St Katharine Docks Marina, London
Historic London marina beside Tower Bridge, blending maritime heritage with vibrant modern waterfront life.
St Katharine Docks Marina is a historic and vibrant marina located beside the Tower of London in central London. Originally opened in 1828 as a commercial dock designed by Thomas Telford, it has since been transformed into a bustling marina and mixed-use development featuring luxury yachts, restaurants, offices, and residential spaces. The site blends rich maritime history with modern urban regeneration, offering scenic views of Tower Bridge and the Thames.
A brief summary to St Katharine Docks Marina
- 50 St Katharine's Way, London, E1W 1LA, GB
- +442072645312
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience to enjoy the marina’s scenic views and historic ambiance.
- Explore the restored warehouses and enjoy waterfront dining at one of the many restaurants lining the docks.
- Look out for occasional visiting historic vessels like the Rowbarge 'Gloriana' to enrich your visit.
- Take photos of Tower Bridge from the marina for iconic London views, especially during sunset.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the District or Circle Line to Tower Hill station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to St Katharine Docks. The station is well-served with frequent trains and fully accessible. No additional fare beyond standard London Underground charges applies.
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Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
Use the Tower Gateway DLR station, a 10-minute walk from the marina. The DLR offers frequent services connecting to Canary Wharf and Stratford. Oyster and contactless payment cards are accepted with standard London transit fares.
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Bus
Several London bus routes serve the Tower Hill area, including routes 15, 42, and 78. Buses run frequently during the day with journey times varying from 20 to 40 minutes depending on starting point. Contactless payment or Oyster cards are accepted.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop you directly at St Katharine Docks. Travel time from central London is typically 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of £10-£20.
St Katharine Docks Marina location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about St Katharine Docks Marina
Origins Rooted in Medieval London
The site of St Katharine Docks has a history dating back to the 12th century when Queen Matilda, wife of King Stephen, established a hospital and church here to provide shelter and care for travelers and the sick. This medieval institution, known as St Katharine's by the Tower, gave its name to the area. Over centuries, the surrounding district became a densely populated community with wharves known as the ‘Legal Quays’ where goods were unloaded under strict customs control.Engineering Marvel of the 19th Century
In response to growing trade congestion and theft along the Thames, an Act of Parliament in 1825 authorized the redevelopment of the 23-acre site into enclosed docks. Designed by the renowned engineer Thomas Telford, the docks opened in 1828 featuring two linked basins (East and West) accessed via an entrance lock from the Thames. The warehouses, designed by Philip Hardwick, were built directly on the quayside to facilitate efficient unloading. Despite the innovative design, the docks struggled commercially due to their inability to accommodate larger ships.Decline and Wartime Impact
By the early 20th century, St Katharine Docks were amalgamated with neighboring London docks and managed by the Port of London Authority. The docks suffered heavy bombing during World War II, with warehouses around the east basin destroyed and the area partially converted into a landfill site. Post-war, the docks never fully recovered and ceased commercial operations in 1968, marking the end of their original maritime function.Transformation into a Modern Marina and Urban Hub
Following closure, much of the dockside warehouses were demolished. Beginning in the 1970s, the area underwent significant regeneration led by developers Taylor Woodrow. The transformation included the construction of the Tower Hotel, office buildings such as the World Trade Centre, and luxury residential developments. By the 1990s, the docks had been converted into a marina, now home to yachts, barges, and leisure boats, alongside a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, and offices.Community and Conservation Efforts
The redevelopment of St Katharine Docks has been praised as a successful example of urban regeneration. Local groups like the Friends of St Katharine Docks have played a vital role in preserving the character and heritage of the area, influencing planning decisions and improvements. The marina continues to balance commercial activity with public access, maintaining its identity as a unique maritime and cultural landmark in London.Scenic Setting and Cultural Significance
Situated beside the iconic Tower of London and with views of Tower Bridge, St Katharine Docks offers a picturesque setting blending historic architecture with modern amenities. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy waterfront dining, boating, and cultural events, embodying London’s rich maritime legacy alongside contemporary urban life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Roman Wall of Londinium
0.3 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
Wakefield Tower
0.4 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
London Wall
0.5 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.5 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.5 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Custom House
0.8 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Execution Dock House
0.9 km
Historic riverside site where pirates and maritime criminals met justice in London’s centuries-old Admiralty executions.
The Captain Kidd
1.0 km
Historic riverside pub with authentic maritime charm, classic ales, and scenic Thames views in London’s Wapping district.
