St Katharine Docks
St Katharine Docks
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Iconic St Katharine Docks is Central London's only marina and has evolved into a thriving waterside community featuring modern and unusual office space, luxury homes and quayside dining and shopping. A stone's throw from the Tower of London, the site has a fascinating history. Opening in 1828, the Thomas Telford-designed dock was once one of the busiest ports in the UK, renowned for handling luxury goods, sugar, rum, spices, perfumes, wines and tea. Today, St Katharine Docks is home to a range of leading companies and brands including tech incubator Rainmaking Loft, Tom's Kitchen, CAU, Bravas Tapas and artisan coffee shop White Mulberries. Every Friday, the Docks hosts the popular World Food Market, serving some of the capital's best street food.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
How to get there
- Gallions Reach • 4 min walk
- Tower Gateway • 7 min walk
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Restaurants
9,532 within 3 miles
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2,786 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- therichastillStevenage, United Kingdom3,457 contributionsSwanky Boats and Swanky BarsSt Katharine Docks is right next to Tower Bridge. Based on its location and that it is so close to the city of London it is quite an exclusive area. Surrounding the water are lots of former warehouses that have been converted into offices and flats with bars and restaurants on the ground floor. Moored up on pontoons in the water are the creme de la creme of boats! I saw yachts, cruisers and narrowboats moored up although when I visited there seemed to be no one about. There are a couple of statues in the area which make for good photo opportunities. It's a nice place to visit if you have not seen the area before and there are some nice views of the River Thames as well.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten November 4, 2023
- Shae HepburnCroydon, United Kingdom16 contributionsA stunning night out at this beautiful part of London!St.Katherine's Docks is simply magical in the evenings. There is an array of places to eat and drink and in my opinion one of London's most wonderful areas. I have been a few times and look forward to returning, if nothing else to enjoy the romantic views of the docks!Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 10, 2024
- Tom RLondon, United Kingdom12 contributionsGreat place to stay in the hart of LondonStayed in st Katharine marina on a 6 months winter contract . I found the marina and their staff are just fantastic. Paul , Jamie , Margaret ,Clair, Joseph ,craig,Rone , Aesha, Alena and Rob . Great marina to stay . Well with a second trip in the near futureVisited November 2023Traveled soloWritten May 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
767 reviews
Excellent
426
Very good
301
Average
31
Poor
6
Terrible
3
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Acineto
Auckland Central, New Zealand23,757 contributions
Dec 2019
We actually came by the area to get lunch at Dickens Inn but it was surprisingly quite a nice area to walk around in. The docks are lined with restaurants so there are plenty of places to eat and relax. There was also a medieval banquet restaurant here but it looked closed when we walked past. There are also quite a few footbridges that go over the water. These bridges move around when a boat needs to pass. It was quite a nice place to walk around near the water. It is also quite close to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London but not as busy as those areas.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian C
London, UK23,698 contributions
Jul 2020
Even on a cold, cloudy, wet day, it is enjoyable to walk through St Katherine Docks, particularly as now more of the eating and drinking places are opening up.
The site has a long history, having been a hospital in the 12th century, from which the docks take their name. The docks we see today were built between 1827 and 1828 to designs by Thomas Telford (his only project in London), and warehouse buildings designed by Philip Hardwick, of which one block remains and is currently covered in scaffolding as it is refurbished.
After closure as docks in 1968, they were redeveloped, keeping only a few of the original buildings to create a marina, the World Trade Centre and new asset for London with apartments, bars, restaurants and shops, of mixed architectural quality.
One of the less successful new buildings is the Tower Hotel, opened in 1973, which is particularly out of context when viewed from the river side, though the views across to Tower Bridge and Butler's Wharf are stunning, even on a grey day.
If visiting the Tower, then cut across the road and explore the Docks at the same time.
The site has a long history, having been a hospital in the 12th century, from which the docks take their name. The docks we see today were built between 1827 and 1828 to designs by Thomas Telford (his only project in London), and warehouse buildings designed by Philip Hardwick, of which one block remains and is currently covered in scaffolding as it is refurbished.
After closure as docks in 1968, they were redeveloped, keeping only a few of the original buildings to create a marina, the World Trade Centre and new asset for London with apartments, bars, restaurants and shops, of mixed architectural quality.
One of the less successful new buildings is the Tower Hotel, opened in 1973, which is particularly out of context when viewed from the river side, though the views across to Tower Bridge and Butler's Wharf are stunning, even on a grey day.
If visiting the Tower, then cut across the road and explore the Docks at the same time.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HolidaymakerfromHove
Brighton and Hove, UK2,787 contributions
Mar 2022
We visited here for a drink on our way from the Tower of London to Tower Bridge. It’s a nice area of London on the Thames to explore. There are lots of options for eating and drinking.
We visited The Dickens Inn whilst we were here and we lucky enough to see the Royal Barge which is currently moored here.
Nice for a stroll round when in the area.
We visited The Dickens Inn whilst we were here and we lucky enough to see the Royal Barge which is currently moored here.
Nice for a stroll round when in the area.
