London Docklands

London Docklands is a waterfront district in East London along the River Thames, now dominated by office towers, residential high-rises, and converted warehouses. The old dock basins have been transformed into water features surrounded by walkways and plazas, with bridges and footpaths linking the different quarters.

The Docklands emerged in the early 19th century as a shipping hub for vessels from around the world and closed down from the 1960s onwards as containerization changed trade. Redevelopment began in the 1980s with the construction of Canary Wharf and the Docklands Light Railway.

The names of the former dock basins like West India Quay and Canary Wharf recall the trade routes to the West Indies and the Canary Islands. Today, bankers and office workers fill the skyscrapers while restaurants and cafes set up outdoor tables along the quays.

The Docklands Light Railway connects most parts of the district with central London and runs above ground with views over the water basins. Many walkways are flat and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though some bridges have stairs.

The pumphouse on the Isle of Dogs still stands in place and displays the old steam engine that pumped water out of the docks. Some of the old warehouses have timber beams and brickwork over 200 years old.