London Docklands - Best Places to See in the Historic Docks

The docklands area is located within Southeast London. London was formerly a port city with the docklands forming some of the Port of London vicinity. Serving the Port of London, the docklands was an important part of the industrial history of England, and although it no longer sticks to its industrial routes it is now just as financially important as it hosts the Canary Wharf Financial District.

*Riverside view of Canary Wharf skyscrapers*

The Docklands area underwent a huge redevelopment post World War II, and is now mostly a business and residential district of London. The post-war rebuilding transformed the historic docks into a district of some of Britain's tallest skyscrapers and modern housing.

The formerly industrial port area has still kept much of its historic charm, with sights like the National Maritime Museum, and the Cutty Sark ship. The Docklands has so much to see and do, and although it sometimes goes unnoticed amongst travelers it is still an amazing area to visit in London. This guide to the docklands will help you discover the historic London docks and its best attractions.

Climb Aboard the Majestic Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark is one of the most famous ships in Britain. The British Clipper sits along the riverside of the Greenwich Peninsula and is an iconic piece of docklands history.

The historic ship is open to the public to visit, and a ticket onboard the Cutty Sark allows visitors to stroll the decks of this old tea clipper. If you are looking to see one of the most historic ships in England then don't miss out on the Cutty Sark as this traditional British ship will sail you back in time.

Visit the Old Royal Naval College

A trip to Greenwich wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Old Royal Navy College. The college sits on the grounds of a former palace which was the birthplace of Henry VIII’s.

*The amazing architecture of the Old Royal Naval College*

The Old Royal Naval College is a UNESCO World Heritage site as a part of Greenwich Maritime, and its beautiful architecture has become world famous, featuring in movie backdrops.

The Painted Hall is one of the top highlights here along with Britain's Sistine Chapel. The Old Royal Naval College is a treasure to the Greenwich Peninsula and in my opinion one of the best architectural masterpieces in London.

Visit West India Quay Warehouses

The West India Quay is one of the docks north of Canary Wharf which hosts some of the oldest industrial warehouses. With the area turning into a financial district these old buildings have now been transformed into apartments, shops, and restaurants.

The exterior architecture remains the same though and the West India Quay is the perfect place to grab a bite and see some of the old docklands charm at the same time

Take a Trip on the Docklands Light Railway

Hop on a Docklands Light Railway train and enjoy the views from the carriage windows. The train network was originally built in 1987 and is designed as an overground train system that serves the docklands.

This awesome train feels like a rollercoaster with its small carriages winding through the city and passing by skyscrapers on its way. Overall, it's a fun and unique way to see the docklands as it offers some special views of the small quays.

Walk beneath the Thames Via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel

The Greenwich Foot Tunnel was opened in 1902 and is one of London Docklands most unique sights. The foot tunnel is an iconic piece of history that runs beneath the River Thames.

The entrance to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel at the riverside of Greenwich — *Entrance to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel*

It is estimated that 4000 people use the Greenwich Foot Tunnel daily. The Greenwich Foot Tunnel a very convenient way to cross over from the Isle of Dogs to Greenwich or vice versa.

Sail the Seas in the National Maritime Museum

If you are looking to further your knowledge on the Maritime history of England then the National Maritime Museum is the perfect place to do so. The museum aims to educate visitors, with more than two million items displaying the history of British seafarers, their ships, cartography, navigational instruments and much more.

*The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich*

If you enjoy seeing ship models and historic maritime art then this is the best place in London to offer it. Plus you will get to see the rich history of the London Docklands and how it all came together. The National Maritime Museum is a must if you are looking to educate yourself on this topic or even if you are visiting the docklands and wish to learn more about the area and the great British ships that preceded it.

Watch The Thames Flood Barrier Work its Magic

The Thames Barrier is a modern marvel built along the River Thames and designed to protect London's floodplain. It's futuristic masterpiece stretches 520 meters along the River Thames. This is the second largest moveable flood wall on earth and is surrounded by enormous platforms supporting steel doors that are closed shut when flooding is expected.

The Thames Barrier keeps much of the central London area from flooding and without it the city might not be the same. The floodwall itself cannot be visited but you can view it in action from the riverside during certain times. For more information check out the official site here.

Admire the View From Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is one of the main attractions in London. This beautiful park is by far the largest in London covering 180 acres. Greenwich Park is also an iconic piece of docklands history as it is said to be over 590 years old.

Aerial night view from the hill at Greenwich Park — *Night view from the hill at Greenwich Park*

As if that isn't enough of a reason to visit the park is also part of the Greenwich Maritime World Heritage Site. What seems to bring visitors back time after time though is its incredible views of the London skyline.

