Short read. Exactly what (and where) it says on the tin. This one is yet another new London watercourse walk created and guided by the IWA (Inland Waterways Association) and Regent’s Canal Walks team (Roger and his merry band of IWA members).
Long read. Limehouse. The history astonishes. So does the place today. Part gentrified, part solidly working-class. Forms the north-western gateway to the Isle of Dogs. Takes its name from the lime kilns that operated from the mid-14th century, converting Kentish chalk into quicklime for the capital’s building industry. From the 16th century ships were built at Limehouse and traders supplied provisions for voyages. Wealthy merchants erected fine houses on Narrow Street, especially in the early 18th century. The church is one of Hawksmoor’s greatest achievements. There’s London’s oldest canal.
London’s first Chinatown – it gained a reputation for gambling and opium smoking. (Limehouse was the backdrop for the Dr Fu Manchu films.) The heart of old Limehouse survived the post-war redevelopment that transformed so much of the East End. The historical pickings don’t come much richer than at Limehouse. The very name used to be a verb meaning “to make fiery political speeches.” And the Thames? Just this: the walk will make you see – and appreciate and understand – the river anew.
See it and its corsetry literally and figuratively: its history, its characteristics, the intimate – and unique – connection between city and river. And Docklands? Well, put it this way, the former ports of London are an evolving new world. Spectacularly so. Anything else? Yes, this walk takes a different route – does not duplicate – our Docklands Walk.
You want a summation of the matter? Try this: “look where you will throughout the civilisation of Europe you will not find, save in the case of London, this complete interdependence between a great town and its river.” That’s the matter in one sentence. You want it in one place, in one walk – it’s this place and this walk.
THE LIMEHOUSE – THAMES – DOCKLANDS WALK – THE MEETING POINT
The meeting point for the Limehouse – Thames – Docklands walk is just outside the Westferry Docklands Light Railway (DLR), by Cycle Hire Point.
The Limehouse – Thames – Docklands walk is one of a series of Regent’s Canal and other Inland Waterways walks that we conduct in partnership with the IWA (Inland Waterways Association). There are now getting on for 30 different canal and inland waterways walks. The canal walks’ regular slot is the 2.30 pm Tour du Jour offering on the first and third Sunday of every month. And there are usually a handful of “guest appearance” canal walks that run as “Specials” on selected dates in any given Summer or Winter London Walks programme.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
LONDON WALKS REVIEWS
“London Walks puts you into the hands of an expert on the particular area and topic of a tour…” The New York Times
“by far the most impressive series of walks that I have ever encountered are those offered by London Walks” Travel and Enjoy
“Even jaded Londoners find these London Walks a source of astonishing gems of information about the city in which they live.” Daily Mail, Top London Treats
LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS
If you can’t make the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, public Limehouse – Thames – Docklands walk do think about booking one as a private tour. If you go private you can have the Limehouse – Thames – Docklands Walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. And – always with private London Walks and tours – we go to great lengths to make sure the guide-walker(s) “fit” is well-nigh perfect. Ring Fiona or Peter or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a fab present – be it a birthday or anniversary or graduation gift or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, Limehouse - Thames - Docklands it can always be booked as a private tour. If you go private you can have the Limehouse - Thames - Docklands walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a fab gift – be it a birthday or anniversary or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
I joined the Docklands tour on Sunday 19 Jan 2025. What an excellent east end tour this was. I learned so much about the history of West India Docks. Charlie was amazing. It was a very cold grey day but Charlie was cheerful and engaging throughout.
We all eagerly scuttled after him to his cries of “follow me” .
I can’t recommend enough.
Thank you Charlie. Watch out Lucy Worsely. You have competition!
Rated 5 out of 5
Caroline H –
My sister and I joined Charlie’s Limehouse/Thames/Docklands tour last Sunday and it was truly wonderful. It was a very cold, grey day but the weather conditions only served to make the tour more atmospheric, but wrap up warm as I swear it’s three degrees colder in that part of London than in any other. Charlie really brought the history of Docklands to life and I learnt so much; I commend this tour to you.
Rated 5 out of 5
Teresa –
The Limehouse-Thames-Docklands Walk yesterday was great. Charlie is a skilled guide and has a wealth of knowledge of the area, making for a most enjoyable afternoon. I learned a lot from his very clear explanations and came away with much to think about. I strongly recommend this walk for anyone who is looking to know more about the history of the River Thames and London’s docklands.
Rated 5 out of 5
Alan –
This is a really interesting walk – there’s a lot more history round here than I thought. Some very unexpected moments – from the lift (stairs temporarily out of action) to the rather beautiful surprise at the penultimate stop. Charlie is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, and explains things very clearly. We enjoyed it very much, and are inspired to do some more exploring on our own.
Rated 5 out of 5
Gillian –
I chose this tour because I have a family connection with a tiny pub on Commercial Road and wanted to know more about the area. Charlie was wonderfully knowledgeable about the area and I learned more than I could have hoped! The Docklands have evolved massively since I visited in the 80s and Charlie provided great insight into the changing character of the area and the parallels with past events. Looking forward to joining another of his walks soon, highly recommended.
Rated 5 out of 5
Christoph Karner –
Roger Wilkinson is a great guide and gave us a lot of interesting information that was completely new to me. He took us to places that I wouldn’t have found. And in such detail that we spent at least 30 minutes overtime, which of course I didn’t mind.
I’m already looking forward to more of these walks in the future, when I’m in London.
Rated 5 out of 5
LucyAnn Curling –
I’m just back from a wonderful afternoon’s walk round Limehouse with guide Roger Wilkinson. He’s immensely knowledgeable and made the two hours fly by. I did the walk to try to learn about the environment my ancestors lived in and I feel I definitely know the territory better now.
