Things to do in the Isle of Dogs

📍 Welcome to the Isle of Dogs

A thriving area in London’s Docklands, the Isle of Dogs offers a blend of historical charm and modern excitement. Explore Mudchute Park and Farm, a green oasis where you can interact with animals and unwind. Dive into maritime history at the Museum of London Docklands, or experience the city buzz at Canary Wharf, known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. For waterside enjoyment, walk the Thames Path around the whole island, taking in stunning views. This area offers diverse attractions, from cultural experiences to vibrant cityscapes, making it a must-visit for travellers and locals alike.

🏄 Paddleboarding in the Isle of Dogs

If you’re after a unique way to explore the water while staying active, paddleboarding in the Isle of Dogs is a must. The calm waters of Millwall Outer Dock make it an ideal spot for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Surrounded by city skyline and dockside heritage, it offers a peaceful escape right in the heart of East London.

Alternatively, nearby The Royal Victoria Dock is also an excellent place to paddle with plenty of things to see.

Both provide equipment hire and introductory sessions. Buoyancy aids are included, and the setting is perfect for everything from leisurely paddles to SUP fitness classes.

🌺 Enjoy the Greenspaces

There are plenty of parks on the Isle of Dogs enjoyed by local communities, city workers, and visitors alike. Favourites include:

• Sir John McDougal Gardens – Originally created to provide public access to the riverfront when the area was dominated by flour mills, the gardens offer expansive views of the Thames.

• Island Gardens – This park provides a peaceful space and is the northern entry to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. Built for aesthetic and social reasons, the gardens have a strong historical character.

• Mudchute Park and Farm – The largest city farm in Europe with 13 hectares of green space, a working farm, and a great café. Perfect for families and animal lovers.

🏔️ Walk Around the Isle of Dogs

This fascinating 7km circular route follows the Thames Path for most of the southern loop, then cuts through the modern high-rises of Canary Wharf. It includes green spaces like Sir John McDougal Gardens, Island Gardens, and a short detour to Mudchute Park. Along the way, you’ll uncover fascinating history:

• Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre

• Historic wharf buildings that once stored chemicals, paints, drugs, and oils

• The Ferry House Inn – One of the oldest pubs on the island

• Historic pumping stations

• Breathtaking views of Greenwich across the river

This is a family-friendly walk with picnic spots, photo opportunities, and great pit stops. Discover the Isle of Dogs walk

🏛️ Historic Millwall

Millwall, on the south and west of the island, has deep industrial roots:

• Site of the SS Great Eastern’s launch—sideways into the Thames

• Burrells Wharf – Former industrial site turned residential complex

• Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre – Marked by twin cranes

• St. Paul’s Church (now The Space) – A cultural venue with great food and coffee

🛁 Cruise the Docklands in a Hot Tub

Yes, really! One of the most unique ways to explore the historic waterways of Docklands is by hopping aboard a floating hot tub boat. These heated, wood-fired tubs cruise gently along the canals and docks, offering skyline views of Canary Wharf while you soak. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just a surreal London experience with friends.

Book a hot tub boat cruise and float through East London in style ★

🏢 Canary Wharf: From Bananas to Banks

Once a fruit dock for imports from the Canary Islands, it’s now a sleek business hub:

• Home to HSBC, Barclays, Citigroup, and more

• Over 300 shops, restaurants, and bars

• One Canada Square – Former tallest building in the UK

• Filming location for 28 Days Later and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

🛶 Rent a GoBoat in Canary Wharf

Explore London Docklands at your own pace by captaining your own electric GoBoat. These self-drive boats are silent, eco-friendly, and don’t require any boating experience—perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends. Glide past the high-rises of Canary Wharf, historic wharfs, and tranquil waterways while enjoying a picnic on board.

Boats seat up to eight people and come equipped with a table, route map, life jackets, and everything you need for a safe and relaxing journey.

