Limehouse, Shadwell, Wapping, St Katharine Docks – 4.7 km
- Philip Carey
- Oct 17, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Route Overview
Start: Limehouse DLR
Finish: Tower Hill Station
Distance: 4.7 km
Estimated Time: 25-40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time: Early morning any day, quietest on weekendsTerrain: Mainly off-road, some uneven surfacesNotable: Maritime history, historic pubs, Tower of London approach
Quick Links
Maps: [Google Map] | [Strava Map]
Video: [7:03 High-Speed Route Preview]
Virtual Tour: [360° Interactive Map]
Previous Route: [Docklands – Middle Dock, Westferry & Limehouse – 2.3 km]
Alternative next route [City Tour, Skyscrapers, Bank of England and The Shard]
The Experience
This scenic route takes you along the Thames Path, linking London Docklands to the ancient sites of the City of London. Start at Limehouse Basin Marina, then hug the river through Wapping before emerging next to the Tower of London on the eastern edge of the historic City.
Touch upon many historic dock sites—Limehouse Basin, Shadwell Basin, Hermitage Quay, Tobacco Dock, and St Katharine Docks. Travel through what was once the centre of London Docks in Wapping, today represented by the Ornamental Canal. Pass notorious sites associated with pirates like Execution Dock and Wapping High Street, plus famous pubs such as the Prospect of Whitby and Captain Kidd.
This is a journey through London's maritime soul—where trade, crime, and commerce shaped the city for centuries.
Your Three Layers of Discovery
This self-guided route gives you everything you need to explore at your own pace, all in one place:
Familiarisation Guide – Core route information to get you started confidently
Sightseeing Guide – Points of interest, history, and 360° virtual tours to deepen your understanding
Connoisseur's Guide – Places to eat, drink, explore, plus 'add-on' route.
The Familiarisation Guide
Essential information to help you become familiar with the route before you arrive.
Maps
Use the Google and Strava maps below to stay on track. They show your location relative to the route, helping you explore confidently without getting lost.
Please note: These don't provide turn-by-turn directions—we want you present and alert, using your senses, not glued to your screen.
The Google map shows the main route in red
Both maps will open in a new tab.
High-Speed Route Preview (7:03)
See the route from a runner's perspective—as if you were sprinting at over 40 km/h. Watch this before you go to familiarise yourself visually with what's ahead.
What to Know Before You Go
Best Time to Stride:
The route is quiet along most of the way, except around the Tower of London at the end. Great to do at any time, but early morning is best—the light is at its finest and it's even quieter.
When London Awakens:
In the early morning, the Thames reflects the sky beautifully, and historic Wapping feels like you've stepped back in time. The Tower of London without crowds is an unforgettable sight.
Tideway Tunnel Works:
Near King Edward Memorial Park (Shadwell), works are still ongoing with a temporary Thames Path diversion in place until early 2026.
Tower of London:
Open from 09:00 Tuesday–Saturday and 10:00 on Sundays. Tower Wharf by the river opens from 07:00.
Accessibility:
Mainly off-road with some uneven surfaces and a few steps.
Top Tip:
Have this guide and your chosen map (Google or Strava) available on your mobile for quick reference.
The Sightseeing Guide
Once you know the route, dive deeper into the stories and sights that make this stride special.
Key Sights Along the Way
Limehouse Marina
Start of the Regent's Canal
Thames Path Riverside Views
King Edward Memorial Park
Shadwell Basin
The Prospect of Whitby
Tobacco Dock
The Ornamental Canal
Hermitage Basin and Gardens
St Katharine Docks
Tower of London
Tower Bridge
Explore the gallery below for photos, history, and the stories behind each location.
360° Virtual Tour
Step into the route before you stride it—or relive your experience afterwards. Click the map below to explore interactive 360° views at key locations along the way.
The virtual tour opens in a new tab with a map showing all 360° locations. Click any location icon to be transported to that spot.
The Connoisseur's Guide
Know the route well? Time to become a connoisseur. Discover the best places to eat, drink, and explore in the surrounding area.
Where to Eat & Drink
Not many places along this route, but the ones that exist are characterful and worth discovering.
Key Dining Spots:
Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen – At the start, excellent dining
The Prospect of Whitby – Historic pub at Shadwell, London's oldest riverside tavern
Town of Ramsgate Pub – Historic watering hole
Smith's Restaurants – By Hermitage Riverside Memorial Gardens
St Katharine Docks – Several options around the marina at the end
Around Tower of London – Various choices near the finish
Things to Do
The route offers many attractions for the eyes and is easy on your pocket, giving you a grand entrance into the City of London.
Key Attractions:
Tower of London – A ticketed attraction (entrance fee applies if you want to go inside)
Tower Bridge – Iconic views (there is also the Tower Bridge Experience - a ticketed attraction)
Thames Path Views – Free and spectacular throughout
Historic Pubs – Prospect of Whitby, Captain Kidd, Town of Ramsgate
St Katharine Docks – Beautiful marina to explore
Hermitage Riverside Memorial Garden – Peaceful green space
Tower Bridge – Iconic views (free to walk across)
Shadwell Basin – Former dock now used for water activities
Route Extensions
Stride It Backwards:
Complete the route in reverse for a completely different perspective—approaching the Tower from the City and heading towards the quieter docklands.
Future Extensions:
Plans to extend routes at the start (to explore the canal network), in the middle (around Wapping), and at the end (around the Tower of London). Join our mailing list to be notified when these launch.
Follow-On Routes
Continue Your Journey:
Ready for the next stride? Try the Tower of London, Old Billingsgate & the Monument – 1.5 km route. This is part of our connected series, taking you across London to Hyde Park.
