Greenwich Foot Tunnel
Walk beneath the Thames through 200,000 white tiles in this 1902 engineering marvel.
A remarkable Victorian engineering feat completed in 1902, the Greenwich Foot Tunnel carries pedestrians 370 metres beneath the River Thames, connecting Greenwich's historic waterfront with Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs. This cast-iron passage, lined with approximately 200,000 white glazed tiles, originally served dock workers commuting across the river and remains a free, 24-hour accessible landmark. Today it attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually, offering a unique subterranean journey through London's industrial heritage.
A brief summary to Greenwich Foot Tunnel North
- Thames Path (NE Extension), London, E14 3UX, GB
- +442088548888
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Check lift status before visiting; they are frequently out of service. Be prepared to climb 87 or 100 steps depending on which entrance you use.
- Visit during daylight hours for the best experience; the tunnel is dimly lit and can feel eerie when quiet. Early morning or late afternoon offers fewer crowds.
- The north exit at Island Gardens provides excellent views of the London skyline and Canary Wharf—ideal for photography. The south exit near Cutty Sark is perfect for exploring Greenwich's maritime heritage.
- The tunnel is 370 metres long and takes approximately 5–10 minutes to traverse on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the passage is narrow and the tiled floor can be slippery when wet.
- Look for the bronze plaque above the entrance recording the tunnel's completion in 1902 and the names of key London County Council figures responsible for its construction.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Jubilee Line Underground
From central London, take the Jubilee Line southbound to Canada Water station (approximately 15–20 minutes from Westminster). Exit and follow signs to Island Gardens, where the northern entrance to the tunnel is located near the park's waterfront. The station is approximately 400 metres from the tunnel entrance.
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DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
Board the DLR from Bank or Tower Gateway stations and travel to Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich station (approximately 10–15 minutes). The southern tunnel entrance is directly adjacent to this station, beside the historic Cutty Sark vessel. This is the most convenient option for accessing the tunnel from central London.
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River Bus (Thames Clipper)
Take a Thames Clipper service from central London piers (such as Embankment or Tower Bridge) to Greenwich Pier (approximately 20–30 minutes depending on starting point). The southern tunnel entrance is a 5-minute walk from the pier, located near the Cutty Sark. Services run frequently throughout the day; single fares cost approximately £4–£8 depending on distance.
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Bus and Walking
Multiple bus routes serve both Greenwich and Island Gardens. From Greenwich town centre, buses 188, 286, and others connect to the riverside area near Cutty Sark. From the Isle of Dogs, buses 135 and D3 serve Island Gardens. Journey times vary but typically range from 15–30 minutes depending on traffic. Once at either location, the tunnel entrance is clearly signposted.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel North location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Greenwich Foot Tunnel North
A Passage Through Victorian Innovation
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel stands as a testament to late 19th-century engineering prowess. Designed by celebrated civil engineer Sir Alexander Binnie and constructed by John Cochrane & Co., the tunnel was built between June 1899 and August 1902 to replace an expensive and unreliable ferry service that had long frustrated dock workers living south of the Thames. The project emerged from the vision of local politician and trade unionist Will Crooks, who championed the tunnel's construction after witnessing firsthand the hardships faced by workers commuting to the docks and shipyards of the Isle of Dogs. The tunnel's creation marked a pivotal moment in London's transport infrastructure, arriving during a transformative period that saw the Blackwall Tunnel open in 1897 and the Woolwich Foot Tunnel follow in 1912.Engineering Marvel Beneath the River
The tunnel's physical specifications reveal the ambition of its creators. Stretching 1,215 feet (370 metres) in length, it descends 50 feet (15 metres) below the river's surface, with an internal diameter of approximately 9 feet (2.74 metres). The structure comprises cast-iron rings coated with concrete and surfaced with some 200,000 hand-laid white glazed tiles—a labour-intensive choice that has preserved the tunnel's distinctive appearance for over a century. Access is gained through two iconic glass-domed entrance buildings, architectural relics of the Edwardian era. The southern entrance, near the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, requires descent via 100 steps or an electric lift, while the northern entrance at Island Gardens presents 87 steps. These numbers reflect the considerable depth required to pass safely beneath the tidal Thames.Wartime Damage and Restoration
On the evening of 7 September 1940, during the opening night of the London Blitz, a bomb struck the foreshore directly above the tunnel's northern section. The blast caused catastrophic damage, collapsing the outer tiles and inner concrete lining over a substantial length. Water infiltration became so severe that within a week, the tunnel was completely flooded. Repairs involved installing a thick steel and concrete inner lining that substantially reduced the internal diameter in the affected section—a visible reminder of the tunnel's wartime ordeal. This reinforcement remains visible to modern visitors and serves as a poignant marker of London's resilience during the Second World War.Modern Use and Contemporary Challenges
Approximately 4,000 people traverse the tunnel daily, with annual usage exceeding 1.2 million journeys. The tunnel operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, free of charge, making it one of London's most accessible historic landmarks. Between 2010 and 2014, significant renovation work upgraded the tunnel's infrastructure, installing new lifts, improving drainage systems, and enhancing safety features including CCTV and modern signage. However, the lifts have proven temperamental in recent years, occasionally requiring closure for repairs. A shared-space trial permitting limited cycling during quieter periods was attempted but ultimately discontinued due to regulatory complications. Despite these modern challenges, the tunnel remains fundamentally unchanged in character—a narrow, tiled passage that transports visitors directly into London's industrial past.A Gateway to Distinct Worlds
The tunnel's two exits open onto markedly different London experiences. The southern entrance places visitors immediately adjacent to the Cutty Sark, the historic tea clipper that has dominated Greenwich's riverside since the 1950s, and provides access to the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Park, and the Royal Observatory. The northern exit at Island Gardens offers panoramic views across the Thames toward Greenwich's landmarks and, in the opposite direction, toward the modern skyline of Canary Wharf. This juxtaposition—between Victorian maritime heritage and contemporary urban development—encapsulates the tunnel's enduring significance as a physical and symbolic link between London's past and present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Greenwich Foot Tunnel North
0.0 km
Walk beneath the Thames through 200,000 white tiles in this 1902 engineering marvel.
