Museum of London Docklands image

Museum of London Docklands

Tourist attraction Museum

Georgian sugar warehouse, now home to a museum chronicling London's history as a trading port. People often mention museum, history, interesting, London, visit, floor, time, area, free, good,


Address

No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL, United Kingdom

Website

www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Contact

+44 20 7001 9844

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (6.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 10 AM to 5 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (91) history (49) interesting (39) London (36) visit (36) floor (30) time (28) area (28) free (27) good (26)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Andrew C. 1 year ago on Google
    A nice museum, staff were 5 star from the volunteer who greeted us to the ladies at the desk when we left - all were great! The museum itself is nice, some areas are a lot more heavy on information boards but there is the occasional hands on activity for the kids (and adults!) It's not a massive place (In terms of popular London museums) but will certainly keep you entertained for a few hours. There is a cafe and toilets etc. located on ground floor, which works well as that's where you come in / out and the exhibits start you on the top floor and return back to where you start. It's also worth adding that the museum is free admission with option of voluntary donations.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zanna M. 1 year ago on Google
    I never was in Docklands museum before and i was sure it's worth to go there . But after spending there few hours i have changed my mind completely. We could enjoy atmosphere of old times. One of the best places was old streets with small shops very Unique atmosphere. Lots of information about Docklands in different times . Now i know lots of info where do i live. Worth spending day. Kids will be interested too. Lots of things to see for them too.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zulma T. 4 months ago on Google • 720 reviews
    Loved it! It was worth the train ride to East London. Small, yet packed with great detailed exhibits and history. Great for the kids too if you happen to visit on the weekends, they normally have an event they can participate in.

  • 5/5 John Carr (Corinne and J. 2 months ago on Google • 523 reviews New
    Excellent museum in a 200 year old warehouse about ten minutes walk from Canary Wharf Underground Station. The museum explores the long history of London as a port through stories of trade, migration and commerce. Among other things, the museum's exhibits cover: how the warehouses operated; the slave and sugar trade; merchants, sailors and pirates; the Docklands during the second world war; and the ups and downs of the docks culminating in their closure and their redevelopment. The museum has a good cafe and caters for all ages with an interactive space for children up to 8. Very friendly and helpful staff. Well worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gallant A. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing free Museum that is definitely worth visiting. Fantastic exhibitions in a historic setting that is a joy to explore. Very clean and well organized throughout. The staff do a very good job to make you feel welcome and informed. A vast array of artwork that highlights the maritime trade that built the Docklands into what they are today. This includes the brutal slave trades. The Museum has quite uncanny valley scenery that transports you back to the times the Docklands waters were littered with cargo ships. A lovley cafe located near the entrance with a plethora of sandwiches meals including cheese and tomato, vegan cheese, and kids meals boxes aswell as sweet pastries. The museum contains a soft play for children that you will have to book in advance. The soft play is called Mudlarks and has lots of crawling and running soace including wet play and wheel barrow's !!! You have to book the soft play separately. Make sure to visit the gift shop on the way out for memorabilia. You will be asked to download the NHS tracking app upon entry if you do not have it on your phone already. Worth visiting for the architecture of the grand Museum alone, you will not be disappointed. 5 Stars Well Deserved!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Becki M. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful little musuem tucked away IN Canary Wharf. I visited with a two and three year old and they had a blast at Mudlarks, the interactive gallery for children, and really enjoyed the interactive exhibits around the museum itself. It's also great for adults, very informative although I've never managed to visit in an adult capacity to get the full benefit. It has a cafe and shop on the ground level and a good number of toilets dotted around.. Lifts for accessibility.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MG L. 2 months ago on Google • 311 reviews New
    I've just visited this museum today and it went ABOVE AND BEYOND any of my expectations! The history trail starts on floor 3 and as you read, watch, and explore, you make your way down to the ground floor. The explanations about the history of the London docklands are excellent, my compliments to the curators of this incredible museum. It touches on everything about London's naval history, from the discovery of the Indies to the slave trade of the British Empire, all the way to World War II. Well worth a read in order to understand the history and learn from it. The museum is also full of fun facts and infographics for kids so that it's not just a boring museum (I spotted loads of cheeky toy mice around the exhibits) and there are activities and pamphlets that make it interactive. I also loved the reconstruction of a market near the docklands, it's so immersive and beautiful, it feels like a jump back in time. There's a coffee shop on the ground level for any snacking you need, as it takes at least 2 hours to go through (if you want to read). The building is a beautiful warehouse and even the history of that is explained in the beginning. It's free so that's a +1 in my book, and I didn't need to book at all, you can just walk in and look around.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aussie A. 4 years ago on Google
    I work near here sometimes and always see groups of kids go into the museum. I now see why. The place is really good for kids. Plenty of activities. But also great for adults. It covers a lot more than “just the docks” and is worth a visit just like any other London museum.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great location to learn the history of London docks for an hour or two. Lots of interactive things for kids to do. Ever wondered why streets or stops are called something specific? They have the answers here. Where is the old London Bridge they show you! What is the history behind Canary Wharf and surrounding areas? I found this very enlightening. Currently, the exhibition on the ground floor is London docks, which is very interesting.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carmen F. 1 year ago on Google
    Hidden gem in London, I have lived here most of my life and didn't know about it. It's so interesting and the exhibitions are designed in a really interesting way. The kids area, Mudlarks, is a lot of fun for the little ones (you need to book from their website the previous day at 10am). Definitely recommending this museum, why hadn't we heard of it before?
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 PG25 4 months ago on Google • 154 reviews
    Amazing visit to this museum. We didn’t allow enough time for our visit as we did not realise how great this place would be. Allow at least a couple of hours to wander this very unique and interesting museum. First class exhibits and information throughout the museum. Great location too with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark B. 2 months ago on Google • 427 reviews New
    Went to visit the museum and found a special "Fashion City" Exhibition was available for a small charge, so while sat having a coffee I went.online and booked two tickets as the price online is less than if you buy while there. The tickets appeared attached to email within the minute. Lockers for coats and bags are available for a non returnable £1 so if you want to use them make sure you've a pound coin handy. The exhibition itself was very well laid out and interesting, with plenty of exhibits to complement the information. Now, we'll have to revisit to see the actual Docklands part of the museum which I'm also looking forward to and which is free entry, though donations are welcome. Plenty of places nearby for lunch/dinner too. Docklands is easily a days-worth of visiting time if you like to just stroll.

