Docklands

So you're staying in one of our Docklands apartments? Firstly let's clear up where exactly you're staying. There are quite a few docks in East London (Royal Victoria Dock, St Katharine's Dock, East India Dock and the Royal Albert Dock). We are referring to the area that everyone calls Canary Wharf - and you'll know it straightaway from the incredible collection of skyscrapers towering above it.

 

Spanning a couple of different boroughs (Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Newham and Greenwich) Docklands is great for exploring East and South London and home to the 2012 Olympics. It's just a DLR or tube ride away from London's biggest attractions and the metropolitan feel will make you feel like you're staying right in the heart of the big city.

 

 

Photo Credit: Damon Hart-Davis

 

Docklands Tourist Attractions and History:

The Port of London was at one point the world's biggest dock; today, it is home to shops and restaurants rather than trade operations.

 

The O2 is just across the river in North Greenwich - we recommend jumping on a boat across the Thames to catch a great live music show or to try out some of the restaurants and bars in what used to be known as the Millenium Dome. Travelling exhibitions also land there, plus circus and dance shows can pop up in the tents... be sure to check the website for listings.

 

It's not all executive flats and businessmen in Canary Wharf itself - Docklands Sinfonia, the local symphony orchestra, plays at St Anne's Limehouse, and the Museum of London Docklands in West India Quay recalls the history of the area, from Roman times to the recent regeneration in the last 30 years or so.

 

Visit Mudchute Farm and Park, Europe's largest urban farm - entry is free and it's a massive 31 acres of open parkland, home to sheep, pigs, ducks and geese and perfect for a picnic! The perfect retreat from One Canada Square and the other glass buildings.

 

Also check out 'The Docklands', a free newspaper for more culture and sport listings as well as the local news - the newspaper is delivered to properties every Tuesday or you can pick it up in Canary Wharf, the Royal Docks or Greenwich.

 

 

Getting to London's Big Attractions:

In the Docklands you're looking at a different kettle of fish transport-wise as you'll have to get your head around the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) as well as the Underground.

 

There isn't that much difference between the two, as you can still use pre-paid Oyster cards, or buy train ticket. All you need to remember is that it is an overground service and the trains run slightly less frequently. DLR stations serving the area include Poplar, West India Quay, Canary Wharf, Heron Quays and South Quay - generally the route runs down to the Thames.

 

In general, you'll want to head West to the big attractions like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street and Harrods. To do this, get the DLR to Tower Hill or Bank (and see the sights of Wapping, the home of News International, and St Katharine's dock on the way).

 

Then you'll be back on the Underground and be able to jump on the District, Circle or Central tube lines to your West End or Knightsbridge destination. Just remember to leave a little extra time to change between the DLR and the Underground so you don't miss out on any exhibitions or tours.

 

Canary Wharf is on the Jubilee line too which will take you south to Canada Water (for a entertainment park of an Odeon cinema, bowling alley and bingo hall and restuarants) or onto London Bridge, Waterloo and a few stops later Westminster and Green Park - so if the thought of the DLR confuses you, try this.

 

We wouldn't recommend using the buses in this area as the DLR and tube are so quick to zip around the Docklands. Alternatively, a taxi ride into town won't be too extortionate and it is possible to walk along some of the river if you fancy a stroll into Bank and the City.

 

 

 

 

Docklands Insider Tips and Eating Out:

 

The three shopping malls at Canary Wharf should be your first port of call for Docklands' dining and drinking as they're home to an incredible 200 shops, bars and restaurants.

 

It's also a great hotspot formovie screenings, comedy nights and even oddities like the London Ice Sculpting Festival. If you're lucky, you'll bump into some contestants from the British TV series The Apprentice, overseen by the British version of Donald Trump - Sir Alan Sugar - as they always seem to be in Canary Wharf.

 

Food wise, we recommend Jamie's Italian for - you guessed it, Italian food from the British TV chef Jamie Oliver in Churchill Place. There's even a Scottish themed restaurant called Boisdale of Canary Wharf - so if your budget doesn't stretch to visiting the beautiful Scottish highlands, try beef and lamb from this restaurant and enjoy the live jazz and blues in the background.

 

 

Docklands Amenities:

 

Canary Wharf's shopping centres have lots of great shops and is probably your best bet - for high end groceries, try Waitrose, and Tiffany & Co, Hackett, Aspinal of London and Topshop for clothes and jewellery boutiqes and chains.

 

And when you're out and about in the area, the further into the hustle and bustle of the financial district you get the more delis, supermarkets and food stops you'll find - don't worry if one street seems very quiet and full of apartments, turn the corner and you'll bump into tons more London life.

 

 

 

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