Bellot Memorial Greenwich
0.3 km
A solemn obelisk in Greenwich honoring Lieutenant Joseph René Bellot’s Arctic bravery and sacrifice during the Franklin rescue expeditions.
Trafalgar Tavern
0.4 km
Historic Greenwich riverside pub since 1837, famed for whitebait feasts, naval art, and Thames panoramas—perfect for pints, roasts, and celebrations.
Anchor Iron Wharf
0.6 km
Historic riverside wharf in Greenwich marked by a large anchor sculpture, blending maritime heritage with stunning Thames views.
Maritime Greenwich a World Heritage Site
0.7 km
Explore Maritime Greenwich, where royal heritage, maritime history, and the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time converge in a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Execution Dock
3.7 km
A haunting riverside landmark where London’s maritime law was enforced through centuries of public executions.
Shadwell Basin
3.7 km
Experience the peaceful beauty of Shadwell Basin, a serene spot in London perfect for relaxation and scenic walks amidst nature's charm.
King Henry’s Stairs (Execution Dock)
3.8 km
Historic Thames foreshore site where pirates and maritime criminals faced grim justice under Admiralty law for over 400 years.
The Captain Kidd
3.9 km
Historic riverside pub with authentic maritime charm, classic ales, and scenic Thames views in London’s Wapping district.
Execution Dock House
4.0 km
Historic riverside site where pirates and maritime criminals met justice in London’s centuries-old Admiralty executions.
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
4.3 km
Discover the serene beauty of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, a unique blend of nature, history, and community nestled in the heart of London.
Ornamental Canal
4.3 km
Explore the serene Ornamental Canal in London, a picturesque waterway perfect for relaxation, scenic views, and rich history.
International House
4.6 km
Discover the International House in London, a symbol of global unity and vibrant cultural exchange at the heart of the city.
St Katharine Docks Marina
4.9 km
London's only central marina: historic waterfront elegance where maritime heritage meets modern leisure.
Tower Bridge
5.0 km
Experience the grandeur of Tower Bridge, a Victorian marvel combining stunning architecture and engineering, offering breathtaking views of London's skyline.
Unmissable attractions to see
Greenwich Pier
0.3 km
Historic Greenwich Pier offers scenic river cruises and easy access to London's maritime landmarks and vibrant cultural heritage along the Thames.
Cutty Sark Gardens
0.4 km
A serene riverside park in Greenwich showcasing the historic Cutty Sark tea clipper and offering scenic Thames views and vibrant cultural connections.
Cutty Sark
0.4 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.
Trinity Laban
0.4 km
The UK's premier conservatoire for music and contemporary dance, set within the historic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
Greenwich Tourist Information Desk
0.4 km
Explore London's maritime heritage at the Greenwich Tourist Information Desk, your gateway to local attractions and experiences.
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
0.5 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.
Greenwich Market
0.6 km
Historic Greenwich Market blends antiques, artisan crafts, and global street food in a vibrant, covered London landmark open daily.
5b Greenwich Market
0.6 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.
Cutty Sark
0.6 km
Explore the world’s fastest 19th-century tea clipper, a historic maritime marvel docked in Greenwich with immersive exhibits and stunning river views.
Mudchute Park and Farm
0.6 km
Discover 32 acres of urban countryside, rare breeds, and family-friendly farm life in the heart of East London’s Isle of Dogs.
1 Greenwich Church St
0.6 km
Historic Greenwich Church Street blends centuries of heritage with vibrant shops, eateries, and iconic landmarks by the Thames.
St Alfege Church
0.7 km
Discover over a millennium of history, architecture, and music at St Alfege Church, the heart of Greenwich’s spiritual heritage.
National Maritime Museum
0.7 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.