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mike d
Fareham, UK834 contributions
Oct 2021
Currently subject to maintenance ongoing at the inner lock gate, the basin is blockaded and vessels are stuck inside until work is complete. The atmosphere is thereby substantially reduced. Tourists are put off by the barriers and progress of the works so footfall is much less. Cafes and bars are open but the whole place is quiet and appears deserted. Once the lock is up and running again the vibe hopefully will return to pre lockdown levels.
Written October 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK3,457 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
St Katharine Docks is right next to Tower Bridge. Based on its location and that it is so close to the city of London it is quite an exclusive area. Surrounding the water are lots of former warehouses that have been converted into offices and flats with bars and restaurants on the ground floor.
Moored up on pontoons in the water are the creme de la creme of boats! I saw yachts, cruisers and narrowboats moored up although when I visited there seemed to be no one about.
There are a couple of statues in the area which make for good photo opportunities.
It's a nice place to visit if you have not seen the area before and there are some nice views of the River Thames as well.
Moored up on pontoons in the water are the creme de la creme of boats! I saw yachts, cruisers and narrowboats moored up although when I visited there seemed to be no one about.
There are a couple of statues in the area which make for good photo opportunities.
It's a nice place to visit if you have not seen the area before and there are some nice views of the River Thames as well.
Written November 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seattle
Coventry, UK180 contributions
Nov 2024 • Solo
"St. Katharine's Dock is a beautiful and serene spot in the middle of London's bustling cityscape. The dock area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with its charming cobblestone streets and picturesque views of the river. There are several cafes and restaurants nearby, making it a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. I was particularly impressed by the historical significance of the area, with its rich maritime heritage and connection to the city's past. Overall, St. Katharine's Dock is a hidden oasis that offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle."I bought a railcard on trainpal and got a 20% discount when I entered the RC777E code! Hope to help those who come to the UK to play~
Written November 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikael F
Helsinki, Finland31,125 contributions
Jul 2022
This former dock and now a mixed-used district with a marina lies on the north bank of the River Thames, next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
From 1828 to 1968, it was one of the commercial docks that made up the Port of London. Now it is a redevelopment zone known as Docklands, a popular housing and leisure complex.
Our hotel, the Tower, was located between Tower Bridge and these docks. It was easy to find restaurants and bars.
From 1828 to 1968, it was one of the commercial docks that made up the Port of London. Now it is a redevelopment zone known as Docklands, a popular housing and leisure complex.
Our hotel, the Tower, was located between Tower Bridge and these docks. It was easy to find restaurants and bars.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna M
Europe3,996 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
It was my wish to visit this precious corner of London and I was not disappointed. As soon as you enter the marina of St. Katharine Docks, you leave behind the tourist frenzy that invades both Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, just a few steps away! The small, winding, marina is well-kept, flower beds, and squares where you can stop quietly listening to the lapping of the small waves of the Thames on the sides of the boats moored... That's all you need to relax. Then, lots of clubs. Recommendation a visit but don’t tell too much about it! 😉
Automatically translated
Written August 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shae Hepburn
Croydon, UK16 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
St.Katherine's Docks is simply magical in the evenings. There is an array of places to eat and drink and in my opinion one of London's most wonderful areas. I have been a few times and look forward to returning, if nothing else to enjoy the romantic views of the docks!
Written March 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
@gastrogezgin (Please follow on Insta)
London, UK446 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
St. Katharine Docks is a landmark with rich history, innovation & huge excitement. A thriving home for communities & businesses; St Katharine Docks is as vibrant as it is welcoming.
London wouldn’t be the global attraction that it is without the mighty Thames. The bustling waterway that snakes through the capital city. St Katharine Docks is one of the most popular destinations to visit for travellers looking for a slice of waterside entertainment.
London wouldn’t be the global attraction that it is without the mighty Thames. The bustling waterway that snakes through the capital city. St Katharine Docks is one of the most popular destinations to visit for travellers looking for a slice of waterside entertainment.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
welk restaurant is een aanrader om op een zondag te lunchen (view & food)
Written June 11, 2018
Persoonlijk kan ik Thom's kitchen erg aanraden.
Written June 11, 2018
Yes. The docks in itself is great for kids. There are plenty of eateries that are children friendly. The Dock is literally just yards from Tower Bridge and that in itself is well worth a visit with the children. Enjoy.
Written March 22, 2017
Is there a list of the shops that are located there? I see there are many restaurants popping up on google maps but can't seem to see what shops they are talking about. Thanks!
Written October 24, 2016
There are a few shops. They either sell tourist stuff or things for boats. I work a few yards away and the only places worth visiting are eateries.
Written October 27, 2016
Is there parking for enough cars. I wouldn't like to stay if I had to hunrt around for a parking spot in Romford as the car park was full
Written February 10, 2015
There is no direct parking within the marina as it is water bound and a pedestrian area around the boats. Cafes and pubs. No road. It is directly adjacent to tower bridge so if you want to drive in you have the usual underground parking at a premium at the tower thistle hotel and also underground for the flats around the Dick. Thomas imoore street. Nightingale house. Access off the commercial road
. Or aldgate. Or drive up along the wapping road adjacent to the Thames.
Written February 11, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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