More About Docklands

Docklands has gone from being a functional port to one of the most stylish, modern areas in London, as the improvement of this area of East London continues apace.

The Royal Docks

Formerly part of the historic Port of London, Docklands has played an important role in the city's industrial heritage since it took off as an industrial site in the 19th century.

It is made up of three docks, the first of which was the Royal Victoria Dock, built in 1855. This was the first dock to be designed for the purpose of accommodating large steamships, and it achieved this very successfully, taking in some 850,000 tonnes of goods a year within five years of opening. The dock had to wait some 25 years until it gained its Royal prefix, and it continued from strength to strength from hereon in, becoming renowned for dealing with meat, tobacco and fruit from North and South America.

This was followed in 1880 by the Royal Albert Dock, in many an necessary extension to the work its popular predecessor was undertaking. By now, both docks were connected to the National Rail network, and the Docklands were rapidly becoming one of London's most important areas. This status was further cemented by the arrival of the third dock, King George V, in 1921, which came equipped the latest machinery to aid the cause even further.

The Decline and Rebirth of Docklands

Despite bravely battling through two World Wars, new technologies meant that by the 1960s the Royal Docks were in decline, and by 1981 they were shut for good. This could have been the end for the area, but fortunately this was not the case, and today it is a thriving corner of the city thanks to the prestigious ExCel Exhibition Centre, London City Airport and the Docklands Light Railway.

ExCel shares many of London's biggest exhibitions with a similarly high quality facility at Earls Court, and filled a conspicuous hole in the Docklands landscape when it was built in 2000. It's riverside location makes it an ideal location for the annual London Boat Show, while its presence provides further reason for London's business visitors to use London City Airport. Built in 1988, the airport is the city's smallest, but is also the only one to actually fall within central London. It serves many prominent business destinations such as Zurich, Paris and Frankfurt.

Canary Wharf and the Thames Barrier

Canary Wharf is found within the Docklands boundary, although it is significant enough to be regarded as an area in its own right. Discussed in more detail elsewhere, it is most notable for housing the tallest completed building in Britain at One Canada Square. Visitors may also wish to note that the Museum of London Docklands, which provides an in depth history of London's port past, is found in Canary Wharf.

The Thames Barrier is one of the more impressive sights in Docklands, spanning the width of the river close to the airport. It began to be used in 1982, some 54 years after a great flood damaged much of London and led to an investigation into ways to stop it from happening again. Now one of the world's biggest flood barriers, it protects some 125 square kilometres of the city from tidal surges.

Getting to Docklands

More commonly known as the DLR, the Docklands Light Railway was opened in 1987 to serve the revitalised Docklands area, and today serves some 70million passengers a year. The network includes stations at each of the three docks - Royal Victoria, Royal Albert and King George V. Other notable stations include Custom House for ExCel, London City Airport, Canary Wharf and Stratford.

The DLR is connected to central London at Bank and Tower Gateway (at the Tower of London), while it is also possible to change to it from the London Underground Jubilee Line at Canary Wharf.

Alternatively, you can take a boat up the Thames from the south bank of the river at Woolwich Pier or North Greenwich. These call at London Bridge, Embankment at the London Eye.

Hotels in Docklands

Two of Docklands' best hotels are found within a short walk of ExCel, with Novotel London ExCel and Aloft London ExCel both providing the sort of stylish, elegant, modern accommodation that is equally ideal for both jet-setting businessmen and holidaymakers.

Another option is to base yourself in one of the excellent serviced apartments in Canary Wharf, such as Circus Apartments by Bridgestreet Worldwide and Fraser Place Canary Wharf.

Pubs and Bars in Docklands

Arguably the best place to grab a drink in Docklands is The Gun, an excellent gastropub almost on the edge of Canary Wharf that combines a stylish menu with an excellent collection of cocktails and beers. It also hosts a fabulous rooftop barbecue throughout the summer months, starting in May.

The Fox at Connaught is a more traditional pub, which offers a welcoming atmosphere for all guests, and is particular popular with people staying at hotels near ExCel. At the opposite end of the bar spectrum, wxyx in Aloft London ExCel is the epitome of sophisticated cool, the perfect place to relax with a few cocktails and a game of pool.

Restaurants in Docklands

The best restaurant within the vicinity of the Royal Docks is Docklands Bar and Grill, serving British and modern European cuisine in an attractive setting in Royal Victoria Dock. Other than that, you are looking at heading off towards Canary Wharf again. Indian eatery Mem Saheb is not too far away, and failing that you can always check out our Canary Wharf restaurant suggestions.

Parking in Docklands

Both the aforementioned hotels near ExCel offer on site parking, while Canary Wharf is your best option for NCP car parks, with a night rate of just £2.50 at City Harbour (E14 9GL).

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