Home LONDON What to do near the Tower Bridge: St Katharine Docks

What to do near the Tower Bridge: St Katharine Docks

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How many times have we walked along both banks of the Thames near Tower Bridge without knowing about St Katharine Docks? A little hidden gem, where you can relax from the crowd and find a London that you don’t expect. We were lucky because, despite being mid-October, a blue sky and super mild temperatures have made this day even more beautiful, for everyone. I say for everyone because we always stroll around the city with our children, who want to run and play (as it should be). St Katharine Docks is a completely pedestrian area, so just perfect for families with kids. If you are in the Tower Bridge area and are looking for a place to eat, head to St. Katharine’s Dock.

 

ST KATHARINE DOCKS: HOW TO ARRIVE

Just outside the Tower Hill tube stop you will be catapulted into history, because you can admire what remains of the Roman walls, built when the Romans invaded and founded Londinium. These walls survived all this time, including the bombings of the Second World War, as proof of their famous and recognized solidity.

What to do near the Tower Bridge right outside tower hill station, the roman walls

The view of the Tower of London just outside the Tower Hill tube station

What to do near the Tower Bridge the roman wall between modern buildings

the roman wall between modern buildings

While you are admiring the roman walls, you will see in front of you the grandeur of the Tower of London. In addition there is also to a nice playground, where obviously we spent a lot of time with children.

What to do near the Tower Bridge the playground just outside Tower Hill station in London

The playground just outside Tower Hill station

 

The view from this side of the Thames is full of contrasts. Behind the Tower of London there are in fact the buildings of the City, and the Shard, the tallest skyscraper in London, as well as the fifth highest skyscraper in Europe and the 67th in the world.

What to do near the Tower Bridge the view of the Tower of London and of the Shard

The view of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and of the Shard all together

The contrast of the Tower of London and behind the buildings of the City

The contrast of the Tower of London and behind the buildings of the City

 

If you leave the Tower on your east side, walk along the street to admire the Tower Bridge. I suggest, in case you didn’t do so far, to get on the two walkways that connect the two towers, whose floor is made of glass and you feel like being flying over the Thames.

Leave the Tower and Tower bridge on the right and from St Katharine’s Way and be on the lookout for a discrete staircase that will take you directly to St Katharine’s Dock.

 

ST KATHARINE DOCKS: A LITTLE MARINE CLOSE TO THE TOWER BRIDGE

St Katharine Docks is the only working marina in central London. Hidden from view, it’s the most tranquil of havens nestled in the centre of the city.

The dock, designed in 1828, was once one of the busiest ports in the UK, renowned for the handling luxury goods, sugar, rum, spices, perfumes, wines and teas.

You can imagine how must have been in the past here.  Hidden under these warehouses that surround the small port, the vast vaults that once housed thousands of barrels of precious wine and other luxury goods that poured daily into the piers.

 

What to do near the Tower Bridge St Katharine Docks

St Katharine Docks

I can tell you, you will be enchanted by this marina. The children were enthusiastic of this place, and very happy to admire the moored boats and ancient vessels. We enjoyed that corner of silence from the noise of the city. It didn’t seem to be in the heart of London! It was very much like walking along the Ligurian coast in Italy.

What to do near the Tower Bridge St Katharina Docks

St Katharina Docks

St Katharine Docks is actually made up of three basins, three intercommunicating Docks located one level higher than the Thames. So the boats that have to enter into the marina, first pass through a lock (lock) whose level is raised: the water is pumped from the river, to be at the same level of the docks.
To get out the boats go from the docks to the lock, whose level is lowered by pouring water into the river.

 

What to do near the Tower Bridge St Katharine Docks

St Katharine Docks

 

FRESH PASTA AT ST KATHARINE DOCKS

St Katharine Docks is full of restaurants with outdoor tables, where you can have lunch while enjoying the gorgeous view of the port.

We had lunch at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, where we could taste excellent fresh homemade pasta.

What to do near the Tower Bridge Emilia's Pasta at St Katharine Docks

Emilia’s Pasta at St Katharine Docks

The children ate homemade ravioli and pappardelle with meat sauce, much appreciated by both. For me and my partner, a carbonara with salmon and caserecce with mushrooms, both delicious.

salmon carbonara at emilia's pastapappardelle at st emilia's pasta

It’s amazing that the pasta is freshly prepared every day as well as the ravioli.

What to do near the Tower Bridge home made pasta at emilia's crafted pasta

Home made pasta at Emilia’s crafted pasta

What to do near the Tower Bridge fresh ravioli at emilia's crafted pasta

Fresh ravioli at Emilia’s crafted Pasta

 

Another point in favor of this place, the choice of craft beer.

What to do near the Tower Bridge good bier at Emilia's crafted pasta

bier at Emilia’s crafted pasta

What to do near the Tower BridgeDespite it was October, we had lunch outside, right in front of the moored boats. It seemed to be on holiday!