Essential places to dine
The Sail Loft, Greenwich
0.5 km
Stylish riverside dining in Greenwich with panoramic Thames views, modern British cuisine, and versatile event spaces.
Goddards at Greenwich
0.6 km
Experience authentic British pie and mash at Goddards at Greenwich, a historic eatery serving traditional comfort food in a welcoming setting.
Midpoint Restaurant
0.6 km
Authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dining with riverside views and warm hospitality in London’s vibrant SE10 district.
Sticks'n'Sushi Greenwich
0.6 km
Experience fresh sushi and Nordic-inspired grilled sticks in stylish Greenwich, where maritime history meets modern Japanese cuisine.
Pho Street
0.6 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
0.7 km
A cozy British restaurant in Greenwich offering hearty dishes, friendly service, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere from breakfast to late dinner.
Sefa Restaurant
0.8 km
Savor authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of Greenwich.
The Prince of Greenwich Pub
1.2 km
A vibrant gastropub in Greenwich blending quirky museum charm, authentic Italian cuisine, and lively jazz in a historic London setting.
The Hill
1.2 km
A vibrant Mediterranean and Latin American fusion restaurant with a cozy garden setting in the heart of Greenwich.
Restaurant Story
5.1 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
5.4 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
5.6 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
5.6 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
14 Hills
5.7 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Nomadic community
5.8 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
0.4 km
Souvenirs and stories from Greenwich's naval heart—tote bags, books, and treasures evoking the Painted Hall's timeless splendor.
Greenwich Gifts Candy Land
0.5 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.
Rare Books & Curios
0.6 km
A compact Greenwich Market stall overflowing with rare and vintage books, maps and printed curios that reward slow, tactile browsing.
Made in Greenwich
0.6 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.
Dragonfly Lifestyle
0.6 km
A small Greenwich boutique blending mindful womenswear, handcrafted jewellery and wellbeing finds in a calm, curated shop environment.
Arc Angel Boutique London
0.6 km
Elegant womenswear samples, striking accessories, and quirky gifts await in Greenwich Market's stylish haven, where fashion meets historic charm.
Joli Vintage Living
0.6 km
Discover timeless threads and retro treasures at Joli Vintage Living, Greenwich's gem for sustainable, era-spanning style on charming Nelson Road.
The Cutty Sark Gift Shop
0.6 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.
The Junk Shop
1.0 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
1.5 km
Unearth retro home treasures in Greenwich's cozy furniture nook—sustainable style with vintage soul.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
5.0 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
5.1 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Tower of London Shop
5.4 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
5.4 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
5.6 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Gipsy Moth
0.5 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
0.6 km
Classic Greenwich pub with hearty grub, real ales, dog-friendly beer garden, and riverside vibes—perfect for post-sightseeing pints.
Mindful Mixology
0.8 km
A compact Greenwich cocktail bar focused on lower-sugar craft drinks, hands-on masterclasses and a calm riverside atmosphere.
Ye Olde Rose & Crown Greenwich
0.8 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.
The Lost Hour
0.9 km
Greenwich's craft beer epicenter where sports, pub grub, and late-night vibes collide—lose yourself in the fun on High Road.
Greenwich Town Social Club
1.2 km
Cozy Greenwich social hub for cheap drinks, karaoke nights, and neighborhood camaraderie on Blackwall Lane.
Td 338 Bar
1.4 km
Warehouse wonderland with epic sound, lush terraces, and non-stop beats—London's hidden rave escape on Greenwich Peninsula.
All Bar One Greenwich
1.9 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.
The Midnight Apothecary
3.4 km
Discover a magical rooftop bar blending botanical cocktails, fire pits, and historic tunnel tours atop London’s Brunel Museum.
Drink At Bob's
4.0 km
Lively cocktail bar in Hither Green blending expertly crafted drinks, live music, and a welcoming vibe with vegan-friendly options.
Nine Lives
5.4 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
5.4 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
5.6 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
The Bell
5.6 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Bunker
1.7 km
A compact, late-night basement club on Deptford Broadway offering affordable drinks, close-up atmosphere and energetic weekend sessions.
American Express Invites Lounge
2.0 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 Hatch Club
2.2 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
2.2 km
A vibrant multi-room nightclub in New Cross, London, blending diverse music, cutting-edge sound, and a welcoming atmosphere since 1989.
LA Lounge
2.7 km
London's top Afrobeats nightclub in Docklands: ethnic sophistication, VIP vibes, cocktails, and late-night dances until 4am on weekends.
CQ LOUNGE
3.9 km
South London's Afrobeats epicenter: dance, shisha, cocktails, and culture until 5am in Woolwich's vibrant CQ Lounge.
Club 701
4.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
E1
4.4 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
The Steel Yard
6.2 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
6.2 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Ministry of Sound
6.4 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
6.5 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
6.7 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Basing House - Shoreditch
6.7 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
- Unique
- Scenic
- Adventurous
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
