Posted by Wapping and the London Docks
On this walk we’ll explore Wapping, with its riverfront pubs in the heart of the old London docks. Wapping, which stretches from the Tower of London to Limehouse, was once infamous for its connection to pirates and shady highwaymen. It was also part of the hub for the flourishing trade from the British Colonies. The docks were built in the early 19th century to facilitate the import of spices, wines and tobacco.
Locals say they can almost still smell the spices when they walk past the warehouses—now converted flats—near Tobacco Dock and Cinnamon Street.
During our walk we'll visit two pubs—Turner's Old Star, one of the last remaining traditional East End pubs. British painter Joseph Turner, who often painted the river Thames from Wapping, turned two cottages into a tavern for his mistress Peggy Booth.
We'll end our walk at the Prospect of Whitby, with its spectacular views of the Thames, is London's oldest riverfront pub dating back to 1520. The Prospect was once a favourite haunt for smugglers and pirates—as well as with more notable customers, including Charles Dickens.
We'll start our walk at the Wapping Overground station.
