Museum of London Docklands
Explore London's maritime past in a stunning Georgian warehouse, uncovering tales of trade, migration, and the mighty River Thames.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for families
Museum of London Docklands
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for families
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore London's maritime past in a stunning Georgian warehouse, uncovering tales of trade, migration, and the mighty River Thames.
"A hidden gem that's always one of my top recommendations for something out of the ordinary!"
🎯 Find the Hidden Rats!
Kids love hunting for the 10+ rats hidden throughout the museum. Grab a sheet on entry! :rat:
💰 Free Entry is a Gem
Most of the museum is free! Only special exhibits or Mudlarks gallery have a small fee.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secrets of the Thames Exhibition
Special Exhibition Space
Discover over 350 objects from mudlarking collections, revealing the hidden history of the River Thames.
+1
The Georgian Warehouse
Main Exhibition Hall
Explore the impressive architecture of the Grade I listed Georgian sugar warehouse itself.
Mudlarks Children's Gallery
Dedicated Children's Area
An interactive space for kids to dig, build, and learn about London's river history.
+1Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Special Exhibits Extra
Mudlarking Fun for Kids
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Hidden Rats!
Kids love hunting for the 10+ rats hidden throughout the museum. Grab a sheet on entry! :rat:
💰 Free Entry is a Gem
Most of the museum is free! Only special exhibits or Mudlarks gallery have a small fee.
🚢 Understand London's Past
Great for understanding London's history as a major trading port. +1
👶 Mudlarks for Little Ones
The Mudlarks gallery is fantastic for kids, but book timed tickets to avoid disappointment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Hidden Rats!
Kids love hunting for the 10+ rats hidden throughout the museum. Grab a sheet on entry! :rat:
💰 Free Entry is a Gem
Most of the museum is free! Only special exhibits or Mudlarks gallery have a small fee.
🚢 Understand London's Past
Great for understanding London's history as a major trading port. +1
👶 Mudlarks for Little Ones
The Mudlarks gallery is fantastic for kids, but book timed tickets to avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Foreshore
See where mudlarking treasures are found – check tide times for access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of London Docklands for its fascinating exhibits on London's maritime history and its impressive Georgian warehouse setting. The free entry is a major draw, and the Mudlarks gallery is a hit with families, though booking ahead is advised. Some find the surrounding Canary Wharf area less charming than the museum itself.
"A beautiful day out was had at this hidden museum. I had no idea what to expect but we saw more than we had anticipated. Rated 4* as wish I knew more about what was happening and then paid in advance to attend. There’s plenty for children and adults to do to learn and have fun including the family trail, under 5 and over 5 trails around the museum. There are some activities to complete on the Sainsburys floor and a cafe on the ground floor for food, drinks and chilling out."
Uzo Amaka
"Highly recommend this free museum to everyone. We went to see the slave trade trail secrets of the Thames and the exodus exhibition but spent hours here looking at everything.
this place is fantastic for children, young and old, with interactive displays, touch and dress up areas sprinkled throughout. they also had free talks so you could find out about particular things and the walkthrough areas make it even more interesting.
A great day out, easy walk from stations and next to lots of food places. we left to get lunch and came back no problem."
KYtravel
"London Museum Docklands is a fantastic place to visit!
The museum is child-friendly, with plenty of interactive exhibits and events—we visited on a Saturday, and there was a special event happening. Entry is free, and it was great to see so many families and kids enjoying themselves.
The museum is well-organised across multiple levels, with clear directions and maps to guide you. The galleries are fascinating, offering a deep dive into the rich history of the Docklands and London in general. There’s also a nice café on the ground floor for a break.
Highly recommend for history lovers and families alike!"
Rosi Petkova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest DLR station is West India Quay, just a short walk away. Several bus routes also serve the area. If driving, there is limited parking nearby, so public transport is generally recommended.
Yes, it's located in the vibrant Canary Wharf area and is a short distance from the Tower of London, making it a great addition to a day of sightseeing.
Absolutely! It's a pleasant walk from the heart of Canary Wharf, offering views of the modern architecture contrasting with the historic docklands.
While the DLR is the most direct, the nearest London Underground stations are Canary Wharf (Jubilee Line) and Heron Quays (DLR), both requiring a short walk or DLR connection.
On-site parking is very limited. It's best to use public transport or nearby car parks in the Canary Wharf area, which can be expensive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the Museum of London Docklands is free! However, special exhibitions and the Mudlarks children's gallery have a small admission fee.