  • 5/5 Tony L. 6 months ago on Google • 78 reviews
    I visited the Museum of London Docklands for the first time, and it was amazing! The museum is full of fascinating information about the local history, such as the development of the Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf and the London Docklands area. The staff were kind and welcoming. I was pleasantly surprised by how big the museum is, and there's so much to explore. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves history or just wants to have a great time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fran T. 4 months ago on Google • 57 reviews
    Okay! You don't need tickets to get in, only if you want to go to the soft play area. It's a lovely museum and my kids LOVED! There is so much to do in such a small soft play, but the session is not too busy. By the way SUPER RECOMMEND for neurodiverse children, honestly.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luke H. 2 years ago on Google
    Very informative place with exhibits to entertain all ages. Definitely worth a visit, and FREE! Plus, if you have little kids, don't miss the soft play area on the ground floor by the cafe.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Martin D. 2 years ago on Google
    An excellent tour of the past, with interactive exhibits along the way. The people running the museum are helpful and friendly. The museum provide a nostalgic look at the docklands whilst providing kid friendly exhibits. Certainly somewhere to visit
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Artemis M. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing museum! Great to get to learn more about the tradings between Britain and the New World and the overseas expeditions. There’s also a room dedicated to African history and the slavery. And the best part, admission is free!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elpoca M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a great museum. First, it tells a really interesting, well-defined, finite story. Secondly, it's a manageable size: you can visit in 1 to 2 hours and feel you've seen everything. Finally, it's quieter than other museums in London.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mark I. 2 years ago on Google
    So much to see here and the history of the area before it's current reinvention. Usually have other special exhibitions on as well as the main displays. Add some photos from the port city display we went to see with lots of old maps showing the layout and usage.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Philip W. 8 months ago on Google
    Not really worth visiting at the moment. Hopefully it will be better when it moves to the new location. Start by heading up to the 3rd floor, but this is basically the local woke, socialist propaganda floor. Not so hidden agenda. 2nd floor is a bit better with artefacts and recreated environments. 1st floor has very little going on and appears to be an advert for Sainsbury's supermarket through the years. Very quiet and as many other reviews have said, near impossible to navigate your way out from each floor. They have made a small effort, but it's not too interesting to visit. This was the first time I have been given the Spanish inquisition by a member of staff outside, to enter a museum too. Maybe not the friendliest welcome. After reading lots of other people's reviews, it appears that the museum hasn't read or addressed any of the issues that have been raised. Shame.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen A. 5 months ago on Google
    Really excellent history of London Docklands. Learned a lot - fascinating information about the slave trade. Video on the bombing of the docks during the 2nd World War and related exhibition really good.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Derek L. 2 months ago on Google • 56 reviews New
    Amazing museum, especially for being free entry! Three very large floors of exhibits about the Docklands with tons of artifacts, multimedia storytelling, and in-depth context on everything. I could have easily spent a whole day here, so I limited myself to “only” two hours.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna Elizabeth G. 3 months ago on Google • 45 reviews New
    Mudlarks is fabulous- one of the best play areas I've come across for under 5s. It's better than the Science Museum! However I would have paid more for a longer play session - can't really argue at £5/kid, but maybe offer a whole hour for more? My toddler loved it and was sad to leave!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ilpo L. 2 months ago on Google • 174 reviews New
    The new (or relatively new) Canary Wharf area is worth visiting. Cold and windy in winter, though. But you can stay warm at The Museum of Docklands. The themes are perhaps not the most interesting as the emphasis is on merchant marine. But that is not all. I liked the sugar and slavery theme, London’s black history and the part about Docklands at War. Free of charge. There is an entrance fee of £13 to the Fashion City special exhibition. The café and the museum shop are OK.

