Located practically in the shadow of Tower Bridge, St Katharine Docks is a historic marina and mixed-use development in Tower Hill in London, located just east of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London (the nearest tube station Tower Hill or Tower Gateway for the DLR). It is also one of London’s prettiest places. And yet, despite its attractiveness and proximity to major tourist attractions, it’s surprisingly not as well known as some other spots in London. In this post, we take a look at and around St Katharine Docks, so you can decide whether it should be added to your list of places to visit in London with your family.
The history of St Katharine Docks
St Katharine Docks took their name from the former hospital of St Katharine’s by the Tower, built in the 12th century, which stood on the site.
The scheme to develop the docks was designed by engineer Thomas Telford. The docks were designed as two main ‘basins’ which were connected and allowed access to the Thames via a shared lock system. Surrounding these basins were warehouse buildings, into which goods could be offloaded from the boats. St Katharine Docks opened on 25 October 1828. An image of what they looked like at the time can be found here.
The docks were damaged in World War II and the site remained derelict until redevelopment started in the late 60s.
St Katharine Docks today
St Katharine Docks now is a pretty marina and home to both shiny yachts and also a number of restaurants. Its proximity to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge make it the ideal place to stop for a bite to eat or just to rest for a while during a day of sightseeing. The water of the marina creates a tranquil atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy city.
St Katharine Docks is formed of three basins:
- the West Basin;
- the East Basin; and
- the Central Basin
The West Basin
The West Basin is bordered to the North and East by various restaurants, including family favourite Honest Burgers. Its West border is made up of office buildings and it opens onto the Central Basin to the South, where the Tower Hotel is located.
Among the boats at St Katharine Docks, keep an eye out for the royal barge Gloriana. The Gloriana was created for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Along with a flotilla of other boats it travelled down the Thames to celebrate the occasion with the Queen and Royal Family aboard. The Gloriana is a resident berth holder at St Katharine Docks Marina.
East Basin
The East Basin is surrounded by homes rather than restaurants, but you can walk around its perimeter. On the East side of the basin you can leave the Docks and across the road is a large Waitrose supermarket, so if you want to stock up on supplies for a picnic, this is a good place to do so. On a pleasant day there will be plenty of places around the East Basin to sit and relax with a view of the water and potentially ducks and other waterfowl.
Central basin
The Central Basin offers some of the prettiest views. To the North is a beautiful warehouse-style building that hosts a number of cafes and restaurants. During summer the patio areas of these restaurants offer a lovely place to enjoy an al fresco meal. There is also a partial view of Tower Bridge.
The Central Basin is home to the Dickens Inn, a reconstruction that is designed to resemble an 18th Century galleried inn. The Dickens Inn is particularly photogenic in the summer when its balcony flowers are in full bloom.
Outside the Dickens Inn is an open space that sometimes plays home to markets or other events. There is also a traditional red phone box for that obligatory red London phone box photo.
As St Katharine Docks is connected to the Thames and the Thames is tidal, boats enter and exit via a lock system. If you are lucky, you might get to see how this works as boats enter and exit. Do note that this means that bridges in the docks might be raised at certain times to allow boats to pass through, and in order to get across you will either need to wait or take an alternative route.
Don’t miss the section of the river to the South of St Katharine Docks (just in front of the Tower Hotel), where you will find a sundial and fountain, and also a fantastic view of Tower Bridge.
Have you been to St Katharine Docks? Tell us about your visit in the comments!
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