Access to the Mudlarks children's gallery typically costs around £3.50 per person (adults and children). It's highly recommended to book timed tickets in advance, especially during peak times.
No, general entry to the main museum galleries is free and does not require booking. However, for special exhibitions, it's advisable to check the museum's website and book tickets in advance.
The museum is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and any potential closures.
For general entry, no tickets are needed. For special exhibitions or the Mudlarks gallery, while some tickets might be available on the day, booking in advance is strongly recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases London's rich history as a global trading port, featuring exhibits on the docks, trade, migration, and the lives of people who worked and lived there. Don't miss the 'Secrets of the Thames' exhibition and the interactive Mudlarks gallery for kids. +1
Yes, it's very family-friendly! The Mudlarks gallery is specifically designed for children with hands-on activities. Many of the main exhibits also have interactive elements and a fun 'find the rat' trail. +1
You could easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the main galleries and the Mudlarks section. If you're visiting a special exhibition, allow an extra hour.
Absolutely! The museum is known for its interactive displays, especially in the Mudlarks gallery. Many exhibits in the main halls also encourage engagement, like the 'find the rat' game.
The Museum of London Docklands is generally accessible, with lifts to all floors and accessible toilets. The Mudlarks gallery is also designed with accessibility in mind. Check their website for detailed accessibility information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe located on the ground floor, offering light refreshments, snacks, and drinks. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit.
Picnics are generally not permitted inside the museum galleries. However, there may be designated areas outside or nearby where you can enjoy your own food. It's best to check with the museum staff upon arrival.
The museum is situated in Canary Wharf, which offers a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
The cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, pastries, cakes, hot and cold drinks, and sometimes light meals. It's perfect for a quick bite or a coffee break.
Yes, the cafe is generally family-friendly and offers a relaxed atmosphere for visitors with children. High chairs are usually available.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the main galleries, but without flash. However, for special exhibitions or specific displays, photography may be restricted. Always look for signage.
No, flash photography is typically not permitted inside the museum to protect the exhibits and for the comfort of other visitors.
Yes, the historic Georgian warehouse architecture itself is very photogenic. The 'Secrets of the Thames' exhibition also offers unique visual elements, and the surrounding docklands area provides great shots.
Tripods and selfie sticks are usually not allowed inside the museum to avoid obstructing other visitors and to prevent accidental damage to exhibits. Check the museum's policy for specifics.
The grand entrance hall showcasing the warehouse's structure, the displays within the 'Secrets of the Thames' exhibition, and the views of the docklands from the museum's exterior are all excellent photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Beyond Mudlarks, the main galleries offer the 'find the rat' trail, which keeps younger visitors entertained as they explore the exhibits. The interactive nature of many displays ensures that children remain engaged throughout the visit. The museum's location in the vibrant Docklands area also provides opportunities for further exploration.
💰 Budget Travelers
You can immerse yourself in London's rich maritime history without spending a penny on entry to the main galleries. The only costs you might incur are for special exhibitions or the Mudlarks children's gallery, which are reasonably priced. Combine your visit with a picnic lunch enjoyed in the surrounding Docklands area (check for designated spots) to keep costs even lower. The museum's location also means you can easily access it via the DLR, which is often more affordable than the Underground.
📚 History Buffs
Explore the Georgian warehouse architecture itself, delve into the 'Secrets of the Thames' exhibition for tangible links to the past, and understand the impact of the docks on London's development. The museum provides a unique perspective often overlooked in more mainstream historical sites.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Docklands
Visitors can explore stories of migration, the challenges faced by workers, and the evolution of the docks into the Canary Wharf we see today. The museum doesn't shy away from the complexities of this history, offering a nuanced perspective on London's maritime legacy. It's a journey through centuries of commerce, culture, and human endeavor that shaped the capital.
Mudlarking and the Thames Treasures
+1The museum highlights the work of modern-day mudlarks, like Bonnie Mae, who found a significant Tudor ring featured in the exhibition's promotional materials. This section provides a fascinating glimpse into the hidden archaeological potential of the Thames and the stories these recovered objects tell about everyday life in London through the ages.
Family Fun at Mudlarks
+1While general museum entry is free, Mudlarks has a small admission fee, and timed tickets are highly recommended to ensure entry. Parents often praise the hands-on nature of the exhibits and the educational value, making it a perfect outing for families looking for an engaging and fun experience for their children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit