Walking Tour - Limehouse: A Hamlet in Docklands

The roads and riverside of Limehouse reveal evidence of its centuries-long connections with the sea and maritime trades and of its long journey from tiny riverside village – one of the “tower hamlets” – to today’s modern docklands district. Sailors passing through made it a truly cosmopolitan area– home to London’s first Chinatown – a bustling hive of industry with a dark side which philanthropists sought to address and some writers sought to exploit in sensational stories. Our walk takes us to the sublime St Anne’s church and Narrow Street’s fine 17th century house-fronts, to palatial sailors’ hostels, well- preserved 19th century warehouses and one of the very oldest urban railway viaducts, taking in splendid river views to Canary Wharf and the City along the way.

We meet just outside Westferry DLR station, at the end of Limehouse Causeway, by the Spice Merchant restaurant.

The walk lasts about two hours and ends very near Limehouse DLR station. The walk is largely on flat ground. There are a few flights of stairs (6-12 steps), but these can be avoided if required.

Some reviews of this walk:

Thank you for the lovely Sunday morning guided tour. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Although living in Limehouse for the last 16 years, you highlighted so many things I didn’t know.

Andrew, our guide, had a relaxed and friendly manner and was easy to listen to. He gave a great overview of the history of the area and lots of fun and unexpected tales too. We were given the opportunity to stop for the toilet and coffee midway (very welcome).

The tour was superb. Well-paced with a fabulous range of sites related to a diversity of historical periods.

Most informative and presented in an interesting way. Great to get a historical perspective on an area that was previously unknown to me (and a different perspective on a previously known area for my partner). Two very satisfied customers.

We enjoyed an informative walk around Limehouse, visiting historic churches, cobbled streets, awesome Thames river frontage and visiting landmarks of the canal and early railroad era. Andrew Parnell is an extremely knowledgeable guide, patiently taking questions and considerate with coffee and toilet breaks too.