Thames River Police Museum, London
Explore the historic Thames River Police Museum in Wapping, showcasing over 200 years of pioneering river policing on London’s iconic Thames.
Located at 98 Wapping High Street, the Thames River Police Museum showcases the history of the world's first river police force, founded in 1798 to combat theft and crime on the River Thames. Housed within the historic Wapping Police Station, the museum offers insight into over two centuries of policing the Thames, from early rowing galleys to modern marine patrols, highlighting the evolution of maritime law enforcement and notable incidents along London’s iconic river.
A brief summary to Thames River Police Museum
- 98 Wapping High St, London, E1W 2NE, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Allow at least 1–2 hours to fully explore the museum’s extensive exhibits and historic artifacts.
- Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends can be busier with local visitors.
- Combine your visit with a walk along Wapping High Street to enjoy the historic dockside atmosphere.
- Check the museum’s website or contact ahead for any special exhibitions or guided tours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
-
Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Wapping Station on the East London Line. From there, it is a 10-minute walk along Wapping High Street to the museum. Trains run frequently with fares starting around £2.50–£5.00 depending on travel zones.
-
Bus
Several London bus routes, including routes 100 and D3, serve the Wapping area. Bus stops are within a 5-minute walk of the museum. Bus fares typically range from £1.75 to £2.50 per journey with contactless payment.
-
Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London to Wapping High Street takes approximately 15–25 minutes depending on traffic, with fares ranging from £10 to £20.
Thames River Police Museum location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Thames River Police Museum
Origins of the World’s First River Police
The Thames River Police Museum is situated at the historic site where the Marine Police, later known as the Thames River Police, was founded in 1798. This pioneering force was established by magistrate Patrick Colquhoun and justice of the peace John Harriott, initially funded by the West India Committee to protect valuable cargo from theft along the busy Pool of London. Their preventative policing model was revolutionary for its time, predating the Metropolitan Police by three decades and laying the foundation for modern policing methods worldwide.Historic Wapping Headquarters and Its Role
The museum resides within the original Wapping Police Station, a location that has continuously served as the Thames policing base since the early 19th century. The current station building dates from 1907 and includes a pier for launching police boats. This site witnessed the evolution of river policing from rowing galleys to steam and motorized patrol boats, responding to major river incidents such as the Princess Alice disaster and the Marchioness tragedy, which shaped river safety and rescue operations.Exhibits Reflecting Two Centuries of Maritime Law Enforcement
Visitors can explore an extensive collection of uniforms, historic documents, policing hardware including handcuffs and cutlasses, and models of patrol boats used over the years. The museum also highlights the unique identity and heritage of the Marine Policing Unit, featuring stories of pioneering female police divers and early mobile communication devices. The displays vividly illustrate the challenges and successes of policing London’s waterways through changing times.Community and Conflict on the River Thames
Early river police officers often faced hostility from dock workers who profited from pilfering goods, even experiencing attempts to burn down the police office. Despite this, the force’s effectiveness in reducing crime and protecting commerce led to expansion and eventual integration into the Metropolitan Police as the Thames Division in 1839. The museum captures this complex social history, including the role of the police in combating notorious river gangs and maintaining order in a bustling port environment.The Modern Marine Policing Unit and Continuing Legacy
Today, the Marine Policing Unit continues its mission from the same Wapping site, policing 47 miles of the Thames and other London waterways. The museum reflects this ongoing legacy, emphasizing the unit’s adaptation to contemporary challenges such as counter-terrorism patrols and advanced marine technology. The Thames River Police Museum thus serves as both a historical archive and a living testament to the enduring importance of river policing in London.Wapping’s Maritime Heritage and Museum Experience
Set amidst converted warehouses and historic docks, the museum offers a unique glimpse into London’s maritime heritage. The intimate single-room layout is packed with artifacts and visual narratives that engage visitors with the rich history of the Thames River Police. Its location on the riverbank enhances the atmosphere, connecting the past and present of this vital policing force intimately tied to the life of the Thames.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Captain Kidd
0.1 km
Historic riverside pub with authentic maritime charm, classic ales, and scenic Thames views in London’s Wapping district.
King Henry’s Stairs (Execution Dock)
0.1 km
Historic Thames foreshore site where pirates and maritime criminals faced grim justice under Admiralty law for over 400 years.
Execution Dock House
0.1 km
Historic riverside site where pirates and maritime criminals met justice in London’s centuries-old Admiralty executions.
Execution Dock
0.7 km
A haunting riverside landmark where London’s maritime law was enforced through centuries of public executions.
Roman Wall of Londinium
1.3 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
1.3 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
London Wall
1.4 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
Tower Hill Memorial
1.5 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
1 Tower Hl Ter
1.5 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
1.6 km
Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Mitre Square
1.8 km
Mitre Square: A serene retreat in London’s financial district, blending rich history with beautiful landscapes for an unforgettable city experience.