Pudding Ln
1.0 km
Explore Pudding Lane, a historic London street where the Great Fire ignited, and discover the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the City.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
1.0 km
Discover Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the UK, where rich history and stunning architecture meet in the heart of London.
The Shard
1.0 km
Experience London’s tallest landmark with breathtaking 360-degree views, luxury dining, and iconic cityscapes from The Shard’s sky-high observation decks.
Lloyd's of London
1.0 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr
1.1 km
Experience the architectural beauty and serene atmosphere of the Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr, a historical gem in the heart of London.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
1.1 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
1.1 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tower Bridge
0.3 km
Walk across London’s most famous bridge, explore its high-level walkways and glass floors, and discover the Victorian engineering behind this iconic landmark.
Lanthorn Tower
0.3 km
Step into the Lanthorn Tower to explore the medieval royal lodgings and rich history of the Tower of London’s riverside palace.
Tower of London
0.3 km
Explore the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history and home to the Crown Jewels, perfect for all history lovers.
The Crown Jewels
0.4 km
Explore the dazzling Crown Jewels collection, a symbol of British monarchy and history, housed securely within the iconic Tower of London.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
0.4 km
Explore London’s iconic Tower Bridge with panoramic views, historic Engine Rooms, and a unique gift shop celebrating this engineering masterpiece.
Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula
0.4 km
Historic Tudor chapel within the Tower of London, resting place of executed royalty and a vibrant parish church for over 500 years.
Tower Hill
0.5 km
Historic Tower Hill offers a captivating blend of medieval heritage, iconic landmarks, and vibrant riverside charm in the heart of London.
Bridge Theatre
0.5 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in London’s innovative Bridge Theatre, where flexible design meets immersive performances by the Thames.
Tower of London Ice Rink
0.5 km
Skate in the historic moat of London’s iconic Tower of London for a magical winter experience surrounded by medieval walls and festive cheer.
Shad Thames
0.5 km
Historic riverside charm meets modern luxury in Shad Thames, London’s iconic Victorian warehouse quarter by Tower Bridge.
Sundial at the Tower Hill
0.5 km
A captivating bronze sundial near Tower Hill station, telling London’s 2,000-year history through intricate carvings and offering stunning views of the Tower of London.
Potters Fields Park
0.5 km
A peaceful riverside park by Tower Bridge blending historic pottery heritage with vibrant gardens and iconic London views.
Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience
0.5 km
Immerse yourself in the thrilling 1605 Gunpowder Plot with live actors, authentic vaults, and cutting-edge VR at Tower Hill Vaults.
8-12 Tower Hill
0.6 km
Historic Tower Hill in London, where ancient walls meet iconic landmarks and vibrant riverside life unfolds.
Trinity Square Gardens
0.6 km
A quiet City garden on the site of Tower Hill’s scaffold, home to the Tower Hill Memorial and framed by historic architecture and views of the Tower of London.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Story
0.6 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
La Dame de Pic London
0.6 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
0.9 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.0 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.0 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
George
1.3 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.4 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Madison
1.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Nomadic community
1.9 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Lyle's
2.0 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Mercato Metropolitano
2.0 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
The Clove Club
2.4 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
2.4 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Sea Containers Restaurant
2.5 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Brawn
2.5 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
0.5 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
0.6 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.1 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Middlesex Textiles
1.2 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.2 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Fashion St
1.3 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
The Royal Exchange
1.3 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Borough Yards
1.4 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Commercial St
1.4 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
1 Poultry
1.5 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Spitalfields Market
1.5 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Sclater Street Market
1.6 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.6 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
1.6 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
The Truman Brewery Markets
1.6 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nine Lives
0.8 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Bootlegger
1.0 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Moonshine Saloon
1.0 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.1 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bell
1.1 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.1 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Discount Suit Company
1.2 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.2 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Old School Yard
1.3 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.4 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.4 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Dirty Dicks
1.4 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.4 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Midnight Apothecary
1.4 km
Discover a magical rooftop bar blending botanical cocktails, fire pits, and historic tunnel tours atop London’s Brunel Museum.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Shoreditch
1.9 km
Experience East London's vibrant nightlife with inventive cocktails and bold Japanese-inspired art at The Cocktail Club Shoreditch.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
E1
0.8 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
The Steel Yard
1.3 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Ministry of Sound
2.2 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
The Hoxton Pony
2.2 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
XOYO LONDON
2.3 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Corsica Studios
2.3 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Trafik
2.4 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Club 701
2.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.5 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
London Best Night Clubs
2.8 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
3.1 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
3.1 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
3.1 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Proud Late
3.2 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
3.5 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
