TourEast London's Favourites
Exploring Off-the-Beaten Track
Take a Walk in east London!
Charles Dickens, Captain Kidd, Judge Jeffreys, Nicholas Hawksmoor, to name a few, have all have left their mark in London's East End. With a copy of leaflets detailing walks in Wapping and Limehouse, Spitalfields, Whitechapel or on the Isle of Dogs, all published by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, you can follow the trail of the famous and infamous in this fascinating corner of east London.
Guides in the series include
- Walks in Wapping and Limehouse
- Walks in the Isle of Dogs
- A walk in Spitalfields
- Exploring the vanishing Jewish East End
- Exploring Banglatown and the Bengali East End
The leaflets each mark trails through historic parts of the borough, taking in a myriad of buildings and landmarks of interest en route. Celebrating the historic and current diversity of East London, the Jewish East End cultural walk uncovers the Jewish community's rich legacy of landmarks and legends to the area while the Bengali East End cultural walk explores the area home to the UK’s largest Bengali community and the community’s contribution to contemporary UK culture, from music and food, to politics and architecture.
The walks range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours and are designed to start and finish close to a tube or DLR station.
You can download copies of the walking guides here.
To receive FREE copies of the walks leaflets by post, contact Alex Burkwood at alex.burkwood@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Walking along the East End's canals unlocks a tranquil world only yards from the bustle of commercial life. This five mile walk a floating towpath, Bow Locks, the House Mill (Britain’s oldest standing mill), the stunning Victoria Park, Mile End Park, the Ragged School Museum and a Grade II listed Victorian viaduct. For copies of the route, click here. FREE
Discover the contemporary Thames Barrier Park, located on the north bank of the Thames, with spectacular views across to the Thames Flood Barrier. It also features a 32 jet fountain plaza and a wonderful coffee shop, where even on a rainy day, you can feel in touch with nature. FREE
Nearest station: Pontoon Dock DLR on the line to King George V via London City Airport.
Just south of Greenwich hides Eltham Palace, a fascinating combination of a luxurious Art Deco home and the favourite country residence of first medieval then Tudor Kings including 
Henry VIII. Only the Great Hall survives. In 1933 the palace was bought by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, who restored the Great Hall and built their adjoining Art Deco home. Filled with opulently gilded interiors, the latest mod cons and cutting-edge design features, Eltham Palace once again became a hub for society entertaining.
Eltham BR
Memorable Family Days Out
Climb aboard a City Cruises river boat and take a trip from Tower Pier to Greenwich Pier, enjoying the sights of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf. Once in Maritime Greenwich keep with the nautical theme by discovering the oceans at the National Maritime Museum
Tower Hill and Tower Gateway DLR
Enter the magical world of stories at Discover, where children can learn about communication through stories, games and play. Stratford
Over the school holidays bring the family down to the London Bridge Area - from London Bridge to just past Tower Bridge - and 
try out the new family trails to help you explore this fascinating area whilst keeping the little darlings occupied. Simply read the clues and follow the stars to find out more about the many intriguing sights around this, London’s oldest neighbourhood. You can download the trails from www.discoverlondonbridge.com. FREE
London Bridge, Tower Hill or Tower Gateway DLR
Get sporty and test your skill, strength and fitness at the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood’s fantastic interactive exhibition – On Your Marks! Can you keep your cool in a penalty shoot-out? How many baskets can you score in 60 seconds? Find out how supple you are and how quick your reaction time is.
The stage is set for tales of infamous villainy and piracy on the high seas with ‘ Heroes & Villains? The World of Children's Toy Theatre’ exhibition at the Museum in Docklands. Discover the stories of Blackbeard the pirate and highwayman, Dick Turpin - just two of the notorius characters loved by children. Children go FREE.
West India Quay DLR
Ideas for Story-Seekers
The Museum in Docklands presents a remarkable 2000 year history to visitors. Galleries show how the region has been at the heart of centuries of social and economic change - not least in the dynamism that is Docklands today - and pay homage to the people who helped rebuild and shape it.
West India Quay DLR
Tower Bridge is one of London’s biggest landmarks. Visit Tower Bridge Exhibition to learn about the history of Tower Bridge and find out how it works. Be amazed by the unique architecture and enjoy the breathtaking views from the high level walkways.
Tower Hill, Tower Gateway DLR
There are so many concerts, festivals and events, please check out our fantastic events calendar for current listings.
