Nelson Dock Pier, pier on the River Thames near Canary Wharf
Nelson Dock Pier is a modern passenger landing on the south bank of the Thames in Rotherhithe, served by Thames Clippers ferry boats that cross to Canary Wharf and beyond. The structure features a flat, accessible walkway with no stairs and ticket machines accepting contactless payments and Oyster cards.
The pier takes its name from Nelson Dock, a 17th century shipbuilding yard that operated until 1968 when shipbuilding stopped. The modern landing was later built as part of the Thames Clippers network, preserving through its name the memory of this area's long maritime past.
The pier carries the name of the historic Nelson Dock, a former shipyard from the 17th century that survives today only in its designation. The mix of old dock buildings and modern developments along Rotherhithe Street shows how this area keeps its maritime past while moving forward.
The pier is accessible from early morning until late evening, with boats arriving every few minutes during busy times. Tickets are purchased at machines or through apps, and the crossing to Canary Wharf is quick, offering views of the Thames and surrounding buildings.
The pier was originally designed by Beckett Rankine and built by Downtown Marine Construction, but few visitors know of this technical origin. Its naming after an older dock rather than the famous Admiral Horatio Nelson makes it a quiet testament to local history rather than national glory.
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