Work is currently underway to redevelop a vibrant new town centre for Elephant & Castle, which will be home to East Site Shopping Centre. In the meantime, discover Castle Square, a lively temporary retail and restaurant destination comprising an eclectic mix of independent businesses. Likewise, nearby Ash Avenue is a newly-developed pedestrianised road featuring an assortment of shops, ranging from a cycle workshop to a craft market. Speaking of markets, East Street Market has been running since 1880 and is one of London's biggest and busiest markets. It's open daily except for Mondays and offers a huge range of fresh fruit, vegetables, clothing and more.

Elephant & Castle and the surrounding areas are home to a vast array of dining options. Choose from traditional pubs, along with eateries that showcase cuisines from across the word. For days where you just can't decide, head to the famous street-food venue Mercato Metropolitano, little over a ten minute walk away. Even closer is Toulouse Lautrec: a family-run French Restaurant and Jazz Club. Many of the shopping destinations mentioned above are also home to a selection of eateries, so you can sample everything from traditional cuisine of Guyana from Kaieteur Kitchen in Castle Square, or enjoy sourdough pizza and craft beer at Four Hundred Rabbits on Ash Avenue. Staying in? You'll be spoilt for choice with plenty to pick from on Deliveroo and JustEat.

Whatever your interests, you won't be short of entertainment or activities in Elephant & Castle and the surrounding areas. From craft workshops to quiz nights, there's plenty to try out. Visit the nearby Imperial War Museum a 15 minute walk away, or dance the night away at the Ministry of Sound, only a 10 minute walk away. Equal distance is the Cinema Museum, housing a collection of artefacts, memorabilia and equipment from the 1890s onwards. If you'd rather watch the latest releases, there's an IMAX cinema just over a mile away. For live entertainment, head to Southwark Playhouse.

When it comes to keeping fit, Gymbox Elephant & Castle is impressively equipped with a huge selection of machines (and an Olympic-sized boxing ring) spread over two floors, or opt for one of several local yoga studios. Take a leisurely stroll around the newly developed Elephant Park and look out for a variety of Elephant-themed ornaments, or head to the pavilion for a relaxing afternoon. There's even more green space nearby with The Tibetan Peace Garden, a tranquil area with impressive sculptures and carvings.