South east London’s most treasured spots were revealed when the News Shopper shared the graphic on its Facebook page and invited readers to name their own Seven Wonders of the area.
Hundreds of suggestions flooded in, with nearly 250 comments and counting.
Among the most popular choices were historic sites, natural gems, and quirky icons.
Mick Harrington named “Crossness Pumping Station, Charlton Lido, The Point Greenwich, The Thames Barrier, Eltham Palace, Woolwich Ferry and Severndroog and the surrounding woods” as his top picks.
Isabelle Fleming highlighted classically beautiful buildings and green spaces, listing: “Eltham Palace, Queen’s House in Greenwich, The Red House (William Morris house), Down House (Darwin’s House) and gardens, Danson’s Park and House, Crystal Palace dinosaurs, Horniman museum.”
Other readers agreed, with Greenwich Park, Eltham Palace, and the Cutty Sark making multiple appearances on different lists.
Valentina Daprile said: “Greenwich Park and all the UNESCO Heritage, Severndroog Castle, Oxleas Woods, Royal Arsenal, Charlton House, Danson’s Park and House.”
Quirkier suggestions were also popular.
John Griffin submitted a list of some of south London’s most iconic pubs: “The Duke, The Bird’s Nest, The Coach & Horses, The Globe (Borough Market), The Anchor, The Market Porter, The George Inn.”
Landmarks with an industrial or infrastructural edge were not forgotten.
Hassan Hassan offered a list that included: “Blackwall Tunnel, 02 Arena, Thames Barrier, Woolwich Ferry, Greenwich Museum/Park, Belmarsh Prison, Danson Park.”
Natural and historical wonders were also well-represented.
Mark L Sellen included: “Chislehurst Caves, Greenwich Park, Severndroog Castle, Southwark Cathedral, Crofton Roman villa, The Shard, The Crystal Palace dinosaurs.”
Other readers made room for public art and well-known features in their selections.
Valerie Anderson Gaskill said: “- Catford Cat, Chislehurst ponds, Eltham Palace, Observatory hill view Greenwich Park, Crystal Palace dinosaurs, Crystal Palace transmitter, Cutty Sark.”
Some lists focused on personal nostalgia and under-the-radar favourites.
Aoife Le Roux named: “Greenwich Park, Severndroog castle, Shirley windmill, Kelsey park, Chislehurst caves, Lenses abbey, The quaggy.”
Jane Sophia Wakeman added: “My personal suggestions: Catford cat, Crystal Palace park and dinosaurs, Horniman Museum, Chislehurst Caves, Eltham Palace, Greenwich meridian and observatory and Cutty Sark.”
Louisa Hodgson’s choices featured a mix of history and culture: “Crystal Palace subway, Royal Naval College, Crofton Roman Villa, Norwood Cemetery, Horniman Museum, Tate Modern, Eltham Palace.”
The unofficial poll sparked nostalgia and pride among residents, reminding many of the area’s rich mix of culture, history, and green space.
Other popular picks included Crystal Palace dinosaurs, Horniman Museum, The Shard, Thames Barrier, Royal Observatory Greenwich, and Chislehurst Caves.
The flood of suggestions is a reminder that while south east London may not have wonders of the ancient world, its modern-day marvels are every bit as loved by those who call the area home.
