St Mary Overie's Dock: A Historic Thames Landing in London
Historic Thames dock in London’s Southwark, home to the Golden Hinde II and steeped in medieval and maritime heritage.
St Mary Overie's Dock, located on Cathedral Street in London SE1, is a historic dock on the south bank of the River Thames. Named after the nearby medieval priory and church of St Mary Overie (now Southwark Cathedral), the dock has served since the 16th century as a free landing place for parishioners and a key river access point. Today, it is known as the mooring site of the Golden Hinde II, a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship, blending rich maritime history with London's riverside heritage.
A brief summary to St Mary Overie's Dock
- Cathedral St, London, SE1 9DE, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the dock to see the Golden Hinde II, a full-scale replica of Sir Francis Drake’s 16th-century ship.
- Explore nearby Southwark Cathedral to connect with the religious history linked to St Mary Overie.
- Look for informational plaques around the dock that share fascinating local legends and historical facts.
- Enjoy the riverside atmosphere and views of the Thames while reflecting on the dock’s role in London’s maritime past.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to London Bridge Station, served by the Jubilee and Northern lines. From there, it is a 10-15 minute walk along Borough High Street to Cathedral Street and St Mary Overie's Dock. Tube fares range from £2.50 to £5 depending on the time and ticket type.
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Bus
Bus routes 43, 141, and 343 stop near London Bridge or Borough High Street, about a 10-minute walk to the dock. Buses run frequently throughout the day with fares around £1.75 using an Oyster or contactless card.
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Riverboat
Riverboat services operated by Thames Clippers stop at London Bridge City Pier, approximately 10 minutes walk from the dock. This scenic option takes 20-30 minutes from central piers like Embankment or Tower. Tickets cost £6-£8 one way.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations to St Mary Overie's Dock typically takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic and costs around £10-£20. Note that parking is limited nearby.
St Mary Overie's Dock location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Mary Overie's Dock
Origins and Historical Significance of St Mary Overie's Dock
St Mary Overie's Dock derives its name from the adjacent church and priory known as St Mary Overie, meaning "St Mary over the river," referring to its location on the south bank of the Thames. The priory was founded in the Norman era by two knights, and the dock itself has been documented since the 16th century as a free landing place where parishioners of St Saviour's Parish could land goods without paying tolls. This dock was historically a vital river access point, connected to the religious and commercial life of Southwark and London’s south bank.Legend and Local Lore Behind the Name
Local legend tells a more romantic and dramatic story behind the name Mary Overie. Before London Bridge was built, a ferry operated here by John Overs, a miserly man who feigned his death to save money on provisions. After his death, his daughter Mary, stricken by tragedy including the loss of her lover, founded a convent that later became the priory of St Mary Overie. This tale adds a human and mythical dimension to the dock’s history, linking it to the early river crossings and the community's spiritual heritage.Maritime Heritage and the Golden Hinde II
In modern times, St Mary Overie's Dock is best known as the mooring site of the Golden Hinde II, a seaworthy replica of Sir Francis Drake’s flagship that circumnavigated the globe in the 16th century. The dock was adapted in the 1980s to accommodate historic ships, including the Golden Hinde II after previous vessels such as the Kathleen & May. The dock’s gates and water levels are carefully managed to allow the ship’s deep keel to enter, preserving the dock’s maritime function and historical character.Architectural and Urban Context
The dock sits on Cathedral Street near Southwark Cathedral, formerly the church of St Mary Overie, linking it to one of London’s most significant historic religious sites. The surrounding area, once lined with warehouses and wharves, reflects the industrial and commercial history of the Thames waterfront. Although many original structures have been demolished, the dock remains a tangible reminder of the river’s role in London’s development.Community and Cultural Importance
Beyond its physical presence, St Mary Overie's Dock holds cultural significance as a free landing place historically granted to parishioners, symbolizing communal rights and local governance. Informational plaques and memorials around the dock recount its rich past, while the presence of the Golden Hinde II draws visitors interested in maritime history and Elizabethan exploration.Continuity and Preservation in a Modern City
Despite urban redevelopment, St Mary Overie's Dock continues to function as a historic site and cultural landmark. It bridges London’s medieval past with its contemporary identity as a vibrant riverside area, offering insight into the evolving relationship between the city and the Thames. The dock’s preservation and use as a berth for historic ships underscore ongoing efforts to maintain London's maritime heritage within a modern urban landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Southwark Bridge
0.4 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
Historic England
0.5 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.5 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.5 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.5 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
113 Cannon St
0.6 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
Custom House
0.6 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Queen Victoria St
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant charm of Queen Victoria Street, a historic thoroughfare in London, blending modern attractions with rich history.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.8 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
Watling St
0.8 km
Walk the ancient Roman road that shaped British history, from Boudica’s defeat to modern urban life.
