Museum of London - Docklands
The Museum of London has a large collection that explores the City of London from prehistoric times all the way to the present.
London, a city steeped in history and culture, offers travelers a myriad of attractions to explore. One hidden gem that often escapes the mainstream tourist radar is the Museum of London in Docklands. Nestled in the heart of Canary Wharf, this museum is a treasure trove of maritime history, providing a fascinating journey through London's past as a bustling port city.
The Museum of London in Docklands is conveniently situated in the historic West India Quay, just a stone's throw away from Canary Wharf. This location is not only rich in history but also easily accessible, making it an excellent addition to your London itinerary.
The Musuem's Location
The Museum of London in Docklands is conveniently situated in the historic West India Quay, just a stone's throw away from Canary Wharf. This location is not only rich in history but also easily accessible, making it an excellent addition to your London itinerary.
The Building
Housed in a Grade I-listed warehouse, the museum itself is a testament to London's maritime heritage. The building, with its exposed brickwork and industrial charm, provides the perfect backdrop for the extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits within.
Exploring the Galleries
The museum is divided into several galleries, each offering a unique perspective on London's maritime history. Here are some highlights:
Sailortown: Step back in time to the 19th century and experience life in Sailortown. This immersive gallery recreates the sights and sounds of a bustling dockside community, complete with narrow streets, shops, and taverns. It's a captivating glimpse into the daily lives of sailors and dock workers.
London, Sugar & Slavery: Delve into London's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and the impact it had on the city's development. This thought-provoking exhibit explores the historical connections between London, the Caribbean, and West Africa, shedding light on a dark chapter in the city's past.
Warehouse of the World: Uncover the story of London as a global trading hub. The exhibit showcases the vast array of goods that passed through the city's docks, emphasizing London's role as the "Warehouse of the World." From tea to textiles, the collection highlights the diverse and interconnected nature of global trade.
Mudlarks: For a family-friendly experience, the Mudlarks gallery is a hands-on, interactive space designed for younger visitors. Children can explore the mudlarking tradition along the River Thames, uncovering hidden treasures and learning about the history of this unique practice.
Events and Activities
The Museum of London in Docklands regularly hosts events, workshops, and guided tours, providing visitors with opportunities to engage more deeply with the exhibits. Check the museum's schedule to see if there are any special events or activities during your visit.
The Museum of London is open daily except for December 24th-26th and it has free admission, making it a great place to visit for anyone travelling on a budget.
For more information about the Museum of London as well as exhibitions and hours visit their official website.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoMuseum of London - Docklands Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL, UK
Phone: 020 7001 9844
Official Website: Museum of London - Docklands
Museum of London - Docklands Reviews
Rated out of 5
A beautiful day out was had at this hidden museum. I had no idea what to expect but we saw more than we had anticipated. Rated 4* as wish I knew more about what was happening and then paid in advance to attend. There’s plenty for children and adults to do to learn and have fun including the family trail, under 5 and over 5 trails around the museum. There are some activities to complete on the Sainsburys floor and a cafe on the ground floor for food, drinks and chilling out.
Uzo Amaka - a week ago
Highly recommend this free museum to everyone. We went to see the slave trade trail secrets of the Thames and the exodus exhibition but spent hours here looking at everything.
this place is fantastic for children, young and old, with interactive displays, touch and dress up areas sprinkled throughout. they also had free talks so you could find out about particular things and the walkthrough areas make it even more interesting.
A great day out, easy walk from stations and next to lots of food places. we left to get lunch and came back no problem.
KYtravel - a month ago
This is a underrated museum and it is way larger than it looks like from outside. The museum is very creatively designed and have a lot of artifacts, I learned way more about London’s history from this museum, wonderful place to add to your itinerary if you are visiting the Canary Wharf area.
Julia Liang - 2 weeks ago
London Museum Docklands is a fantastic place to visit!
The museum is child-friendly, with plenty of interactive exhibits and events—we visited on a Saturday, and there was a special event happening. Entry is free, and it was great to see so many families and kids enjoying themselves.
The museum is well-organised across multiple levels, with clear directions and maps to guide you. The galleries are fascinating, offering a deep dive into the rich history of the Docklands and London in general. There’s also a nice café on the ground floor for a break.
Highly recommend for history lovers and families alike!
Rosi Petkova - 5 months ago
Visited Canary Wharf with my family on a Saturday and found the museum by chance as we were shopping around the area. So glad we did. Too much to mention on here. Please do visit the museum when in the area and set aside a few hours (at least 3 hours) as there is so much history presented here and we were blown away at just how much there is to learn and what's on display.
Plus its free! They do accept donations - cash or card. On a very recent trip to Prague, we had to pay for all attractions including museums, so its refreshing that some museums (all?) are still free in England. Donations keep it that way.
Definitely worth a visit!
Dr Sean Kassen - a week ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Jubilee | Canary Wharf | 12 Minutes |
How to get to Museum of London - Docklands by Tube
From Canary Wharf Exit via Jubilee Plaza, turn right (north) through the plaza and up the stairs, turn left onto S. Colonnade, turn right into Cabot Square, continue north past the fountain and across the North Dock Footbridge, turn left and follow the West India Quay Promenade to the museum entrance at the western end.
Taking LOndon River Services to Canary Wharf is also a great option for getting to the Museum of London in Docklands.
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Photo Gallery
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Main Museum of London which has now been closed cc licensed photo by markhillary -
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Photo Credit: Ewan-M - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mattbuck4950 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ben Sutherland - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ben Sutherland - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ben Sutherland - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mattbuck4950 - cc license via Flickr