  • 5/5 Steve B. 4 years ago on Google
    A fantastic and slightly hidden away free museum. Unlike many it doesn’t feel old, dark or stuffy. It’s hugely welcoming to families and individuals alike. It’s packed with technology and hands on exhibits. Starting on the top floor(3) you follow a comprehensive chronological journey through the Thames and the docklands. Even for the knowledgeable you will be surprised and what you didn’t know. This is well worth a visit and give yourself a few hours or more than one trip to take in all the information, films and photos.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MAM 1. 3 years ago on Google
    A neat chamber museum in a former London dock building. An interesting exposition, given the fact that the industry has defined the country's economy for more than a century, its history from inception to its end. The museum is well organized and leaves a pleasant experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 whY2G 3 years ago on Google
    We were looking for somewhere to go to kill time while waiting for our main event and decided to go to the Museum of London Docklands. From the outside, you'd think it wasn't that big but once you get inside, it was massive, it has many more floor than we thought, so many things to see that we didn't have time to finish the whole thing. I would say give the place like 2 hours give or take for your visit, take your time because there's a lot to take in and see. It was great to know the history and background of certain things based in the area. There's a cafe inside where you can pickup some refreshments and your standard gift shop. The staff were nice, can't say nothing bad. All in all, great experience and worth your time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 P H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to learn about the history of the docks, very interesting. We went on the "great stink" storytelling and Emily, our storyteller, was brilliant. Very engaging and entertaining. The museum is split over 3 floors, with a cafe and small gift shop on the ground floor and the exhibits from floors 1-3. My almost 8 year old liked some of it but did find some of it a bit boring, I think it depends what your children are in to really. Great disabled access.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olesya O. 3 years ago on Google
    A real local treasure. Great activities for families too. They've made good use of the space they have and exhibits reflect on the locale, showing the positive aspects of the area's history yet not shying away from the shameful history of the docks also; as well as providing interesting, insightful interactive elements.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yusuf Ibrahim Y. 3 years ago on Google
    used to go here as a kid and loved it every time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali S. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dom 3 years ago on Google
    It's was very educating museum Staff is very friendly and helpful
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phil 2 years ago on Google
    Well worth a visit. You could easily spend 2+ hours here; longer if you read all the information panels. Admission is free although donations are welcomed. As a Londoner who has lived here for several years, it was fascinating to see the history of where I live, and explanations for why some things are the way they are. There is also a small coffee shop.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Terence M. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited the Havering Hoard this week as well as the rest of the Museum and really enjoyed it, I've visited the Museum 3 times and will definitely return.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Farhan K. 2 years ago on Google
    It's free and educational for kids and adults. I would recommend making a donation or buying a few souvenirs to help them maintain it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bia R W. 2 years ago on Google
    We had fun at Mudlarks gallery. Nice and clean and it’s free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yuri M. 2 years ago on Google
    Liked this one because of the atmosphere inside. Though it has not so many items to explore, after entering the exhibition on the third floor you discover yourself like if you were in 19th century. All those full size devices and even street corners move you back in time. I want to say thank you to people who maintains the exhibition, your work is highly appreciated! P.s. Admission is free, but you should book tickets on the website. It's not so crowded as other museums even on Sunday.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rosa E. 2 years ago on Google
    Best place ever to visit if you are in Canary Wharf. Friendly always respectful employees, can go down the basement and bring your own brown bag lunch. Very children's friendly, good exhibitions; instructive. I can't forget to mention, great cup of coffee. Years ago was my place to get free WI-FI. Very much recommend with heart warming feeling. (Ahoy!! See any pirates around)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lesley F. 2 years ago on Google
    An absolute hidden gem. An amazing welcome upon arrival and so interesting. Fully disabled accessibility and in an old warehouse. So interesting. I would highly recommend a free visit, yes free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ekaterina Z. 1 year ago on Google
