Trains to Plumstead

The name Plumstead genuinely refers to fruit - as far back as Roman times, this small settlement in southeast London was famed for its orchards. All that changed at the end of the 17th century, however, when a huge munitions factory was built in nearby Woolwich. Plumstead's population exploded as factory workers flocked to the area, and the arrival of rail in 1859 sparked another population spike. By the 21st century the factory had disappeared, but Plumstead remains an important commuter neighbourhood, with direct trains to London Bridge taking just 25 minutes. The station building is charming, with a white canopy and slate roof, and is right on the busy Plumstead High Street. While the area around it is mostly residential - with a rich, multicultural mix of local shops and restaurants - there are some major green spaces to the southeast, including Winn's Common and the huge Abbey Wood, an area of ancient woodland with abbey ruins.