CANARY WHARF Jubilee Line
Now there are no physical imports and exports here – only the ‘invisibles’ of financial wheeling and dealing. Just three cranes have been left as a reminder of the wharves where fruit from the Canary Islands was unloaded and stored. Today the machinery of electronic trade in the shape of huge satellite dishes is discreetly tucked away in the Docklands Telecommunications Centre behind Jubilee Park.
There is an interesting walk to be followed in the direction of the Millennium Dome. As you exit the splendid state-of-the-art Jubilee Line Tube station to Canada Square, turn left and go through the glass doors marked ‘Jubilee Park Shops and Restaurants’. You will see an elegant curved bridge. Cross this and turn left . The Dome and cranes are straight ahead. Soon you will reach a large ship, 
the Lord Amory, centrepiece of the Docklands Scout Project. Here youngsters can learn to sail and canoe. Buildingwork continues on the other side of the water, so it is probably best to retrace your steps. When you get back to the station, go behind it to Jubilee Park which has a delightful raised ‘stream’ . This pretty and well-designed green space may restore your faith in your own existence, possibly eroded by wandering round the film-set glass landscape. The way one building is reflected in another is particularly disorienting, as is the constant deep hum of air conditioning. If shopping is your thing, you could turn right and explore the extensive mall hidden under Canary Wharf tower itself. A landmark for miles around, this first tower been now been joined by other, less architecturally distinguished, giants that have very little visual appeal.
If you actually need a banana, the nearby Waitrose will oblige . . .
MAP
This is just one walk from the many to be found at London Tube Rambles. There are architectural gems, beautiful country views, historic places and whacky buildings to be found, even in the most unpromising areas covered by the Greater London Underground stations. Usually the places listed are within a mile of the Tube - often only five minutes walk away. If you reached this as an individual page via a search engine, you might like to go to www.londontuberambles.co.uk to see the other destinations explored . You'll be amazed at what's out there!
© DR2006