    I loved the museum! So detailed, created with love you can feel it! We left the donations as there is a free entrance indeed!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Marina I. 1 year ago on Google
    Free entrance. Not for very young visitors. Has a lot to take. "Rats" trail was not easy to complete. We couldn't... Costumes Corner should be refreshed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael C. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a must do if you are in the Docklands area. It’s free to enter but I suggest paying a donation, either cash or contactless. It’s worth doing considering the work gone into the place and the work of the volunteers. It’s interesting place with a good history of the docks and the trades. A lot of reading so you could spend hours there. You might want to time your weekday visits to outside school hours if you want some peace and quiet.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Connie 1 year ago on Google
    An excellent and really eye-opening experience into the development of Isle of Dogs / Canary Wharf and London Docklands area. A thoroughly interesting and impressive Museum across 3 floors with interactive elements and really knowledgeable staff. We joined one of the talks on the afternoon we visited, and Andrew the guide, who spoke for 15-20 about the South Sea Whaling Trade in London was superb, really clearly spoken and very engaging to listen too. High recommend trying to catch one of the short talks. Great accessibility measures around the museum - lifts, braille signs, and fold-out portable chairs that were greatly appreciated. The museum is brilliantly curated and flowed really nicely from one subject to the other. Highly recommend, and as already mentioned, a really impressive, interesting and eye-opening experience into London Docklands’ history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jnib 11 months ago on Google
    The museum creates the atmosphere of a warehouse as a busy workplace and focus for associated businesses and lives. It is a good place to visit on a wet or cold, windy day and has quite a few displays and activities that will entertain and engage younger children. The lighting is quite dim as it would have been in a working warehouse. There is plenty to look at either for a skim, to get an idea of life in and the workings of the dock lands, or for a slower tour, taking in the details and imagining the lives of those that worked here. The museum displays artifacts against backgrounds that show their context, from a street scene showing shops where imported goods were sold to workshops for the craftsmen that supported the needs of the warehouses and docks. Whether you like social history, industrial engineering, the workings of commerce, trade and shipping or the activities of the customs and excise men, this museum has a lot to offer. The subject is very broad and this museum does a great job in bringing the history to life. Definitely worth a visit and depending on your group and level of interest allow between one and several hours to take it all in. There is a cafe on the ground floor and a gift shop that sells some interesting and quirky items - a photo of policemen jumping into a dock was one of my favourites.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Laura M. 7 months ago on Google
    Visited MoLD for the first time today, mostly because their Mudlarks Gallery had been recommended to me. My toddling 14 mo really enjoyed it, and we found various other sections of the museum for him to play in too, including a tube map with a brio set. Staff were really friendly, the cafe has a decent amount of seating, and they have 2 baby change rooms on the ground floor. The museum itself is over 3 floors, with a pair of lifts to take you up and down. They do have a buggy park on the ground floor for you to leave your buggy, if you'd prefer. Since my boy is toddling, if I'd known, I'd probably have left the buggy at home and brought him in a carrier, since you have to walk back to the lift to change floors, and he spent the entire time playing out of the buggy! Would definitely say it's worth a visit, and I'll probably be back with my husband so I can actually read some of the exhibits 😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon D. 5 months ago on Google
    Lots of reading, nice museum, give yourself a couple of hours. I attended one of the talks on how Londoners sheltered from bombing raids in WWII this was excellent, its amazing, you think you have a reasonable grasp of something and find so many holes in your knowledge. The staff all seemed very engaged and enthusiastic.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 angelamatt101 4 months ago on Google
    Really enjoyed this free museum. it had excellent exhibits. hands on things for children to do. Great historical exhibition and information on slavery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Saquib S. 5 months ago on Google • 155 reviews
    Frankly, I wasn't expecting much from this museum. Just went for a walk but I was fairly surprised with the interesting history of the docklands. The entrance is free. The display of history, the replicas of streets etc are fantastic!

