Leave Canary Wharf pier and turn…
LEFT: For a fantastic combination of historic East London charm meshed with modern London, and only a 10 minute walk with the Thames to your left, you arrive at Limehouse Basin, formally known as Regents Canal Dock. From 1820 this was the interchange between the sea and canals distributing timber from Norway and Finland, and ice from Scandinavia which was supplied to fishmongers, butchers and ice-cream makers in King’s Cross. Since its closure in 1969, Limehouse Basin has grown to become a wonderful haven with restaurants, shops and yachts keeping the place buzzing. Hungry? I recommend The Narrow by Gordon Ramsay which has panoramic views of the Thames and plenty of relaxed waterside seating, plus kids under 12 years old eat free every day! My daughter really enjoyed watching the boats go by as we had lunch. INFO
STRAIGHT: Leaving the pier, head straight ahead and up the steps (there is also lift access) and cross through the garden round-about going straight, shortly turn left into Adams Plaza Bridge. Here you will see its transformation from a modern space age looking bridge into a colourful canvas as part of the London Mural Festival. Continue along to the other side of the bridge and turn right to enter the Crossrail Place Roof Garden – a magnificent space with exotic plants and birds flying around freely whilst singing merrily. There is also mini golf and ping pong which is free to play for everyone, and no need to book! INFO
Also in the centre of Canary Wharf is the Museum of London Docklands; a fantastic hub of information and interactive exhibits telling history of London on water – particularly the docklands area and how it has transformed over the years. Permanent features which are a must visit include ‘First Port of Empire’, ‘London, Sugar and Slavery’ and ‘Sailortown’ for replica dark alleyways in old London. Its a very enlightening experience. Plus, the Mudlarks children gallery, a free interactive space for children aged up to 8 years old. INFO
RIGHT: Walking along with the river to your right, you will come to Sir John McDougall Gardens which is named after John McDougall who part owned a large flour mill in Millwall Docks. Along the way you will go passed hundreds of riverside apartments, where in some buildings a studio flat will cost you the best part of a million quid! The park itself is on the rivers edge and boasts fantastic views across the water, and a play area for children. Not many tourists venture this way, so its nice to see a slice of local life in Canary Wharf.
A GREAT DIVERSION!
Whilst at Canary Wharf pier, you can also hop onto the RB4 Doubletree Docklands Ferry, which runs every 15 minutes, over to Rotherhithe (literally the other side of the river). You can simply have a drink in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and gaze back at the views of Canary Wharf, or take an explorative walk to one of my favourite pubs along the river, particularly for a sunset tipple; The Salt Quay. Leave the pier and exit the hotel via a slope and onto Rotherhithe Street where you turn right. After a 15 minute leisurely stroll you arrive at The Salt Quay which has a wonderful riverside seating area: INFO
Other photos from this area…
If you visit any of these places, or perhaps somewhere I haven’t mentioned, please let me know via Instagram @coventgardenmum or by email. Id love you hear your experience and perhaps even see some photos! Have a great time…