Tower Hamlets
This page covers Tower Hamlets and the London Docklands area. The vast system of docks that had made London the world's largest port during the 19th century fell into disuse after the 1960s. Major developments in the 1980s have now turned the area into a major business and leisure centre. Careful restoration has, however, ensured that many of the old dockland buildings will remain as reminders of London 's busy trading past.
Attractions and places to visit in the Docklands
Canary Wharf
Vast modern office blocks tower above the waters of the West India Docks, including the 50 storey, 771 ft (235 m) high No. l Canada Square, Britain's second tallest building. Canary Wharf is one of Europe's largest commercial developments, providing some 12 million square feet of offices, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities.
Docklands Visitor Centre
Information and exhibition centre. Operates regular coach tours, helicopter rides and river cruises.
St Katherine's Dock
Thomas Telford's only completed London project, opened in 1828 and spreading over some 25 acres. It was the first dock to be redeveloped and is now established as one of London's most popular waterside attractions. Quayside buildings occupied by shops, housing, offices, restaurants and pubs, look out on a flotilla of bobbing yachts, barges and motorboats. The only original building still standing is the Warehouse, designed by George Aitchison. Other historical features are the bow fronted dock-master's residence, the eastern dock footbridge, recessed moorings in dock walls and the original bollards at the dock entrance. The Italianate Ivory House has been converted into flats and a shopping arcade.
Museum of London Docklands
Museum housed in a former sugar warehouse describes the long history of London as a port and its trade with the world.
West India Docks
These vast docks on the Isle of Dogs cover some 54 acres of water. They were designed by William Jessop to be used by merchants of the West India Company from 1802 onwards. The docks closed in 1980 and now form the heart of the Docklands business area.
Whitechapel Bell Foundry
Bells have been cast by this foundry since 1570, including the Liberty Bell, Bow Bells and Big Ben.
Theatres and galleries in Tower Hamlets
Whitechapel Art Gallery
A turreted Art Nouveau building where the sculptor Barbara Hepworth and painter David Hockney first exhibited their work. A mosaic above the main entrance door is by Waiter Crane. The gallery now specialises in avant-garde exhibitions.
Historic pubs and inns in the Docklands
The Grapes
A fine old public house with good views of the River Thames. It was here that Charles Dickens gathered material and drew inspiration for his novel 'Our Mutual Friend'.
The Gun
Pub which took its name from opening of West India Docks in 1802, when the 'The Henry Aldington' the first ship to arrive there, fired her main guns as she hauled into view.
Prospect of Whitby
Said to be oldest Thames-side pub, dating from 1520. It still contains its original, early 16th century panels, beams and. Provides excellent views across the river from its well places terrace. The artists Whistler and Turner were once customers there.
Parks and open spaces in the Docklands
Island Gardens
Gardens, covering several acres, that have been open to public for nearly 100 years. Christopher Wren thought this was the best viewpoint for Greenwich Hospital (which is now the Royal Naval College).
Mudchute Farm
Working city farm with farm animals, apple orchard and allotments. Vegetables are grown on the mud dredged from the nearby Millwall Dock and left to settle and dry in special beds, hence unusual name of farm.
Other sights to see in the Docklands
Billingsgate Fish Market
The wholesale and retail market moved in 1982 from the City area to this new larger site in the West India Docks. Its original market bell was also moved, however, the clock in centre of main market is a copy of one that stood in the old market.
Burrells Wharf
This wharf was the site of the launching of Isambard Brunel's huge iron ship, the Great Eastern, in 1858.
Royal Victoria Dock
Windsurfing boards, canoes and sailing boats have replaced ocean going ships in one of London's largest docks, opened in 1855.
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Camden, City of London, Chelsea, Fullum, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith, Islington, Kensington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Westminster & West End
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