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Isle of Dogs

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Area Overview

The Isle of Dogs is a former island in the East End of London that is bounded on three sides by the River Thames. Access to the Isle of Dogs is via water, bridge or tunnel.

The Isle of Dogs was first recorded in the 16th century, although historians believe the area to be much older than this. The origin of its name is much debated, with suggestions that it may have been linked to Edward III’s greyhounds, or a mutation of an original name “Isle of Ducks” – given due to the area’s large wildfowl population.

The Isle of Dogs was a busy, industrial docklands area until the early 20th century when it fell into decline. A huge regeneration project during the 1980s saw the area’s fortunes transformed, with the construction of new housing and a new transport infrastructure.

Inspire Me

“…redeveloped riverfront formerly part of the Port of London, at one time the world's largest port.”

The Isle of Dogs E14 postcode encompasses parts of the area known as Docklands and is best known as the location of the prestigious Canary Wharf office complex. One Canada Square, also known as the Canary Wharf Tower, is one of the tallest habitable buildings in Britain, standing at 244 metres tall. To the west of Canary Wharf sits Limehouse, a small area that offers village charm and modern, marina living.

Cabot Place, adjacent to the Canary Wharf complex, is the area’s main shopping hub. Lots of high-street stores, designer boutiques, chain restaurants and a cinema can be found at the Canary Wharf shopping centre. Around the canal and riverside are numerous historic pubs and fancy restaurants. There is also a selection of shops at West India Quay and a small shopping centre at South Quay. Limehouse has a historic shopping area and cobbled streets. Also located on the Isle of Dogs is the London Arena, one of the country’s major sporting and concert venues.

With so many diverse areas contained within the E14 postcode, it is little wonder that nightlife is lively, varied and caters for all tastes. Many of the area’s best pubs and restaurants are located along the riverbank and offer a more relaxed atmosphere. The Gun at West India Docks is a traditional pub serving up real cask ales, with a huge patio overlooking the Thames. Gaucho Canary is a riverside bar and restaurant which offers al fresco dining on its large terrace on the water’s edge. The Grapes in Limehouse, an old haunt of Charles Dickens, is one of the oldest Thames-side pubs serving up pub grub and a great selection of drinks.

Property in the Isle of Dogs

In the south of the island there are still a number of traditional terraced houses, and to the north some Victorian townhouses. Property within the Canary Wharf area consists mainly of apartments with some spectacular river views. West India Quay and Burrells Wharf offer contemporary warehouse conversions, as well as modern townhouses and Victorian terraces. Waterside development is ongoing, with new blocks such as Baltimore Wharf and Streamlight among some of the most recent. At the pretty waterside location of Limehouse Basin, expensive modern apartment blocks offer luxury living that attracts many celebrities such as Sir Ian McKellen and Graham Norton.

The River Thames at the Isle of Dogs

Given its island location, there are plenty of activities and attractions to be enjoyed along this stretch of the River Thames. Some highlights include:

  • Museum of London’s Docklands, at West India Quay
  • Docklands Sailing and Watersports centre
  • Cross the South Kew Bridge and visit the famous Kew Gardens
  • Mudchute Park and Farm, with over 40 acres including a working farm, an equestrian centre and cafe, located just off the river path
  • The Space, an acclaimed arts centre located in a converted chapel on Westferry Road

Transport in the Isle of Dogs

  • Thames Clipper Service from Canary Wharf Pier to the City
  • The nearest London tube station is Canary Wharf on the Jubilee Line
  • The DLR runs north-south through the Isle of Dogs from stations at Canary Wharf, Crossharbour, Heron Quays, Island Gardens, Mudchute, and South Quay
  • At the southern end of the Isle of Dogs, the Greenwich foot tunnel provides pedestrian access to Greenwich just across the river

RiverHomes – Estate Agents in the Isle of Dogs – Letting Agents in Canary Wharf – The Waterside Property Specialist

As the largest independent specialist selling and letting riverside properties in the Isle of Dogs E14 area, very few people know the Thames like us.  From tide times to local river events and the best waterside restaurants and pubs, RiverHomes estate agents have the river knowledge.

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