Heritage and Museums
East London is home to the best and the most unusual museums in London and where else in London can boast two World Heritage Sites, the Tower of London and Maritime Greenwich?
East London can boast areas such as the London Bridge Area , with its two international icons, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London and other attractions of international standing like the London Dungeons and the HMS Belfast as well as the more unusual and quirky Old Operating Theatre & Herb Garret Museum and Fashion & Textile Museum.
All attractions being within short walking distance. Read more>>>
Maritime Greenwich is not only a World Heritage Site, but the home of London’s maritime heritage and history
and is only 20 minutes from central London (Zone 2 of the Underground). Attractions here include the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College and the Cutty Sark. Read more>>>
The historic Spitalfields neighbourhood has a wonderful selection of unusual and small museums including the Whitechapel Gallery, Dennis Severs House and the Geffrye Museum. Or follow one of the self-guided cultural walks around Spitalfields and discover the evidence of Jewish and Bengali immigrant populations that have lived or live in the area. More>>>
Located in the Docklands, Canary Wharf is well worth visiting to walk around this incredible post-industrial landscape and the Museum in Docklands on West India Quay documents the remarkable story of the people who worked in the port of London and along the River Thames from Roman times to the present day taking you through the huge changes of the 80's and 90's after the London Docks fell into disuse. Read more>>>
The Royal Arsenal where they made bombs for Britain was once a secret and forbidden place. Now that has all changed with open access for the public; both the new Heritage Centre and the exciting Royal Artillery Museum, Firepower!, certainly deserve a visit. On the other side of the Thames, accessible via a foot tunnel or the Woolwich Free Ferry is North Woolwich Old Station Museum. Read more>>>
Deptford is a place with a long history, or rather many histories; shipbuilding, pirates, Peter the Great, exploration, industrial firsts, royal residences and post war decline. Any visitor to Deptford will also feel the buzz and enjoy the sense of chirpy community offered by an anytime visit to its uncommercialised high street and street markets. Read more>>>
The City of London is the oldest part of London, somewhat bigger than the area inside the Roman and medieval city walls. The City of London is now one of London's main financial districts alongside the modern Canary Wharf Estate to the East of the City.
The City of London is not just about business and finance though, it also has a long and fascinating history and plenty of attractions. Read more>>>
Further afield there are a number of hidden gems including medieval Eltham Palace and the Art Deco Courtauld House, the family-friendly Horniman Museum and Gardens, Crossness Pumping Station - the rather unusual attraction reflecting the particular industrial heritage of East London, the fine Grade I listed Turdor mansion - Hall Place and a once rich city merchant's suburban villa - Danson House. Read more>>>
TourEast London Tip - Check out www.londonopenhouse.org to plan your visit to explore hidden east London as part of the London Open House weekend in September each year.