  • 5/5 paul c. 1 month ago on Google • 127 reviews New
    Lifts to all floors, everything starts at top level and works down which I think is brilliant. Not too expensive food wise, due to the age of the building toilets on upper level were out of service but got a few on ground level. A good level for kids to make a bridge, lay bricks and masses of history some terrible (slavery) some outstanding. Well worth the visit.

  • 5/5 Simon D. 3 years ago on Google
    An absolute surprise in Canary wharf! If you are visiting this area try to make a visit. Pleasant area to walk around outside as well. A thoroughly interesting museum that is extremely well displayed in a very sensitive way, in an old warehouse building. I learned a lot and spent much more time than I had anticipated here. Happily surrounded by many restaurants with indoor and outdoor tables. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Sarah R. 3 years ago on Google
    It's free and a really good museum. Good location too as you can wander round canary wharf whilst you're there. The section on Britain's role in the slave trade is really informative and moving

  • 5/5 Dumitru B. 4 years ago on Google
    I found this this museum in Canary Wharf by chance and I enjoyed it so much. Plus this museum is free to visit. Canary Wharf is most beautiful place from London to spend a weekend.

  • 5/5 Paul B. 4 years ago on Google
    What a brilliant day out. Excellent for kids and adults alike! Lots of interesting history about the development of the docks from Roman Times through to the Middle Ages and up to the present day. Plus a very interesting Exhibition on London's lost rivers!

  • 5/5 Amir still from E. 3 years ago on Google
    👍👍

  • 5/5 Michael B. 3 years ago on Google
    The Havering Hoard exhibition is very well done !

  • 5/5 Peter S. 3 years ago on Google
    A superb overview of the docks from around 1800 in an original warehouse. Lots of space and a well thought out top to bottom route. Excellent narrative covering trade, slavery, dockers, WW2 and the transformation into a financial district.

  • 5/5 Nick V. 3 years ago on Google
    Superb museum - one of the best in London. Very well set out over two floors. Extremely informative and visually very appealing. Docklands is a fascinating area and has undergone so many different metamorphoses. This museum depicts each of these different periods in an exciting and often moving way. A real London highlight!

  • 5/5 Ian L. 3 years ago on Google
    Today's visit was to see the 'Havering Hoard' - a big bronze age collection of artifacts and ingots excavated near the Thames in Essex in 2018. Archaeologists have deduced much about how people lived here about 5,000 years ago, this knowledge is skillfully shared in a way accessible to adults and children. The museum has a large permanent collection, including one of the UK's best exhibitions on the Slave Trade, a major contributor to London's wealth from the 17th to early 19th centuries. We are only now starting to acknowledge slavery's pervasive legacy. Well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Nina N. 3 years ago on Google
    A very good museum, very educational lots to play , it is much bigger than it looks from outside. Plus soft play is fantastic

  • 5/5 Samantha B. 5 years ago on Google
    Wasn’t aware of this place at all. Was quite a pleasant surprise. They run short courses for a variety of subjects. Beautiful place. Many restaurants around for your choice. Quite convenient choices of Transport. Great place for a day out with friends or a quite read by the dock.

  • 5/5 Parr T. 3 years ago on Google
    Love going there!

  • 5/5 Molly C. 3 years ago on Google
    my partner and i found this museum to be very interesting, i almost didn't realise how rich of a history this area actually has! interactive parts for kids including an area aside the cafe (which i believe was closed when we visited due to covid), but would recommend a visit if you're in the area!

  • 4/5 Jamie J. 3 years ago on Google
    a strange place to be honest

  • 5/5 Marco Antonio Da Silva M. 3 years ago on Google
    I love it. It's precious. The building to be beautiful and the installation are good.

  • 5/5 Hugh D. 3 years ago on Google
    Very educational , well managed for these difficult times.

  • 5/5 raz 3 years ago on Google
    Great insight to the docks in London

  • 5/5 L P. 3 years ago on Google
    Fascinating museum and the Havering Hoard exhibition is well presented and interesting. It's a shame there isn't an accompanying book for the exhibition.

  • 5/5 Martin G. 3 years ago on Google
    Loads of fascinating stuff in atmospheric building.

  • 4/5 Ilaria G. 3 years ago on Google
    Very interesting way to spend an afternoon

  • 4/5 Sheena W. 3 years ago on Google
    Good museum, top floor feels like it has the most history

  • 5/5 Pete G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great museum and tells it like is was

  • 4/5 Monetman 6. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent place and a something a little different on London's rich history

  • 4/5 Mary D. 3 years ago on Google
    A veritable treasure trove of information... Not very many physical exhibits. Lots of display boards, films, etc...