Rated 5 out of 5
Melissa –
We did the Limehouse – Thames – Docklands walk today. We’ve done many of the London Walks over the last 25+ years and have enjoyed them all. This one though was in an area of London which we hadn’t been to before. Charlie was a fabulous guide, so knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. The walk explores the history of the docklands and the full circle it has been on since the 1800s. Plus a rooftop garden we would never have found. Thoroughly recommend it!
Rated 5 out of 5
Alison Bloomfield –
What a wonderful walk! Charlie is always a really good guide, not only for his enthusiasm for his subject, but also his keenness to answer questions however random. I knew nothing about this area of London. I came here once on a Sunday in the 1990s and assumed it would be the same, that is to say, empty of people and life (a bit like the City on a Sunday). It couldn’t have been more different! There were cafés, restaurants, the vast underground shopping mall, parks and the wonderful Museum of London Docklands which is well worth another visit. Charlie walked us alongside the river at the beginning so we could get a sense of what the Thames would have been like in the early 19th century when the docks were built (1802). He can really conjure up what that world would have been like at that time. Highlights of the tour: the views of the river up and down stream, the exotic Pergola gardens on the top of the Crossrail building, Charlie’s explanation of how the Chanary Wharf Company works and finally the easy way to get there; Jubilee line, Elizabeth Line or Thames Clipper. Oh and the first Swallows of the Spring nesting under some balconies. I highly recommend this walk.
Rated 5 out of 5
Carole –
I really enjoyed this walk. This was a very interesting route, and our guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. I was intrigued by the literary connections with Charles Dickens, which added to a most enjoyable afternoon.
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Eileen Lock –
I joined the Docklands tour on Sunday 19 Jan 2025. What an excellent east end tour this was. I learned so much about the history of West India Docks. Charlie was amazing. It was a very cold grey day but Charlie was cheerful and engaging throughout.
We all eagerly scuttled after him to his cries of “follow me” .
I can’t recommend enough.
Thank you Charlie. Watch out Lucy Worsely. You have competition!
Caroline H –
My sister and I joined Charlie’s Limehouse/Thames/Docklands tour last Sunday and it was truly wonderful. It was a very cold, grey day but the weather conditions only served to make the tour more atmospheric, but wrap up warm as I swear it’s three degrees colder in that part of London than in any other. Charlie really brought the history of Docklands to life and I learnt so much; I commend this tour to you.
Teresa –
The Limehouse-Thames-Docklands Walk yesterday was great. Charlie is a skilled guide and has a wealth of knowledge of the area, making for a most enjoyable afternoon. I learned a lot from his very clear explanations and came away with much to think about. I strongly recommend this walk for anyone who is looking to know more about the history of the River Thames and London’s docklands.
Alan –
This is a really interesting walk – there’s a lot more history round here than I thought. Some very unexpected moments – from the lift (stairs temporarily out of action) to the rather beautiful surprise at the penultimate stop. Charlie is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, and explains things very clearly. We enjoyed it very much, and are inspired to do some more exploring on our own.
Gillian –
I chose this tour because I have a family connection with a tiny pub on Commercial Road and wanted to know more about the area. Charlie was wonderfully knowledgeable about the area and I learned more than I could have hoped! The Docklands have evolved massively since I visited in the 80s and Charlie provided great insight into the changing character of the area and the parallels with past events. Looking forward to joining another of his walks soon, highly recommended.
Christoph Karner –
Roger Wilkinson is a great guide and gave us a lot of interesting information that was completely new to me. He took us to places that I wouldn’t have found. And in such detail that we spent at least 30 minutes overtime, which of course I didn’t mind.
I’m already looking forward to more of these walks in the future, when I’m in London.
LucyAnn Curling –
I’m just back from a wonderful afternoon’s walk round Limehouse with guide Roger Wilkinson. He’s immensely knowledgeable and made the two hours fly by. I did the walk to try to learn about the environment my ancestors lived in and I feel I definitely know the territory better now.
Melissa –
We did the Limehouse – Thames – Docklands walk today. We’ve done many of the London Walks over the last 25+ years and have enjoyed them all. This one though was in an area of London which we hadn’t been to before. Charlie was a fabulous guide, so knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. The walk explores the history of the docklands and the full circle it has been on since the 1800s. Plus a rooftop garden we would never have found. Thoroughly recommend it!
Alison Bloomfield –
What a wonderful walk! Charlie is always a really good guide, not only for his enthusiasm for his subject, but also his keenness to answer questions however random. I knew nothing about this area of London. I came here once on a Sunday in the 1990s and assumed it would be the same, that is to say, empty of people and life (a bit like the City on a Sunday). It couldn’t have been more different! There were cafés, restaurants, the vast underground shopping mall, parks and the wonderful Museum of London Docklands which is well worth another visit. Charlie walked us alongside the river at the beginning so we could get a sense of what the Thames would have been like in the early 19th century when the docks were built (1802). He can really conjure up what that world would have been like at that time. Highlights of the tour: the views of the river up and down stream, the exotic Pergola gardens on the top of the Crossrail building, Charlie’s explanation of how the Chanary Wharf Company works and finally the easy way to get there; Jubilee line, Elizabeth Line or Thames Clipper. Oh and the first Swallows of the Spring nesting under some balconies. I highly recommend this walk.
Carole –
I really enjoyed this walk. This was a very interesting route, and our guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. I was intrigued by the literary connections with Charles Dickens, which added to a most enjoyable afternoon.