If you’re looking for a fascinating, free, and often overlooked attraction in London, the Museum of London Docklands is a must-visit. Tucked away in the historic West India Quay warehouses, this museum offers an immersive journey through the city’s maritime past, from 400 years ago to modern-day Docklands regeneration.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting the Docklands Museum — including how to get there, what to see, visitor tips, and why it deserves a place on your London itinerary.
Why visit the Museum of London Docklands?
This is one of my favourite museums in London. It is worth a visit just to admire the original warehouse as it has been restored beautifully. The exhibitions explore a different theme of London’s river, port and people. The nine galleries are spread over all three floors of the warehouse and it is best to take the lift up to the top floor and work your way down.
400 years or history are shown, starting off with the history of the building you are in. The floor still features the beam-scales hanging from the roof timbers and cast-iron window grilles show how security was paramount when the precious cargo of sugar, rum and tea were all stored here.
Highlights of the Museum
What I particularly like about the Museum of London Docklands is how child friendly it is. My children enjoyed playing in the set up areas and you are encouraged to interact with many of the exhibits. During school holidays especially, there are special events put on for children so do check out the website for what might be on when you visit.
Read more: What’s on at London Museum Docklands
The museum does not shy away from the jaded past of the port and features a significant look into people trafficking and slavery as London was a major slave-trading port. One of the galleries sensitively displays the stories of some of the people affected by slavery. It is quite powerful and I would thoroughly recommend taking the time to linger and read through them all.
Sailortown is a fun area of the museum to walk through. It is like a movie set which has recreated some of the shops and buildings around cobbled streets. You can even step into the Three Mariners, one of the actual pubs of the time.
The Docklands area was heavily hit in the Second World War and one of the galleries explores what happened in this time. There are a couple of bomb shelters on display which you can enter and videos to watch which show what went on.
Location
It is the end warehouse right in the heart of Canary Wharf. It is a real juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers next to the original warehouses of the 1800s. There is a lot to do around the Canary Wharf area so you can make a whole day of your visit by spending time in the area. There are many great restaurants with the Crossrail roof garden nearby at Canary Wharf. If you are visiting with children, I would thorough recommend visiting Mudchute Farm and Park which is a couple of stops on the DLR or a 30 minute walk.
Read more: Mudchute Farm and Park
Getting To London Docklands Museum
The museum is just a couple of minutes walk from West India Quay DLR station or just under a 10 minute walk from Canary Wharf pier where you could arrive by Uber Boat.
Read more: Best apps to plan your journey around London
Opening Hours
It is open every day from 10am to 5pm. You will need to plan for at least an hour for your visit.
Tickets
It is free to visit but donations are welcomed. No tickets or booking required unless you are interested in a specific event which you may need to book a place. Check out the website for details.
Toilets
The main toilets are on the ground floor just next to the café or there are accessible toilets both there and on the third floor.
Eating and Drinking
There is a lovely café on the ground floor towards the back of the building.
Car parking
There are car parks nearby but I would recommend travelling by public transport. The River boats and DLR station are very close by.
Accessibility
As the warehouse has original floorboards it can be a little uneven in places but you will be fine with a wheelchair or buggy. There are lifts to each floor and step-free access to all areas.
Top Tips for visiting London Docklands Museum
- This is quieter than the more popular museums in central London and very family friendly so perfect for a rainy day with children.
- Take the time to explore Canary Wharf while you are here. It is lovely to walk around the docks and take in all the Art displays.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the original floorboards can be a little uneven. I wouldn’t recommend stilettos!
