Anchor Iron Wharf: A Historic Maritime Landmark in Greenwich
Historic riverside wharf in Greenwich marked by a large anchor sculpture, blending maritime heritage with stunning Thames views.
Anchor Iron Wharf in London’s Greenwich is a historic riverside site marked by a large anchor sculpture commemorating its rich maritime and industrial past. Once a bustling wharf for scrap metal, lead, and glass traded by Charles Robinson from 1953, it now offers striking views across the Thames towards Canary Wharf and the Millennium Dome. The wharf blends heritage with modern residential development, preserving a unique slice of London’s docklands history.
A brief summary to Anchor Iron Wharf
- London, GB
- +442088542452
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the panoramic views of Canary Wharf and the Millennium Dome.
- Bring a camera for excellent photo opportunities of the historic anchor sculpture and riverside scenery.
- Explore nearby Maritime Greenwich for additional historic sites and cultural attractions.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the area around the wharf includes some uneven surfaces from its industrial past.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Cutty Sark station, then enjoy a 10-15 minute walk along the riverside to Anchor Iron Wharf. Services run frequently with fares around £3-£5 depending on ticket type.
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Bus
Bus routes 188 and 199 serve Greenwich town center, from where Anchor Iron Wharf is a 15-minute walk. Buses run every 10-20 minutes, and a single fare costs approximately £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Riverboat
Riverboat services from central London to Greenwich Pier provide a scenic approach. From the pier, Anchor Iron Wharf is a 15-minute walk east along the river. Tickets cost about £6-£9 one way, depending on the operator.
Anchor Iron Wharf 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 Anchor Iron Wharf
Legacy of a Working Wharf
Anchor Iron Wharf stands as a testament to Greenwich’s industrial heritage, tracing its story back to medieval times when King Edgar granted the land to the abbey of St Peters, Ghent in 964. The site evolved over centuries, becoming a hub for maritime trade and industrial activity. In 1953, Charles Robinson, a prominent scrap metal dealer, leased the land and established his business here, focusing on scrap iron, lead ingots, metal, and glass. The wharf was a gritty, working environment where large cranes loaded scrap onto barges, embodying the tough industrial character of the area.Commemorative Anchor Sculpture
A striking large anchor sculpture prominently marks the wharf, serving as both a landmark and a historical plaque. The inscription recounts the wharf’s long history and Robinson’s role in its mid-20th-century operations. This sculpture connects visitors to the maritime and industrial legacy of the Thames, symbolizing the importance of river trade to London’s growth and the working-class heritage of Greenwich.Modern Transformation and Views
Today, Anchor Iron Wharf is part of a residential development that has transformed the once-industrial riverside into a contemporary living space. Despite this change, the wharf retains its historic character and offers some of the most spectacular views northwards across the Thames. Visitors can enjoy panoramas of Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers and the iconic Millennium Dome, blending the old industrial landscape with London’s modern skyline.Setting and Atmosphere
The wharf’s location just outside Maritime Greenwich places it within a rich cultural and historic context. The atmosphere here is a unique mix of tranquil riverside calm and echoes of a bustling industrial past. The site’s gritty history contrasts with the peacefulness of the Thames, inviting reflection on the evolution of London’s docklands from working wharves to revitalized urban spaces.Maritime and Industrial Heritage Significance
Anchor Iron Wharf exemplifies the vital role of river trade in London’s development. As a scrap metal trading site, it highlights the industrial processes that sustained the city’s growth in the 20th century. Its preservation through the anchor sculpture and continued recognition within Greenwich’s heritage landscape underscores the importance of remembering working-class maritime history amid urban regeneration.Visitor Experience and Surroundings
Visitors to Anchor Iron Wharf can appreciate both its historical significance and its scenic qualities. The wharf is a quiet spot for contemplation, photography, and enjoying riverside views. Nearby Greenwich offers a wealth of attractions, but the wharf provides a more off-the-beaten-path glimpse into London’s industrial past, making it a valuable stop for history enthusiasts and those interested in the transformation of urban waterfronts.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Anchor Iron Wharf
0.0 km
Historic riverside wharf in Greenwich marked by a large anchor sculpture, blending maritime heritage with stunning Thames views.
