklands. It stands roughly 9 metres tall, yet its platform opens up a wide panorama across east and central London. It sits beside Stave Hill Ecological Park, inside the Russia Dock Woodland.

Where does the hill come from?

The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) built it in 1985 from rubble and waste generated by redevelopment work. After the Surrey Docks declined in the early 1970s, the empty dock basins were filled with household waste, rubble and subsoil brought from across the capital. In early 1984 the LDDC offered the site to the Trust for Urban Ecology to replace the William Curtis Ecological Park. Landscaping began in 1986, and the Trust took over the park in 1988.

What can you see from the top?

The summit has a viewing platform and a cast-bronze relief map of the former docks by sculptor Michael Rizzello. The map helps you picture the port as it looked before the basins were infilled. From the platform you can pick out Canary Wharf, the City and a large part of south and central London. In clear conditions the view is reported to stretch as far as Wembley Stadium.

What else is nearby?

Stave Hill Ecological Park works as a nature reserve, an educational and research site and a recreation space, run by the Urban Ecology team of The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). The surrounding Russia Dock Woodland occupies the former Russia Dock and Stave Dock, infilled in the 1980s. Southwark Council looks after it together with the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland. A stroll through the trees pairs easily with the climb and a wider walk around the Rotherhithe peninsula.

How do you get there?

The hill is in south-east London, a short walk from Surrey Quays (London Overground) and Canada Water (Jubilee line). The route runs through green space on the old dock land. No ticket or booking is needed, and the climb takes only a minute or two.

When should you visit?

Pick a day with good visibility, since it decides how far the panorama reaches. A bright morning or afternoon is best for photographing the Canary Wharf towers. The hill itself needs 15 to 30 minutes, or about an hour if you add the woodland and the ecological park.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Stave Hill?

About 9 metres. It is an artificial mound, not a natural rise.

What can you see from the top?

Canary Wharf, the City and wide stretches of south and central London. On very clear days the view reaches Wembley Stadium.

Is the hill natural?

No. The LDDC built it in 1985 from rubble and waste material.

What is the bronze map at the summit?

A relief map of the former Surrey Docks by Michael Rizzello. It shows how the area looked before the dock basins were filled in.