Few areas of London have improved as much over the last twenty years as Canary Wharf, which has been transformed from a shabby, disused port into one of the city's busiest areas. Formerly one of the world's premier ports, these days Canary Wharf is one of London's major business districts. Many Canary Wharf hotels enjoy excellent views across London and the River Thames, while there are also plenty of apartments available.
Look up
The most striking feature of Canary Wharf is the towering structure at One Canada Square. At 770ft and 50 storeys high, it is the tallest completed building in the UK. The area is home to many more smaller skyscrapers, including the headquarters of major banks such as Barclays, Credit Suisse and Thomson Reuters and all of these contribute to making Canary Wharf one of the stand-out features of the London skyline.
From Boats to Bankers
From the time it opened in 1802 until the 1950s, Canary Wharf was one of the busiest docks in Britain, dealing with worldwide imports on a massive scale. However, between the 1950s and the 1980s, the port went into decline, and by 1980 it was no longer in use. There followed a decade in the wilderness for Canary Wharf, before the regeneration into the thriving financial area we see today finally gathered pace in the 1990s. The Museum of London Docklands reveals even more about the area's fascinating history.
A Farm in the Middle of London
It would be fair to suggest that farmland is not something that would figure highly on a list of things associated with London. However, tucked away in Canary Wharf is the 32-acre
Mudchute Park and Farm, a truly delightful family day out where a picnic can be accompanied by wonderful views of London and an array of friendly animals such as donkeys, ducks, sheep, pigs and goats. The farm is also found along the Docklands Light Railway, just four stops along from Canary Wharf.
Getting to Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf falls in Zone 2 of the London Underground, and can be reached using the Jubilee Line, which serves more central destinations such as London Bridge, Waterloo, Westminster and Baker Street. In the opposite direction, the line hops across the Thames to the O2 Arena.
As well as this, Canary Wharf is also a stop for the Docklands Light Railway, which can be found at the Bank of England and the Tower of London in central London. This line is also convenient for Greenwich, Docklands and London City airport. More substantial rail links are set to open in 2017.
Hotels in Canary Wharf
Perhaps the best option in Canary Wharf is the range of luxurious apartment hotels available, such as
Fraser Place and
Canary Central. These are ideal for business visitors looking forward to a longer stay in London, but are equally as pleasant for those enjoying a weekend in the city. If the idea of an apartment doesn't grab you, there are luxurious alternatives such as
Marriott West India Quay.
Canary Wharf Pubs and Bars
As one of London's biggest business hubs, Canary Wharf's bars are lively most evenings as suited businessmen spill out from the impressive skyscrapers and into a wide selection of watering holes. Roka is an intriguing Japanese bar and restaurant right on Canada Square, where the cocktail menu enjoys an irresistible Oriental twist. Oporto is found a short distance away from the centre of Canary Wharf, but the advantage of this is that you can enjoy marvellous views from the front terrace, as well as live sport on the big screen. Those looking for a proper East End pub should seek out The North Pole near South Quay station.
Canary Wharf Restaurants
Finding a decent array of cuisines is never a problem in London, and Canary Wharf is no exception. Don't be put off by their location in a business district, there are still plenty of affordable eateries to suit all budgets, many within easy reach of the excellent Canary Wharf apartments available in the area. If you want to push the boat out, head to Plateau in Canada Square for delicious French fare. Elsewhere,
Camino serves excellent Spanish dishes, while the best Indian restaurant in the area is Aniseed, combining quality cooking with sensible prices.
Canary Wharf Parking
The best
NCP parking option in Canary Wharf is City Harbour (E14 9GL), which is open 24 hours and costs £12 for the full day. A good back up option is found at Lawn House Close (E14 9YQ), a smaller car park which opens from 6am-midnight. If you are looking for accommodation with on site parking,
Fraser Place is your cheapest option at £9 a night.