Book a GoBoat rental in Canary Wharf and cruise the Docklands in style

🌿 New Billingsgate Fish Market

Just north of the Isle proper lies the UK’s largest inland fish market. Open from 4am to 8am, it offers over 150 species of seafood. Visit for:

• A dose of East End trader culture

• Salt-of-the-earth banter

• A classic scallop and bacon bap breakfast

🌇 Postmodernist Pumping Station

Outram’s Temple of Storms is a hidden architectural treasure. This colourful pumping station looks like a riverside temple and is packed with postmodern detail—a must-see for architecture buffs.

🍻 Visit an East End Boozer

For a proper local pint:

• The Ferry House – Cosy riverside pub, built in 1822

• The Lord Nelson – Grand pub with East End fives board

• The Gun – Smuggler hangout once frequented by Nelson himself

📜 Museum of London Docklands

Set in a Georgian warehouse, this museum covers 2,000 years of London history through the lens of the Thames:

• Sailortown replica

• WWII bombings and Docklands regeneration

• Entry is free; budget half a day

Great place to link museum affiliate tours or educational guides.

Get your discounted tickets for Museum of London Docklands and other London attractions

🏫 Mudchute Farm and Park

A true urban farm just minutes from Canary Wharf. With cows, sheep, alpacas, and a café serving local produce, it’s perfect for a slow afternoon.

🌿 Crossrail Place Roof Garden

One of London’s largest and most unique rooftop gardens, Crossrail Place is a biodiverse haven above the city. The garden straddles the Prime Meridian and features flora divided by hemisphere.

Great for peace and nature in the heart of the skyscrapers. Open daily until 9pm or sunset.

✨ Find the Blueprints of the Death Star

Canary Wharf Station’s sci-fi design was transformed into a Star Wars set for Rogue One. It became the location for the Death Star blueprints sequence. Keep an eye out for other filming sites in London.

🌐 Walk Through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel

This 370-metre tunnel links Island Gardens with Greenwich, running directly beneath the Thames. Completed in 1902, it remains a marvel of Victorian engineering.

Free to walk or cycle; access is via lifts or stairs. This tunnel forms part of the National Cycle Route 1 from Inverness to Dover.

Coordinates: GR TQ 383 782; what3words: grabs.punk.entertainer

🚉 Getting There

The Isle of Dogs is well connected by public transport, making it easy to reach from anywhere in London or even further afield.

• DLR (Docklands Light Railway): The most direct way into the area, with key stations including Island Gardens, Mudchute, Crossharbour, and South Quay.

• Jubilee Line: Canary Wharf station offers fast access from central London.

• River Bus: The Thames Clipper stops at Canary Wharf Pier for a scenic arrival.

• National Rail & Coach: If you’re travelling from outside London, use Trainline to book UK and European train and coach tickets.

Plan your journey with Trainline and arrive in Docklands ready to explore ★

Other Things to do Near the Isle of Dogs

Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

Royal Observatory Greenwich & Prime Meridian – Visit the home of space and time and see the Greenwich Meridian Line

O2 Arena Rooftop Climbing Experience

Ghosts of Greenwich: London’s Haunted Walking Tour

Cutty Sark Entry Ticket with Guided Rig Climb

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Isle of Dogs safe to visit?
Yes, the Isle of Dogs is generally very safe. It’s a well-developed area with residential neighbourhoods, green spaces, and good lighting. Like any urban area, stay aware after dark, especially near quiet riverside paths.

How do I get to the Isle of Dogs?
Take the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) to Island Gardens, Mudchute, or South Quay. You can also take the Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf or hop on a Thames Clipper riverboat or take a hop-on-hop-off Thames River Cruise.

Can you walk around the Isle of Dogs?
Yes! There’s a fantastic 7km circular walk along the Thames Path and through Canary Wharf. It’s mostly flat, easy to follow, and full of interesting stops.

What’s the best time to visit?
Spring through autumn offers the best weather for walking and sightseeing. Early mornings or weekday afternoons are quieter, especially in Canary Wharf.

Are there places to eat or grab a drink?
Plenty. From historic pubs like The Gun and The Ferry House to modern bars and restaurants in Canary Wharf, there’s something for every taste and budget.

Is the Isle of Dogs good for families?
Yes—Mudchute Park and Farm, riverside paths, playgrounds, and open green spaces make it ideal for a day out with kids.