Trafalgar Tavern
0.3 km
Historic Greenwich riverside pub since 1837, famed for whitebait feasts, naval art, and Thames panoramas—perfect for pints, roasts, and celebrations.
Bellot Memorial Greenwich
0.6 km
A solemn obelisk in Greenwich honoring Lieutenant Joseph René Bellot’s Arctic bravery and sacrifice during the Franklin rescue expeditions.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel North
0.6 km
Walk beneath the Thames through 200,000 white tiles in this 1902 engineering marvel.
Maritime Greenwich a World Heritage Site
0.9 km
Explore Maritime Greenwich, where royal heritage, maritime history, and the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time converge in a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St Anne's Church, Limehouse
3.5 km
Discover St Anne's Church, Limehouse—an 18th-century Baroque maritime landmark with rich naval heritage and mysterious architectural features.
Montague Square
3.8 km
Discover Montague Square in London, a hidden gem offering tranquility and historical charm amidst the vibrant city life, perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxation.
Execution Dock
4.2 km
A haunting riverside landmark where London’s maritime law was enforced through centuries of public executions.
Shadwell Basin
4.2 km
Experience the peaceful beauty of Shadwell Basin, a serene spot in London perfect for relaxation and scenic walks amidst nature's charm.
International House
4.3 km
Discover the International House in London, a symbol of global unity and vibrant cultural exchange at the heart of the city.
King Henry’s Stairs (Execution Dock)
4.4 km
Historic Thames foreshore site where pirates and maritime criminals faced grim justice under Admiralty law for over 400 years.
The Captain Kidd
4.4 km
Historic riverside pub with authentic maritime charm, classic ales, and scenic Thames views in London’s Wapping district.
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
4.5 km
Discover the serene beauty of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, a unique blend of nature, history, and community nestled in the heart of London.
Execution Dock House
4.5 km
Historic riverside site where pirates and maritime criminals met justice in London’s centuries-old Admiralty executions.
Ornamental Canal
4.8 km
Explore the serene Ornamental Canal in London, a picturesque waterway perfect for relaxation, scenic views, and rich history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Trinity Laban
0.5 km
The UK's premier conservatoire for music and contemporary dance, set within the historic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
Painted Hall
0.5 km
Explore the breathtaking Painted Hall, a Baroque masterpiece with vivid ceilings and walls celebrating Britain’s naval and royal heritage.
Naval College Gardens
0.6 km
A tranquil riverside garden in Greenwich, framed by the Old Royal Naval College and offering views of the Cutty Sark and Canary Wharf across the Thames.
Queen's House
0.6 km
Discover England’s first classical building, the Queen's House in Greenwich, a timeless blend of royal history, art, and architectural brilliance.
Cutty Sark Gardens
0.6 km
A serene riverside park in Greenwich showcasing the historic Cutty Sark tea clipper and offering scenic Thames views and vibrant cultural connections.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
0.6 km
Step beneath the Thames through a century-old pedestrian tunnel linking historic Greenwich with the modern Isle of Dogs.
Greenwich Pier
0.6 km
Historic Greenwich Pier offers scenic river cruises and easy access to London's maritime landmarks and vibrant cultural heritage along the Thames.
National Maritime Museum
0.6 km
Explore Britain’s rich naval history at the world’s largest maritime museum, set in scenic Greenwich with free entry and engaging galleries for all ages.
National Maritime Museum Gardens
0.7 km
A tranquil garden oasis within London’s premier maritime museum complex, blending history, nature, and family-friendly charm.
Greenwich Tourist Information Desk
0.7 km
Explore London's maritime heritage at the Greenwich Tourist Information Desk, your gateway to local attractions and experiences.