Hop on the Thames Clipper to Tower Bridge

One of the best modes of transport along the river are the Thames Clipper Boats. These are basically medium sized boats which can transport you from one part of the River Thames to another. Considering how far the River Thames spans this is an ultra convenient and fun way to get around.

*Thames Clipper Boat station along the riverside of Canary Wharf*

The Thames Clipper service starts at Barking Riverside and ends at Putney with many stops along the River Thames. So if your interested in seeing the London's beautiful river by boat then an exciting route would be leaving from Canary Wharf and sailing the river one stop to Tower (Tower Bridge).

The Thames Clipper also stops at London Bridge so if you’re looking to visit two famous bridges and some docks in one day then the Thames Clipper is one of the best ways to do it. If you would like to plan your trip then the route map is available on their site.

Visit Limehouse and the St Anne's Church

Limehouse sits on the Northern Bank of the Thames and is predominantly a housing area with beautiful waterways hosting moored boats. The docks opened in 1820 and served as a Regent's Canal dock. It is the most east end of the Regent's canal so if you would like to bike or walk this famous waterway then this could be a great starting point.

The St Anne's Church in Lime House finished construction in 1725 and is a religious landmark in the area. The church is also London's highest clock tower and a popular tourist attraction. If you would like to see some beautiful architecture and the highest church clock in London then this is a great place to visit.

St Katharine Docks

Of all the London Docks, St Katharine docks are by far the most bustling as its promenades are filled with waterfront restaurants and cafes and it's waters are filled with moored boats.

Although St Katharine Docks is technically in East London it is actually considered to be more of a central London dock. Being just a stone's throw away from Tower Bridge and the City of London makes it more convenient for people to visit this historic dock.

The harbour is filled with moored boats and the harbourside has a traditional British pub called the Dickens Inn along with some other cafes and places to eat. Overall it's an awesome area especially if you are already visiting the nearby Tower Bridge.

Take a River Tour on a Hot Tug Jacuzzi Boat

What better way to explore the docklands than via a boat. Add a jacuzzi to that boat and you have an odd but very cool hot tug jacuzzi boat. These boats are available for hire and have a jacuzzi as the main part of the boat.

That's right you can be the captain of your own ship through London's docklands canals whilst sitting in a jacuzzi at the same time.

Explore the Canary Wharf Financial District

Canary Wharf was originally built in 1802 as a series of three docks and quayside warehouses known as the West India Docks. The main function of the West India Docks was to import and export goods. The commercial docks closed in 1980 and a lot has changed since then.

Canary Wharf has sprung up in replacement of the former industrial area and the redevelopment of the area has turned it into one of the top financial districts along with the City of London, making it a vital part of modern Britain.

The epic financial district hosts all the big banks and is home to some amazing landmarks like One Canada Square, the third tallest skyscraper in the UK. Canary Wharf is also well known for its high-end shopping malls like Jubilee Place and Cabot Place.

Blackwall Basin

Blackwall Basin is another of London's docks located within 10 minute's walk of Canary Wharf station. I particularly like this dock as it has a number of boats moored along its riverside.

View of Canary Wharf financial district from Balckwall Basin — *View from Blackwall Basin*

The views of the city buildings make visiting the area even more rewarding as you can see many of the skyscrapers from here. Blackwall Basin is a great place to have a stroll and take in some awesome views of the London Docklands.

Crossrail Place Roof Garden

The Crossrail Place is a station complex located in Canary Wharf. The large riverside project is home to some restaurants, shops, and a beautiful roof garden. This is a nice getaway from the busy city life, and what's even better is that it's free to enter.

The Roof Garden is filled with plants from all over the world and this exotic greenhouse makes you feel as if you are escaping reality. The modern green space is a welcome break from the crowded streets of London.

Revisit History in the Docklands Museum

London's Docklands employed nearly a million dock workers and carried goods from a number of countries. After London's decline of industrial businesses, much of the docklands was restored to the status of a contemporary business district. Many of the Docklands Boating traditions remained intact, with the Western Indian and Millwall Docks packed with a ton of moored boats and ships.

The Docklands Museum located in the West India Plaza accurately documents the evolution of the Docklands showing the transformation into the major business centre that it is today. The museum is a must-see for anyone looking to explore the history of the London docks.

The docklands is an amazing area which is under constant development. There are always new attractions popping up and there is already so much to do in this area. From walking the skyscraper town of Canary Wharf to the scenic paths of Greenwich Park the London Docklands always has something special to offer.

Exploring the London Docklands, Best Places to See in The Historic Docks