City Mill River

City Mill River is a lock on the Lee Navigation system that controls water flow using steel gates and manages the difference between water levels. The structure sits within the river valley and links different sections of this waterway running through East London.

An original mill once operated here for chemical production until the 1930s, when it was removed during major river improvements. The lock as it exists today emerged as part of these infrastructure changes along the waterway.

The lock represents East London's industrial heritage, showing how the waterways shifted from commercial use to recreational activity. Visitors can walk along the banks and experience how this place quietly bridges its past and present.

Boats need advance permission from the Canal and River Trust to pass through, and long-term mooring is not permitted at the site. It helps to check current access conditions and contact the operators beforehand.

The lock underwent complete restoration in 2012 to prepare for the Olympic Games and address problems with invasive water plants. This work improved both how it functions and how the whole site appears today.