The Docklands are one of my alltime favourite places in London.I like to be near water and in the docklands you are surrounded by it. They reach from St. Katherine Docks just east of the Tower Bridge to Tilbury, near the Thames Estuary.
Once you are in the docklands, whilst still technically in London, you feel quite far away from the hustle and bustle of the centre - at least in some remoter parts, like the East India Dock, or the Royal Docks.
Canary Wharf is situated in the north of the Isle of Dogs, a peninsulaaround which the Thamse winds in a large meander. The former dock area has been transformed into quite an interesting business and living area. It can be reached by the Jubilee Line Underground and by the Docklands Light Railway, which runs largely overground. These lines are always quite busy and are uses by hundreds of people who live and work here.
Along the canals, spanned by slim footbridges, luxurious residential towers have sprung up next to businesses. Almost every tiny pricey appartment comes with a small balcony and canal view. Right in the middle is the shady Jubilee Park, and everywhere on the canal banks there is life in the form of cafés and restaurants on the water's edge beneath the high rising architecture. There is a trail of public artworks to visit: https://canarywharf.com/the-estate/art-culture/art-on-the-estate/
Boats have to enter the docks from the east of the peninsula. In the Blackwall Basin and the Poplar Dock Marina one can spot narrowboats, which are usually seen on the canals further inland, such as the Regent's canal.
The history of the docklands is also intrinsically linked to the history of London as an international trade port. The Museum of London Docklands is a good starting point for an exploration of London and docklands history: www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands.
Transport: DLR from Tower Gateway to West India Quay; Jubilee Line or Elizabeth Line to Canary Wharf. You can also get here by Boat: Uber Boat by Thamse Clippers www.thamesclippers.com/plan-your-journey
Read More in one of our London travel guides (available in German language):
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