Cornhill Fountain
0.8 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
College of Arms
0.9 km
Discover the College of Arms: A Historic Icon of British Heraldry in the Heart of London, Showcasing Art and Tradition.
Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
0.9 km
Explore the vibrant intersection of commerce and culture at Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange in London's financial district.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.9 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Bermondsey St
0.9 km
Historic South London street blending contemporary art, independent dining, and converted industrial architecture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Winchester Palace
0.1 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Winchester Palace, a medieval bishop’s grand London residence with a stunning rose window by the Thames.
Southwark Cathedral
0.1 km
Discover Southwark Cathedral’s rich history, stunning Gothic architecture, and cultural ties in the heart of London’s historic South Bank.
Southwark View Point
0.1 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline from the vibrant South Bank’s premier open-air viewpoint.
Borough Market
0.1 km
Discover Borough Market, London's historic food haven blending ancient tradition with vibrant culinary delights near London Bridge.
The Clink Prison Museum
0.1 km
Step back into England’s darkest prison history at The Clink Prison Museum, where medieval justice and infamous inmates come alive.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.1 km
Dive into London’s eerie past with immersive storytelling and spine-chilling scares beneath the iconic London Bridge.
Borough Yards
0.1 km
Discover Borough Yards, London’s vibrant fusion of historic railway arches and contemporary shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
0.2 km
Step into Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre, hidden in a church attic, and explore the raw, pre-anaesthetic world of 19th-century surgery and herbal medicine.
London Bridge
0.2 km
Discover the historic London Bridge, a stunning architectural marvel offering breathtaking views and a gateway to the heart of London's vibrant culture.
Lantern Ghost Tours
0.2 km
Discover London’s haunted past with Lantern Ghost Tours, blending history, ghost stories, and atmospheric pub stops near London Bridge.
George
0.3 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, The George, where centuries of history meet traditional pub charm in a unique Southwark setting.
The Shard
0.4 km
Experience breathtaking views of London from The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, where modern architecture meets stunning landscapes.
Rose Theatre Trust
0.4 km
Explore the historic Rose Theatre Trust site, London's first Bankside playhouse where Shakespeare's early works came to life.
The View from The Shard
0.4 km
Experience London’s highest panoramic views from the iconic glass spire of The Shard, with stunning 360-degree vistas and luxury amenities.
Menier Chocolate Factory
0.4 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in a historic 19th-century chocolate factory with intimate performances and rich industrial charm in Southwark, London.
Essential places to dine
Madison
0.9 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
14 Hills
0.9 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.9 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Restaurant Story
1.0 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.1 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.2 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.4 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.4 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.4 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.5 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.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.7 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
St. John
1.7 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Wahaca Southbank
1.8 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
The Archduke
1.8 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.8 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
1 Poultry
0.7 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
The Royal Exchange
0.8 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Tower of London Shop
0.8 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
0.9 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.
One New Change
0.9 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.9 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.0 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
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.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.2 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.3 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
1.3 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Sugar And Style
1.4 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Middlesex Textiles
1.4 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.5 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Barbican Shop
1.5 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.5 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Nine Lives
0.7 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Old School Yard
0.7 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 Bootlegger
0.8 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.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.0 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.0 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Lyaness
1.1 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.2 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Moonshine Saloon
1.2 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.
Black Parrot
1.3 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Punch Tavern
1.3 km
Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
The Bell
1.4 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Dirty Dicks
1.5 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.5 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Discount Suit Company
1.5 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.4 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
1.2 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Corsica Studios
1.6 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.8 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
1.9 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.9 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Proud Late
2.0 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.
E1
2.0 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
London Best Night Clubs
2.0 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
XOYO LONDON
2.1 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Hoxton Pony
2.2 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
2.2 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Carwash Nightclub
2.3 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Heaven
2.4 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Trafik
2.4 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