What to do near the Tower Bridge st Katharine docks

After lunch we continued the walk in the Docks and then along the Thames.

What to do near the Tower Bridge st-katharine-docks What to do near the Tower Bridge st-katharine-docks What to do near the Tower Bridge

I recommend going east because only ten minutes from here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Tower of London and the Shard in the background.

Perfect for a souvenir to take home 🙂

What to do near the Tower Bridge What to do near the Tower Bridge

 

And this is the video of the day, enjoy!

If you liked this Post, Pin it and share it 🙂

what to do near tower bridge st katharine docks

I was a guest of Emila’s Crafted Pasta, but as always, all views are my opinionated own.

 

CulturedKids

 

 

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26 commenti

Dani November 14, 2018 - 04:49

Con il tuo blog mi piace scoprire nuovi angoli molto suggestivi e poco turistici… ecco, mi è già venuta voglia di tornare a Londra!

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mumwhatelse November 14, 2018 - 08:14

Grazie Daniela, anche per noi che ci viviamo c’è sempre qualcosa di nuovo da scoprire!

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ania November 15, 2018 - 10:57

We spent week in London, but didn’t explore any of the places you wrote about, and all seems so interesting. We will do check them out next time.

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mumwhatelse November 15, 2018 - 15:43

Absolutely worth a visit, the north bank of Thames are so beautiful!

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Virginia November 23, 2018 - 15:06

Baladin Beer in London! Thank you for this beautiful place, home to go and see it soon

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mumwhatelse November 26, 2018 - 22:27

thank you!

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Nancy | MapandFamily March 9, 2019 - 15:51

There’s so much to see in that part of London, it’s great for a family outing. Especially good to visit St Katharine’s Dock on a sunny day so you can sit outside! #culturedkids

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mumwhatelse March 9, 2019 - 19:52

Yeah the weather was just glorious and it was great for a family outing 🙂

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Vyki from Museum Mum March 10, 2019 - 20:40

I had no idea there was a playground near Tower Hill! Will definitely be hunting for that next time we’re in the area. I’ve always been put off At Katharines Dock by the ugly hotel block but I will revisit with a more open mind next time we’re in the area #CulturedKids

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mumwhatelse March 11, 2019 - 20:59

Hey Vicky, yes I liked this little marina so much, and the playground is just perfect to start the itinerary 🙂

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Scarlett March 11, 2019 - 11:23

I am so embarrassed to say I have never been to St Katherine’s Docks! I didn’t realise it was the only working marina in central London either. Thanks for sharing with #CULTUREDKIDS

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mumwhatelse March 11, 2019 - 21:06

Don’t be embarrassed Scarlett, we happen to discover it as well. Beautiful!!

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Nicola March 12, 2019 - 08:12

The Crafted Pasta looks amazing! #culturedkids

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mumwhatelse March 12, 2019 - 13:11

I am Italian and quite demanding and the food was just delicious!

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Annette, Four Acorns / Quatre graines de chêne March 12, 2019 - 17:46

I walked past those Roman walls so many times back when I lived in London, and not once have I ever looked at them, or appreciated them, properly! I used to work near London Bridge and I seem to remember going to St. Katharine’s Dock once or twice but memories are fading… Still, it looks beautiful and so quiet in the sunshine.
#CulturedKids

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mumwhatelse March 14, 2019 - 10:15

We had great time in this little area and roman walls are a great historical wonder!!

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Keri | Ladies What Travel March 14, 2019 - 16:19

I love guides to specific areas in a city, it shows you how much somewhere really has to offer. I need to go back and explore more of St Katherine’s Docks and definitely have lunch at that restaurant, fresh pasta is the best! #CulturedKids

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mumwhatelse March 14, 2019 - 16:44

I am happy to hear this, i felt the same when I popped the first time in this little corner 🙂

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Zenbabytravel March 15, 2019 - 15:13

We love St Katherine’s docks – usually eat tapas and grab drinks at the lovely flowery pub – everything is so instagramable in there!

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mumwhatelse March 15, 2019 - 15:46

Yes absolutely an Instagram spot 🙂

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Megan - truly madly kids March 18, 2019 - 20:52

London throws up so many surprises, and this is one of them! So much to do in that part of town but not as well known! Thanks for sharing #culturedkids

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mumwhatelse March 19, 2019 - 12:04

Thank you Megan!

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Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays March 19, 2019 - 10:47

Love that there is a little part of the sea right in the centre of London

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mumwhatelse March 19, 2019 - 12:14

I love that too!!

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Rossella June 21, 2019 - 15:58

Molto bella questa zona di londra! Mi piace seguire il tuo blog per scoprire aree nuove, particolari e interessanti!

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mumwhatelse June 23, 2019 - 19:32

Grazie mille Rossella 🙂

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