Limehouse is a lovely neighbourhood in East London’s Docklands Area. It has taken its name from the lime kilns of 16th century. Limehouse has reference in many old novels and movies known to be more of a shipping yard where sailors docked the boats, and the goods were docked here by the traders. The merchants developed houses in Narrow Street which is today home to affluent apartments and restaurants.
A walk in the area is walking through a beautiful Marina, taking in riverside views, sipping a pint at a historic pub and then walking it all out on a long canal walk.
Limehouse can be a perfect day out.
As a starting point of your walk, you can alight at the Limehouse DLR station and walk towards the Limehouse Marina. Go around the waterside and of the cafes. From here you could either go down to the Regent Canal or exit on the Narrow Street.
Limehouse Basin
Limehouse Basin Marina is where the Thames connects to hundreds of Canals. As you would know London is not just Thames, but a complicated criss-cross network of Canals. The Marina houses yatchs, boats, houseboats and fancy apartments all around. From here you can walk the tree-lined path alongside Regent Canal all the way upto Mile End Park, Victoria Park and Broadway Market a little further ahead.
In summers its a great day out to stroll around the Marina, try hand at canoeing, eat at the Narrow or The Grapes or chill out at the Ropemakers field.
Regent Canal
The Limehouse Basin is the starting point for a great walk all alongside the Regent Canal Towpath. This is one of my favourite canal walks. Start from here and follow signs to the Canal. Walk alongside the path towards Mile End and later Victoria Park. Its a beautiful walk with trees, boats, lots of ducks and swans; a green patch in the center of the city.
I would suggest to do the Regent Canal Walk as a separate walk.
Narrow Street and Riverside Pubs
From Limehouse Marina you can exit on to Narrow Street which is lined with apartments which were once 19th century warehouses. The street also has some iconic pubs and restaurants.
The Grapes, a Thameside pub standing since 1583 is traditional with pristine interiors and timber beams.
Further ahead is The Narrow, Gordon Ramsey’s restaurant which has a lovely outside dining space jutting out on to the river. Its know for its breakfast and the envious location
Thames Riverside Views
Depending on which side you start your walk, you can always follow any sign pointing to ‘Thames Path’ and hop onto the Riverside and have some beautiful views. What to you see is Canary Wharf on one side. Toward fast north you will be able to spot the looming Shard and other Central London skyscrapers. Across the river on the other side of the Bank is Surrey docks and Rotherhithe.
Ropemakers Fields
From the narrow street if you walk towards Westferry DLR, on the left you will come across a lovely small park with a garden with lots of space for yoga, workout, or simply stroll. The garden gives way to Limehouse Basin and connects you to straight to the Regent Canal Towpath.
A nice spot to have a picnic or simply laze around to relax your tired legs
St Anne’s Church
Heading further ahead on Narrow Street towards Westferry DLR you will see signs towards a small street pointing to St Anne’s church.
A beautiful church designed by a student of Sir Christopher Wren by name of Nicholas Hawksmoor is like a centerpiece of the area with the highest clock tower in London. I haven’t been inside but the grounds and gardens are really pretty. The pictures in autumn make it look pretty even in wet weather. You can easily follow signs from the main road or the by lanes. After touring it, you can turn back to the Narrow Street to visit the Riverside pubs.
Limehouse Townhall
A grade II listed building which is now an official building with the Tower Hamlets Borough Council. You will see the building from the St Anne’s churchyard and also from Commercial Street where it has its entrance.
Read more about it here
The walk is not really a linear one as the places of interest listed here are in various directions. You can start either from Limehouse DLR if you are using the train to reach here. You can also walk from Canary Wharf to Limehouse on the riverside. I stay around 3 kms away so its a frequent walking route for me. My favourite walk is Regent Canal Towpath, walking upto the beautiful Victoria Park. I recommend you to do that once in London.
