Opened in 1987, London City Airport was built on the site of the former Royal Docks. Its distinctive short runway and steep approach make it a favourite with aviation enthusiasts. Conveniently located just minutes from Canary Wharf and central London, it primarily serves business travellers with flights to European and British destinations, maintaining strong links to the area's commercial heritage.

This urban beach offers a unique slice of seaside culture in the heart of East London. Created as part of the Royal Docks' regeneration, it provides a sandy retreat with views across the water. During summer months, visitors can enjoy deck chairs, beach games, and refreshments whilst soaking up the atmosphere of this creative waterside space.

Opened in 1855 as the Royal Victoria Dock, this was the first of the Royal Docks and revolutionised cargo handling with steam cranes and direct rail connections. Over a kilometre long, it once handled tobacco, rubber and frozen meat from across the Empire. Now hosting water sports and festivals, it offers atmospheric waterside walks with ExCeL and City Airport views.

 Created in 2000 as one of Docklands' first major green spaces, this award-winning park features the striking Green Dock—a sunken garden with undulating yew hedges inspired by the area's maritime heritage. With superb Thames Barrier views, wildflower meadows, playground and café, it provides peaceful respite and demonstrates successful urban park design on former industrial land.

Completed in 1982 after devastating 1953 floods prompted action, this engineering marvel protects London from tidal surges with nine massive steel gates spanning 520 metres. The distinctive silver shells remain one of the world's largest movable flood barriers. The north bank offers excellent photography opportunities; however, the Thames Barrier Information Centre is only on the south bank.

Built for the 2012 Olympics as the Emirates Air Line, this cable car provides spectacular Thames crossings between Royal Docks and the O2 on Greenwich Peninsula. The ten-minute journey reaches 90 metres high, offering panoramic views across East London. It's both a practical transport and a genuine attraction—particularly memorable at sunset when London's skyline glows beneath you.

 Since opening in 2000, this vast exhibition centre along Royal Victoria Dock has hosted everything from major trade shows to the 2012 Olympics events and a Nightingale Hospital during the pandemic. Even without attending events, visitors can enjoy the waterfront promenade's dock views and numerous restaurants whilst appreciating this significant regeneration landmark.

 Opened in 1998, this elegant cable-stayed footbridge spans Royal Victoria Dock, connecting the south side close to the Thames Barrier with ExCeL Centre. Its distinctive white towers and diagonal cables have become a Royal Docks icon. The bridge offers superb photography opportunities and atmospheric waterside views, particularly striking when illuminated at night, with aircraft passing overhead towards City Airport.

Built in 1905 for flour milling, this Grade II listed landmark with its striking concrete silos dominated Silvertown's industrial skyline for decades. Though operations ceased in the 1980s, the mill has featured in numerous films. Whilst not open to the public, its imposing art deco façade remains one of East London's most photographed industrial buildings. This whole area is currently being re-developed.