  • 5/5 A P. 3 years ago on Google
    Brilliant depiction of the history of London.

  • 5/5 Christopher T. 3 years ago on Google
    Just so happen to be walking past this museum so went in. What a pleasant surprise, learning all the history of the docks up until the modern times.

  • 5/5 Sam L. 3 years ago on Google
    Great exhibits and detailed information

  • 5/5 Jacquie B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place, so much to see and learn, good place to visit when raining

  • 5/5 Stephen M. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite museums in london, really eye opening history. A great place for the whole family.

  • 5/5 Tim 3 years ago on Google
    Really fascinating overview of the importance of trade and shipping to a small offshore island nation. The Empire depended upon it and it tied it together. 1,000 ships a week were using Port of London in 1930s

  • 5/5 Adrian B. 3 years ago on Google
    Very educational.

  • 5/5 Joanna Hryniewicz W. 3 years ago on Google
    Very informative especially about Black history, Docklands, Frost Fairs and many, many others. There are 2 floors packed with interesting infornation, often ' forgotten' in terms of popularity in sschoolbooks. Tailored sheets for children Which help them absorb important facts.

  • 4/5 Sheree D. 3 years ago on Google
    Good exhibition on Slave trade

  • 5/5 Louise K. 3 years ago on Google
    Brilliant for kids. Where's Wally done really well, good distancing. We will go again.

  • 5/5 Tracy B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great, I like this place!

  • 5/5 Nic W. 3 years ago on Google
    Fabulous. Wonderful journey through history. Great museum feels very safe with the social distancing measures in place.

  • 5/5 Ann B. 3 years ago on Google
    Especially enjoyed the Havering Hoard exhibition.

  • 2/5 Ann L. 3 years ago on Google
    Cute and informative museum that displays a lot of information - the only downside is that the staff at the entrance is not friendly.

  • 5/5 bradley r. 3 years ago on Google
    Very interesting for the children would recommend it to everyone

  • 4/5 archie d. 3 years ago on Google
    it was excellent they have good tea and food

  • 5/5 Tina J. 3 years ago on Google
    Great experience. Very nice and value.

  • 4/5 Kelzed S. 3 years ago on Google
    great place for a family to spend a couple of hours

  • 4/5 Quentin P. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely building and staff perhaps rather lacking actual exhibits!

  • 3/5 Michael V. 3 years ago on Google
    Not much for 3 year olds - but no cost to get in

  • 5/5 Chris G. 2 years ago on Google
    An educational museum on the history of the London dock lands. It spans 3 floors and covers every part of docklands history. The exhibits are well laid out and some are interactive. There’s audiovisuals and an education centre. There’s a small gift shop at the entrance. Best of all it’s free! Worth a visit if you’re in the area.

  • 5/5 Betsy R. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this museum. It's a powerful, thoughtful collection/exhibit in a relevant location. The building is a converted warehouse and the exhibit covers the history of the docklands from the first docks to the slave trade, imperial trade, and even the modern development of Canary Wharf. I believe it's the only London museum that acknowledges the history of London's role in the slave trade, and it does so with care and detail. The staff is always lovely and helpful, and they frequently run cool events as well. Truly one of my favourite museums I've been to.

  • 5/5 Charlotte M. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent museum. As others have said, it is much larger than expected and all aspects of the docklands story are worth telling / learning about. The no-nonsense explanation of the slave trade is brutally honest for once. Having said that, it is not a downbeat experience, there are many other interesting and lighter stories to be told. All the staff were lovely and one warned me that it's the kind of place you need to revisit and I definitely will. Absolutely worth the £5 donation.

  • 5/5 Graham S. 2 years ago on Google
    Very pleasant visit today Wednesday being very few people and found it interesting. For older generation many pictures and stories will bring back good and bad memories. For youngsters an insight into what life was like and probably they will have covid info in a couple of years time.

  • 5/5 Grace Allen Sta. A. 2 years ago on Google
    Love it! Very well organized and taken care of. The exhibits were exemplary. We arrived late which is such a shame bec. we didn't get to finish all of it. If you like history and take delight in learning from days past you'd enjoy aday of visiting this museum.

  • 5/5 na p. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit and it was free. I loved the way you navigate from the top floor down.

