LONDON TUBE RAMBLES GOES OVERGROUND!
This automated system opened in 1987 to serve the redeveloped Docklands and is a great way to see what has been done to regenerate this area - the views are amazing. It's fun to sit a child at the front of the train and then ask them 'Who's driving?' Greenwich is, of course, a well-known tourist destination, but some of the other stations may be less familiar. The area covered is east of West Ferry. This project is an extension of my walks from London Underground stations.
South London Walks
Cutty Sark (Maritime Greenwich): Royal Naval College,
National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory. This is definitely a whole day enterprise!
Deptford Another town with fascinating seagoing connections. Lively markets with exotic fruit and fish, interesting industrial relics - and stunning new architecture.
East London Walks
Bow Church An unusual route, taking in the ancient Tidal Mills on the Bow Back Rivers and Bazalgette's 'Cathedral of Sewage'
Isle of Dogs
Although I have divided the Island into four separate walks, these can be adjusted according to your interests, available time and appetite for exploration. I have avoided repetition as far as possible, but in some cases it is inevitable, particularly as all three main routes begin from Island Gardens. As some might like to combine two or more trails I have put a link to a printer friendly version at the end of each set of directions. All walks are fully accessible to buggies and wheelchair users. Please note that due constant development of the area, access to some parts may be temporarily disrupted.
Route A (Centre) From Island Gardens up through the centre of the Isle of Dogs, past Millwall Docks to Canary Wharf - quite an experience! Ends at West India Docks. Approximate time:1 hour (excluding a visit to the Museum of London Docklands). DLR stations covered: Island Gardens, Mudchute, Crossharbour, South Quay. Canary Wharf and West India Quay.
Route B (East) From Island Gardens, following the Riverside Walk (great views across the Thames) to South Quay station via West India South Dock) and ending at South Quay DLR. There is also a detour to Mudchute Fam where you can pat a pig while admiring the not-so-distant backdrop of the modern business centre at Canary Wharf. Approximate time 1 hour (excluding a visit to the farm). DLR stations covered: Island Gardens and South Quay.
Route C (West) From Island Gardens following the Thames Path, passing the launching site of Brunel’s Great Eastern and lots of exciting modern architecture. Ends at Herons Quays - no herons there now, but you might see a cormorant catch a fish in the dock. Approximate time 1 hour. DLR stations covered: Island Gardens, Mudchute and Herons Quay.
Route D (Northeast) A circular route from South Quay DLR, taking in the area round the tidal lock at West India Import Dock, plus Poplar Marina. Much of the trail takes you away from the modern business area and includes a narrow cobbled street that saw some amorous adventures and a fair bit of smuggling. Approximate time: 40 minutes
Although I have divided the Island into four separate walks, these can be adjusted according to your interests, available time and appetite for exploration. I have avoided repetition as far as possible, but in some cases it is inevitable, particularly as all three main routes begin from Island Gardens. As some might like to combine two or more trails I have put a link to a printer friendly version at the end of each set of directions. All walks are fully accessible to buggies and wheelchair users. Please note that due constant development of the area, access to some parts may be temporarily disrupted.
Route A (Centre) From Island Gardens up through the centre of the Isle of Dogs, past Millwall Docks to Canary Wharf - quite an experience! Ends at West India Docks. Approximate time:1 hour (excluding a visit to the Museum of London Docklands). DLR stations covered: Island Gardens, Mudchute, Crossharbour, South Quay. Canary Wharf and West India Quay. Route B (East) From Island Gardens, following the Riverside Walk (great views across the Thames) to South Quay station via West India South Dock) and ending at South Quay DLR. There is also a detour to Mudchute Fam where you can pat a pig while admiring the not-so-distant backdrop of the modern business centre at Canary Wharf. Approximate time 1 hour (excluding a visit to the farm). DLR stations covered: Island Gardens and South Quay.
Route C (West) From Island Gardens following the Thames Path, passing the launching site of Brunel’s Great Eastern and lots of exciting modern architecture. Ends at Herons Quays - no herons there now, but you might see a cormorant catch a fish in the dock. Approximate time 1 hour. DLR stations covered: Island Gardens, Mudchute and Herons Quay.
Route D (Northeast) A circular route from South Quay DLR, taking in the area round the tidal lock at West India Import Dock, plus Poplar Marina. Much of the trail takes you away from the modern business area and includes a narrow cobbled street that saw some amorous adventures and a fair bit of smuggling. Approximate time: 40 minutes
For map showing all DLR stations click here
Dear tourists, please note, that the DLR station called Abbey Road is NOT the one you want if you are Beatle hunting. It was opened in 2012 and is causing much confusion. St. Johns Wood is the Jubilee Line station you should go to.
If you reached this as an individual page via a search engine, you might like to click on the link above and see the other destinations explored. You'll be amazed at what's out there! There are architectural gems, beautiful country views, historic places and quirky buildings to be found in the area covered by the outer London Underground stations. Usually the discoveries are within a mile of the Tube - often only five minutes walk away. The DLR trails are a little different, the journey itself being a major part of the entertainment.
