CouncilMain attractions
Tower of London
The world famous Tower of London stands on the River Thames on the western boundary of the borough. It dates from the reign of William the Conqueror in the 11th century and in the past 900 years it has been as a fortress, royal palace, zoo and state prison.
The Tower now houses the Crown Jewels, as well as the Imperial State Crown made for Queen Victoria's coronation and worn by the current Queen at her coronation.
Visitors can see the site of the scaffold where Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey were executed, have their photo taken with the Yeomen of the Guard (known as Beefeaters) in their distinctive red and black costumes. Then there are the black ravens that have always lived at the tower - legend says that if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.
The Tower of London has been designated a World Heritage Site. The famous ‘White Tower’ is currently undergoing renovation to its outer walls. The Tower itself will open as normal during the renovation project, which is due to be complete in 2011.
Tower Hill
Wapping
London EC3N 4AB
Tel: 0844 482 7777
E-mail: visitorservices_tol@hrp.org.uk
Visit: www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon/
Nearest underground station: Tower Hill
Tower Bridge
Next to the Tower of London is the spectacular Tower Bridge. From outside
on the walkway, magnificent views stretch eastwards to Canary Wharf,
and to the west Big Ben and the dome of St Paul's Cathedral can be clearly
seen. Inside the bridge, exciting animatronics and interactive displays
bring to life 100 years of the bridge's history.
Tower Bridge is being repainted – the project is due for completion in 2012. The Exhibition will open as normal during this time, but pedestrian access routes may be altered slightly, for safety reasons.
Tower Hill
Wapping
London EC3
Tel: 020 7403 3761
E-mail: enquiries@towerbridge.org.uk
Visit: www.towerbridge.org.uk
Nearest underground station: Tower Hill
St Katharine Docks
Beyond the Tower, a short walk will take you to St Katharine Docks. One of the first of London's docks to be restored, its latest additions include pubs, shops, restaurants and an attractive marina. Historically, it was established at the end of the 18th century with warehouses importing tea, rubber, marble, ivory and sugar.
This historic dock now houses many shops, restaurants, the Dickens Inn, and the famous Thames Barges, all centred around St Katharine's Yacht Haven. Lunchtime concerts take place during the summer.
St Katharine Docks
Wapping
London E1W 1TW
Tel: 020 7488 0555
Nearest underground station: Tower Hill
Nearest DLR station: Tower Gateway
Canary Wharf
Pyramid-topped Canary Wharf Tower - or One Canada Square, to give it its official title - has an impressive, futuristic feel and is visible for miles across London. This 244 metre tower stands at the head of the Isle of Dogs on the site of a former dock for exotic goods from the Canary Islands.
The redeveloped area comprises a blend of restored warehouses and historic buildings, contemporary housing complexes and office developments, many with award-winning glass and steel designs. The European headquarters of some of the world’s biggest finance and banking firms can be found here. There is a wealth of shopping and eating places here, including extensive shopping malls at Jubilee Place and Cabot Place.
For details of Canary Wharf shopping malls, visit www.mycanarywharf.com
One Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London E14 5AB
Tel: 020 7418 2000
Visit: www.canarywharf.com
Nearest DLR station: Canary Wharf
Trinity Buoy Wharf
Trinity Buoy Wharf is situated directly across the River Thames from the O2 Arena and was the location for the opening scenes of the James Bond movie, ‘The World Is Not Enough’. Fatboy’s Diner, in the wharf’s courtyard, was used as a location for the film ‘Sliding Doors’. The beautifully restored Grade II listed building, known as the Chainstore, is the site of London's only lighthouse – it is now used as artists’ studios.
64 Orchard Wharf
Isle of Dogs
London E14 0JW
Tel: 020 7515 7153
Visit: www.trinitybuoywharf.com
Nearest DLR station: Blackwall
Directions
Walks
Taking a walking tour is an excellent way to see some of the more hidden parts of Tower Hamlets. You could visit the old Jewish quarter at Spitalfields, uncover hidden gems in Whitechapel or take in a myriad of historic buildings and landmarks in Wapping, Shadwell, Limehouse and the Isle of Dogs.
