Docklands is an exciting and well-connected place to live, with a growing choice of high-quality, purpose-built rental apartments. It extends from Limehouse to North Woolwich along the north bank of the Thames and was formerly part of the Port of London, once the world’s biggest port which shut in the 1960s as the docks were unable to accommodate the huge container ships that replaced smaller cargo vessels.
A vast regeneration programme has being taking place over the past 40 years, and the area and its skyline have changed beyond all recognition. At its heart is Canary Wharf, which falls within the borough of Tower Hamlets and is now London’s second financial hub. Many global companies are based locally, and it’s a fantastic place to rent an apartment. One Canada Square – the UK’s tallest building when it opened in 1991 – has been joined by numerous other skyscrapers, containing a mix of offices and homes, with hundreds of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities on the doorstep.
Royal Docks, in the London Brough of Newham to the east, is also undergoing regeneration. Home to London City Airport, ExCel London exhibition centre and the new City Hall where the Mayor of London and the London Assembly are based, it’s London’s only Enterprise Zone, providing tax breaks to businesses moving in.
There are lots of attractions for young professionals and families considering a move to Docklands.
Place to eat and drink
Whether you’re after a drink, a quick meal or a fine dining experience, Canary Wharf offers dozens of options, with more in The Royal Docks. They include:
Canary Wharf
Hawksmoor Wood Wharf – Housed in an eco-friendly floating pavilion, the focus is on the best of British produce.
The Big Easy – This sociable restaurant serves big portions of ribs, burgers and other American-style fare, and great cocktails.
Roka – Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist, mostly cooked on a grill.
Scarpetta – An all-day Italian eatery that’s gaining a reputation for its fresh pasta and impressive wine list.
Market Halls – Street food and bars in an atmospheric setting, and ideal for large gatherings.
Royal Docks
Café Spice Namaste – This sustainable restaurant overlooks the river and serves small plates of tasty Indian food.
The Windjammer – An industrially-inspired Thameside pub specialising in seasonal comfort food made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Culture
The range of cultural amenities is broad enough to pique all interests and includes:
Museum of London Docklands – A free museum chronicling the history of the area through permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions.
Public art – London’s largest collection of outdoor public art, comprising more than 100 pieces, is in Canary Wharf.
RAW Labs – This creative hub on the edge of The Royal Docks hosts classes, workshops and exhibitions.
Entertainment
An array of fun things to do attracts people of all ages and interests. Try:
Everyman Canary Wharf – A newly-refurbished cinema with super-comfy seating
Cineworld West India Quay – This 10-screen cinema shows mainstream and classic films.
TAM’s Vineyard and Jazz Club – A basement jazz club providing live music and a well-stocked whisky and wine bar.
Sports and activities
Big-name and specialist gyms and fitness clubs, water sports and more can be found in and around the neighbourhood. They include:
Third Space – Europe’s largest luxury health club in Canary Wharf Holds 300+ classes per week and includes a boxing ring and climbing wall.
Royal Docks Fitness – An independent and highly-rated gym dedicated to CrossFit workouts.
Nuffield Health – Two adult-only fitness and wellbeing gyms at Canary Wharf and Baltimore Wharf, both with swimming pools and a wide range of classes.
Rise Climbing – A bouldering centre for climbers of all abilities.
Love Open Water – Supervised open water swimming at Canary Wharf and Royal Docks.
Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre – Courses in sailing, windsurfing, powerboating and paddle sports in an established facility south of Canary Wharf.
Wake up Docklands – Wakeboarding and paddleboarding lessons catering for all levels.
Capital Karts – Race electric karts on the country’s fastest indoor go karting track at Canary Wharf.
Retail
Residents in need of retail therapy won’t need to travel to the West End as the neighbourhood is renowned for shopping.
Canary Wharf – 120 high-street names, top-end chains and independents are spread over five malls (Canada Place, Cabot Place, Churchill Place, Jubilee Place and Crossrail Place) alongside coffee shops and restaurants.
Education
The vast majority of state primary and secondary schools are judged as ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by Ofsted. See: compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/E14 and compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/E16. Other notable educational establishments include:
River House Montessori School – An independent through school for pupils aged 3 to 16.
Faraday School – A small and friendly co-educational prep school next to the Thames.
The University of East London – The campus in Royal Docks provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses and apprenticeships.
Transport
Docklands is extremely well-served by public transport.
Canary Wharf station on the Jubilee Underground line, which runs via London Bridge, Westminster and the West End to Stanmore in north London, and eastwards to Stratford.
It’s also on the new Elizabeth line – seven minutes to Liverpool Street, 12 minutes to Tottenham Court Road, and under 40 minutes to Heathrow – and there’s a further station at Custom House.
The Docklands Light Railway, linking the City with East and South London, stops at Canary Wharf, Custom House and six stations in between, and there are numerous bus services across the entire area.
London’s only cable car takes passengers across the river from Royal Docks to North Greenwich, and those travelling much further afield can fly from London City Airport.
The A13 Newham Way leads to the North Circular and eventually to the M25, and cyclists can reach the City via the CS3 route, connecting Barking and Tower Gateway via Docklands.
Build to Rent developments in and around Docklands
Newfoundland – The UK’s tallest purpose-built rental tower consists of 636 studio to three-bedroom apartments arranged over 58 floors in the heart of Canary Wharf. Find out more at www.thisisvertus.com.
10 George Street – A 37-storey building in Canary Wharf featuring 327 apartments, ranging from studios to spacious three-bedders, with balconies overlooking waterside gardens. Find out more at www.thisisvertus.com.
Pontoon Reach – 131 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are coming soon as part of a wider, mixed-use development in Royal Docks.
Sugar House Island – 211 new homes, from studios to four-bedroom mews houses, plus eight freshly-converted studio, one- and two-bedroom warehouse apartments, located between Docklands and Stratford. Found out more at sugarhouseisland.com.