  • 5/5 Mike D. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting, all about the docks from the time on the slave traders and sugar trade. Right up to modern uses of the area. Some useful interactive information as well. A good play area for the kids.. The Mudlarks and a nice café.

  • 5/5 Kiran A. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic customer service and welcome. Beautiful place. A must visit for the kids.

  • 5/5 Michael A. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a fascinating museum with extremely well laid out artefacts. I found the history fascinating but the building itself as also a joy to behold. It was also great to be able to see some of the old docklands outside. A really interesting area and the museum was free.

  • 5/5 Lamdesign 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place to attend with little ones. You have to book a session for the play areas one day prior to your visit; as well as a slot (free) due to the covid guidelines.

  • 5/5 Rosie B. 2 years ago on Google
    Brilliant museum about the fascinating lives this area has lived before becoming Canary Wharf. Once the beating heart of the British Empire, the permanent exhibition does a great job of showcasing the triumphs and terrors of that time with thoughtful, engaging exhibits. The temporary exhibitions are the real star, taking a deep dive into topics such as mudlarking, local etomology, the lives of the Docklands workers, and contemporary artist's works on the subjects. The construction of the Port of London temp exhibits is also impressively environmentally conscious!

  • 5/5 Adrienn K. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited the Mudlark Children Gallery. It was a good experience. The children loved playing with cranes, loading and unloading the ships also loved building with the giant blocks. The softplay area was also good. Good facilities well equipped.

  • 5/5 blitzodon s. 2 years ago on Google
    I wasn't sure what to expect when bringing the children but we were all pleasantly surprised. My 7 year old has decided she loves history and they all enjoyed seeing the shops and rooms from years ago. There was an old bar that you could walk into and lots of information about the docs and items on show. Upstairs was information on the slave trade with lots of pictures. We all had a great day out but although it's not big inside, we had two hours there and ran out of time so I would recommend giving yourself more time to be able to read the information and see everything this wonderful museum has to offer.

  • 5/5 Dan O. 2 years ago on Google
    Brilliant repurposed warehouse space and museum. I really loved the 10m talk by a volunteer which brought things to life. A good museum for children too with lots to touch and experience. It was also great to see people enjoying the Black History exhibitions. Free, but do give a donation which is easily done with the contactless units on entry.

  • 5/5 Anto H. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing museum, informative and with an interesting display of artefacts. My daughter enjoyed the interactive features. The staff are really welcoming and helpful.

  • 5/5 ilyas yasin U. 2 years ago on Google
    very pleasant place and good employees. You will have good information to have a good time.

  • 5/5 isha s. 2 years ago on Google
    It is a nice place, amazing experience The second floor has some interesting touch and fascinating. Good for children, they had a free exhibition on the ground floor as well. Nice small cafe on the ground floor for ome refreshments after the visit.

  • 5/5 Tiberiu-Mihai N. 2 years ago on Google
    I really enjoied my time at docklands. Amazing experience and lots informations. One of my favorite musseums im London.

  • 5/5 sami s. 2 years ago on Google
    Very well presented history of Docks and trade as it was then. Well equipped resources for children, cafe with snack options, restrooms, elevators, paid parking nearby

  • 5/5 Katrina Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Free. Really interesting, too. We started on the top floor which was so informative and engaging, but maybe spent too much time there as there was much to see and learn about on the first 2 floors, too - including the architectural development of Canary wharf. So much social history. We will definitely make return visits. There was also a separate area for (very) younger children - Mudlarks - so a definite go-to place for families. Highly recommended. There is a cafe but the prices seemed quite expensive.

  • 4/5 RiRi P. 2 years ago on Google
    A brilliant day time historical experience with many interactive features, and interesting artefacts, documents and personal reflections to see and hear - the inclusion of the African and Caribbean diaspora was personally very welcome. This experience is certainly worth factoring in when staying in or exploring the West India Dock area. Perfect for a date, or a trip with the family.

  • 4/5 A B. 2 years ago on Google
    The museum is quite interesting and is situated inside one of the only three remaining warehouses from the original 1800s docklands. I found the section on human slavery from Africa to be the most absorbing one. It is situated in Canary Wharf which is not a particularly nice or exciting area by itself – the museum is probably the only nice thing to see. Hence if you're time constrained on your holiday, I would not recommend travelling all the way to the Wharf just for the sake of the museum.

  • 5/5 stockeeey 1 year ago on Google
    Great gem of a museum for young and old! I took my parents here one day and we definitely had a blast. Interesting information, great interactive pieces and very modern showcases also in between. I live quite a while in East London and have no idea how I could wait for so long to drop by. So many cool corners, and the set up walking from the top to the bottom is also very cool! Very recommendable, we will definitely be back!

