Discover Tower Hamlets: Culture, Parks and Markets

If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Tower Hamlets, first organise your London plans around your interests: history, culture and markets, or green open spaces. Each theme has its own focus. Consider whether you’d like to include historic buildings and docklands, a bustling market or walks through green spaces in your trip.

Culture and history

The Tower of London is a historic London landmark. Its history spans almost a thousand years; it is also a World Heritage Site and a Grade I listed building. An admission ticket includes access to the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the battlements, the Bloody Tower, the “Torture at the Tower” exhibition, the Fusiliers Museum and the Royal Mint exhibition. Ticket inclusions may change, so check which admission options are currently included before your visit.

St Katharine Docks offer another perspective on the history of London’s docklands. They officially opened on 25 October 1828 and were designed by engineer Thomas Telford as two interconnected basins. After closing in 1968, they were revived as a marina and tourist attraction. At the dockside, you can see yachts, black bollards and waterbirds. The opening, layout and later revival offer three distinct points of reference for understanding the docks’ development.

Markets, culture and exhibitions

The Sunday Columbia Road Flower Market grew out of a Saturday market after the Jewish population in the area had increased. This history gives the market a different focus from Brick Lane Market, which offers fashion, food and art. Around Brick Lane and nearby Spitalfields, the Cultural Trail leads visitors through the area’s rich heritage and culture, with eight information panels. The route thus combines a clearly defined geographical focus with cultural and historical themes.

The Whitechapel Gallery also offers different kinds of cultural programming: general admission is free and provides access to exhibitions, displays, film screenings, talks and events. As admission policies may change, check the latest visitor information before your visit. This can help you distinguish between a market visit, an exhibition programme and the stops along the Cultural Trail when planning your trip.

Green spaces and walks

Victoria Park is London’s oldest public park. At 86 hectares, it is also the largest park in Tower Hamlets. It forms part of a green corridor that stretches from the Thames at Limehouse along Regent’s Canal and through Mile End Park. This links the park’s size with a geographically described sequence of green spaces.

Different features stand out at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park: it is recognised as a Local Nature Reserve and a Metropolitan Site for the Importance of Nature Conservation. Its network of paths leads through woodland and wildflower meadows. Mudchute Park and Farm, by contrast, covers 32 acres of rural landscape. Visitors can feed or stroke the animals under the supervision of staff. These green spaces therefore offer different points of comparison: park size and a green corridor, recognised nature areas with paths, and rural landscapes with supervised animal encounters.

Getting your bearings at West India Quay

The London Museum Docklands is located in No. 1 Warehouse at West India Quay. West India Quay DLR station is a three-minute walk from the museum. Check current travel information before setting off; the stated walking time gives a specific indication of how to get to this museum address.

Discover more destinations: Poplar, Southwark, Croydon, Kingston Upon Thames, Hammersmith And Fulham, Havering, Hackney, Richmond Upon Thames.

For the overview of the wider area: Greater London.