Custom House
1.8 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
1.8 km
Explore the rich Roman heritage at Billingsgate Roman House & Baths, a fascinating museum revealing ancient life in the heart of London.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
1.9 km
Medieval guild church with Wren's only 'true spire'—a 950-year sanctuary in the City's financial heart.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
1.9 km
Discover Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the UK, where rich history and stunning architecture meet in the heart of London.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Mary's Church, Rotherhithe
0.4 km
An 18th-century riverside church in Rotherhithe with deep maritime roots and Mayflower connections, offering quiet reflection and centuries of history by the Thames.
Brunel Museum
0.4 km
Discover the pioneering Thames Tunnel and Brunel family legacy in London’s historic Engine House museum.
Ornamental Canal
0.5 km
A serene 1.2 km canal in Wapping preserving London's dockland heritage with historic walls, art, and tranquil waterside walks.
Prospect of Whitby
0.7 km
Step into London’s oldest riverside pub, where centuries of maritime history, pirate tales, and royal visits blend with stunning Thames views.
Shadwell Basin
0.7 km
Historic London dock turned vibrant waterside community offering scenic walks, water sports, and rich maritime heritage.
Shadwell Basin
0.7 km
Historic London dock transformed into a vibrant waterside community hub for leisure, water sports, and scenic urban living.
Cable Street Mural
0.9 km
A vivid, monumental mural in East London commemorating the 1936 Battle of Cable Street and the community’s defiant stand against fascism.
Shad Thames
1.0 km
Historic riverside charm meets modern luxury in Shad Thames, London’s iconic Victorian warehouse quarter by Tower Bridge.
St Katharine Docks Marina
1.0 km
Explore the vibrant St Katharine Docks Marina, a picturesque destination in London offering dining, shopping, and stunning riverside views.
Jack The Ripper Museum
1.1 km
Explore the chilling history of Victorian London's infamous Jack the Ripper murders in a hauntingly immersive museum experience.
The Kernel Spa Road
1.1 km
Discover The Kernel Spa Road: London's vibrant brewery taproom blending craft beers with Japanese-inspired comfort food in a stylish industrial setting.
Brew By Numbers Tasting Room
1.1 km
Discover innovative craft beers and a relaxed vibe at Brew By Numbers Tasting Room, a must-visit for beer lovers in Bermondsey.
Tower Bridge
1.2 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.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.2 km
Explore London’s iconic Tower Bridge with panoramic views, historic Engine Rooms, and a unique gift shop celebrating this engineering masterpiece.
Ropewalk
1.2 km
Discover Ropewalk, the vibrant and historic heart of Maltby Street Market where London’s industrial charm meets world-class street food.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Story
1.3 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
1.6 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.8 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.8 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
14 Hills
1.8 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
2.1 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.
George
2.2 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Nomadic community
2.3 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
2.6 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Mercato Metropolitano
2.8 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Madison
2.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Brawn
3.0 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
The Clove Club
3.0 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
3.0 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Da Terra Restaurant
3.0 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
1.5 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
1.5 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.
Hay's Galleria
1.7 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.9 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Middlesex Textiles
1.9 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Fashion St
2.0 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Commercial St
2.1 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
2.2 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
Backyard Market
2.2 km
Discover handmade treasures and vibrant street culture at Backyard Market, Brick Lane’s creative heart.
DPUS Designer Outlet
2.2 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Spitalfields Market
2.2 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
2.2 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
The Truman Brewery Markets
2.2 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
2.3 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Royal Exchange
2.3 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Midnight Apothecary
0.4 km
Discover a magical rooftop bar blending botanical cocktails, fire pits, and historic tunnel tours atop London’s Brunel Museum.
Nine Lives
1.6 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
1.7 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.7 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Bell
1.8 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Moonshine Saloon
1.9 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.
Discount Suit Company
1.9 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
2.0 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Bootlegger
2.0 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.
The Old School Yard
2.1 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 Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
2.1 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Astronomer, EC1
2.2 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
2.2 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
2.2 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Demon, Wise & Partners
2.3 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
E1
0.7 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Club 701
2.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
The Steel Yard
2.3 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
The Hoxton Pony
2.9 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Ministry of Sound
2.9 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
3.0 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Trafik
3.1 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
XOYO LONDON
3.1 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Basing House - Shoreditch
3.2 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
The Venue
3.4 km
A vibrant multi-room nightclub in New Cross, London, blending diverse music, cutting-edge sound, and a welcoming atmosphere since 1989.
The Hatch Club
3.5 km
A late-night New Cross club with a roomy dancefloor, VIP sections and bass-forward DJ nights—built for parties and private events.
London Best Night Clubs
3.8 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
The Bunker
3.9 km
A compact, late-night basement club on Deptford Broadway offering affordable drinks, close-up atmosphere and energetic weekend sessions.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
4.0 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
4.0 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Unique
- Scenic
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
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
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