  • 5/5 Sue M. 2 years ago on Google
    There is so much to see and learn about the history of London. We spent about three hours ( including having a very nice snack on the cafe) and ran out of time, so another visit is planned before the museum closes so as to move to its new home nearby.

  • 5/5 Karen B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the Docklands branch of the Museum of London. It is in a former warehouse and looks at aspects of London's maritime story. It is about 30 mins from the main museum by public transport or about 90 mind walking where you can explore areas of the East end of London.

  • 4/5 ASHLEY 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant museum. Lots to see and learn. Fun things through for kids entertainment too. Great little cafe and gift shop on the ground floor right beside their amazing soft play centre

  • 5/5 Christie C. 1 year ago on Google
    What an experience to walk through and see the development and role this dock played in London. You need time to grasp each and every area from the slavery to today. Highly recommended not only for historians but you and me to see how we got to today's modern developed Canary Wharf. Free to enter with the option to make a financial contribution. You start from the 3rd floor and walk your way down. There are play areas for children to actively participate in these historic moments.

  • 5/5 raju r. 1 year ago on Google
    What an informative and entertaining museum in a part of London that is not often visited. Enjoyable for all ages with a children's play learn area and a made up street straight out of a Dickensian novel. It's easy to get to by public transport or car with a car park right next to the building

  • 5/5 Philip A. 9 months ago on Google
    This museum is a piece of art. Inside you fell like you are on a real dock, low light sound of water under your feet, sound of rats. You gotta start the tour from the 3rd floor and going down. On the first 3rd and 2th floor is more with figurines, boat pieces how they work and so in but gradually change from that to only visual information and text. The entry is free, but I recommend you to buy their map for 1£ and pay a small donation of 5£, it's a small price for a really nice experience.

  • 5/5 Paul S. 9 months ago on Google
    Really interesting history with great displays, helpful guides Ave straightforward critique is slavery involvement. Could do with better signage as we tried to interrupt our flow to get coffee Ave could not escape from floor 2 without help. Coffee was good in the cafe.

  • 5/5 Debra W. 11 months ago on Google
    Great new location. Went for the Executions exhibition which was very good. Had a look around the rest of the museum afterwards. Loved the Sailortown street recreations. I had a great day. Lots for kids to do. Love banana cake and coffee in the cafe afterwards. Staff polite and knowledge and I had a nice chat with a lovely lady at the door. I prebooked the exhibition so could queue jump.

  • 5/5 Coreen 1 year ago on Google
    I went recently to see the exhibition on the history of executions, it's definitely a must see before it ends in April. The staff were friendly and professional. My only regret is I was so tired from the exhibition I didn't have the energy to go around the rest of the museum, so I shall definitely return to see what other exhibitions they have. The museum is free but you have to pay for specific/special exhibitions, I'd recommend buying the ticket online as it's like a £2 increase if you pay when you arrive. I know it's not much but every penny counts.

  • 4/5 Francesco F. 7 months ago on Google
    Loved it! Not spectacular but very informative about the huge British imperial development of the colonial trade, since the 18th century. The exhibition openly documents that the immense power of the docklands lords, cargo merchants, and ship owners -- was built on slavery and the deporting of thousands of people living in the port area. Would deserve 5 stars if we weren't denied the use of plugs to charge phones near tables at the cafeteria..

  • 5/5 B B. 4 months ago on Google
    Very vibrant interesting museum. Great location, in centre of west India docks. Weather spoons next door has interesting pics to as well as being in original building

  • 5/5 Kathi H. 4 months ago on Google
    The Fashion City exhibition was fantastic. It was so well thought out and the clothes and objects selected told such great stories. Absolutely loved it!

  • 5/5 Lorraine A. 2 months ago on Google New
    Well worth a visit! There is so much to see on several floors and what was to be a quick look around ended up as nearly three hours with the cafe at the end. Great area to visit too!

  • 4/5 Perhaps 1 month ago on Google • 26 reviews New
    A wonderful museum a short walk away from West India Quays. An enlightening experience on how Canary Wharf became Canada Wharf, with an interesting exhibition on Sugar, Slavery and Abolition in Britain on the top floor. There are areas of the museum that have been modelled to look like old london, which was a nice experience, and it felt nice to understand the wider historical context of London. Definitely recommend


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair rental
    • ✓️ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Assisted listening devices
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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