Cutty Sark
0.7 km
Explore the world’s fastest surviving tea clipper, Cutty Sark, a historic maritime treasure in the heart of Greenwich with immersive exhibits and stunning river views.
Greenwich Market
0.8 km
Historic Greenwich Market blends antiques, artisan crafts, and global street food in a vibrant, covered London landmark open daily.
5b Greenwich Market
0.8 km
A historic covered market in Greenwich, London, brimming with artisan crafts, antiques, vintage finds, and global street food in a lively, community-focused setting.
1 Greenwich Church St
0.9 km
Historic Greenwich Church Street blends centuries of heritage with vibrant shops, eateries, and iconic landmarks by the Thames.
The Greenwich Vintage Market
0.9 km
Discover rare antiques, vintage treasures, and eclectic crafts in the heart of historic Greenwich’s vibrant market scene.
Essential places to dine
Midpoint Restaurant
0.0 km
Authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dining with riverside views and warm hospitality in London’s vibrant SE10 district.
Sefa Restaurant
0.3 km
Savor authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of Greenwich.
Goddards at Greenwich
0.7 km
Experience authentic British pie and mash at Goddards at Greenwich, a historic eatery serving traditional comfort food in a welcoming setting.
Sticks'n'Sushi Greenwich
0.8 km
Experience fresh sushi and Nordic-inspired grilled sticks in stylish Greenwich, where maritime history meets modern Japanese cuisine.
Pho Street
0.8 km
Authentic Vietnamese pho, banh mi, and bubble tea served in a lively Greenwich setting with fresh flavors and warm hospitality.
Bill's Greenwich Restaurant
0.8 km
A cozy British restaurant in Greenwich offering hearty dishes, friendly service, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere from breakfast to late dinner.
The Sail Loft, Greenwich
1.0 km
Stylish riverside dining in Greenwich with panoramic Thames views, modern British cuisine, and versatile event spaces.
The Prince of Greenwich Pub
1.3 km
A vibrant gastropub in Greenwich blending quirky museum charm, authentic Italian cuisine, and lively jazz in a historic London setting.
The Hill
1.4 km
A vibrant Mediterranean and Latin American fusion restaurant with a cozy garden setting in the heart of Greenwich.
Restaurant Story
5.6 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
6.0 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
6.1 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
6.1 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Da Terra Restaurant
6.2 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
Nomadic community
6.2 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Painted hall gift shop
0.5 km
Souvenirs and stories from Greenwich's naval heart—tote bags, books, and treasures evoking the Painted Hall's timeless splendor.
Rare Books & Curios
0.8 km
A compact Greenwich Market stall overflowing with rare and vintage books, maps and printed curios that reward slow, tactile browsing.
Arc Angel Boutique London
0.8 km
Elegant womenswear samples, striking accessories, and quirky gifts await in Greenwich Market's stylish haven, where fashion meets historic charm.
Dragonfly Lifestyle
0.8 km
A small Greenwich boutique blending mindful womenswear, handcrafted jewellery and wellbeing finds in a calm, curated shop environment.
Joli Vintage Living
0.8 km
Discover timeless threads and retro treasures at Joli Vintage Living, Greenwich's gem for sustainable, era-spanning style on charming Nelson Road.
Greenwich Gifts Candy Land
0.8 km
Dive into a candy wonderland on Greenwich Church Street, where British classics and global sweets make perfect edible souvenirs in London's historic heart.
The Cutty Sark Gift Shop
0.8 km
Discover maritime magic and London keepsakes at this Greenwich gem, brimming with Cutty Sark-inspired treasures and souvenirs just steps from the historic clipper ship.
Made in Greenwich
0.9 km
Discover Greenwich's handmade heart: a not-for-profit haven where local makers' treasures shine, fueling community creativity one unique gift at a time.
The Junk Shop
1.2 km
Lose yourself in Greenwich's maze-like antique wonderland, where eclectic treasures, a cozy tearoom, and quirky finds await around every cluttered corner.
La Boutique Vintage
1.6 km
Unearth retro home treasures in Greenwich's cozy furniture nook—sustainable style with vintage soul.
Unique Store
5.3 km
Explore London's Unique Store: Your go-to convenience shop for local snacks, souvenirs, and essentials, right in the heart of the city.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
5.6 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
5.7 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Tower of London Shop
5.9 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
6.0 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Greenwich Town Social Club
0.6 km
Cozy Greenwich social hub for cheap drinks, karaoke nights, and neighborhood camaraderie on Blackwall Lane.
The Gipsy Moth
0.8 km
Historic Greenwich pub with Cutty Sark views, hearty grub, beer garden bliss, and live music vibes—perfect for nautical nostalgia and relaxed revelry.
Kings Arms
0.8 km
Classic Greenwich pub with hearty grub, real ales, dog-friendly beer garden, and riverside vibes—perfect for post-sightseeing pints.
Ye Olde Rose & Crown Greenwich
0.9 km
Traditional Greenwich pub pouring real ales and pub classics next to the theatre—perfect for families, dogs, and post-show pints in historic surrounds.
Td 338 Bar
1.1 km
Warehouse wonderland with epic sound, lush terraces, and non-stop beats—London's hidden rave escape on Greenwich Peninsula.
The Lost Hour
1.1 km
Greenwich's craft beer epicenter where sports, pub grub, and late-night vibes collide—lose yourself in the fun on High Road.
Mindful Mixology
1.2 km
A compact Greenwich cocktail bar focused on lower-sugar craft drinks, hands-on masterclasses and a calm riverside atmosphere.
All Bar One Greenwich
1.8 km
Elevate your O2 experience at this multi-floor haven of wines, cocktails, and event-night energy—perfect for pre-show feasts and lively toasts amid London's entertainment epicenter.
Eighteen Sky Bar
1.9 km
Elevate your evening with crafted cocktails and 360-degree skyline views from the 18th floor over Thames, Canary Wharf, and The O2.
Drink At Bob's
3.9 km
Lively cocktail bar in Hither Green blending expertly crafted drinks, live music, and a welcoming vibe with vegan-friendly options.
The Midnight Apothecary
4.0 km
Discover a magical rooftop bar blending botanical cocktails, fire pits, and historic tunnel tours atop London’s Brunel Museum.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
5.9 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Nine Lives
5.9 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Sun Tavern
6.1 km
Historic East End corner bar blending a vast Irish whiskey collection with lively live music and expertly crafted cocktails.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
6.1 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
American Express Invites Lounge
1.9 km
A backstage‑inspired, Cardmember-only lounge at The O2 with distinct seating zones, crafted drinks and a complimentary welcome drink on event nights.
(Admin Office) The Mobile Nightclub
2.0 km
Discover the joy of nightlife on the move with The Mobile Nightclub in London, where the party comes to you!
The Bunker
2.1 km
A compact, late-night basement club on Deptford Broadway offering affordable drinks, close-up atmosphere and energetic weekend sessions.
LA Lounge
2.4 km
London's top Afrobeats nightclub in Docklands: ethnic sophistication, VIP vibes, cocktails, and late-night dances until 4am on weekends.
The Hatch Club
2.7 km
A late-night New Cross club with a roomy dancefloor, VIP sections and bass-forward DJ nights—built for parties and private events.
The Venue
2.7 km
A vibrant multi-room nightclub in New Cross, London, blending diverse music, cutting-edge sound, and a welcoming atmosphere since 1989.
CQ LOUNGE
3.3 km
South London's Afrobeats epicenter: dance, shisha, cocktails, and culture until 5am in Woolwich's vibrant CQ Lounge.
Club 701
4.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
E1
4.9 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
The Steel Yard
6.8 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Corsica Studios
6.8 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Ministry of Sound
7.0 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
7.0 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
7.2 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Basing House - Shoreditch
7.2 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
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