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Places
Of Interest in East London |
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Whether you find yourself
in east London for a day, a week or more, you should
find a wide variety of things to keep you busy.
Many of East London’s attractions have sprung
up as a result of the area’s unique relationship
with England’s premier river – the Thames.
The Docklands Museum [map] is one of the most recent and entices visitors with the
promise of an insight into the area’s rocky social
and economic history.
Docks themselves also play a part in the feast of interests
the east side has to offer. St Katherine’s
Dock was one of the first to be restored and
now houses shops, restaurants and a marina. Nearby, Tobacco Docks dates back to 1811 and
has been converted for social entertainments. And Execution
Dock near Wapping Old Stairs is where pirates
faced the ultimate punishment for their career choice.
Other Thames related gems include Canary Wharf [map],
home to the tallest building in the UK, the Thames
Barrier Park [map] with a sunken garden and spectacular views across the
river and Trinity Buoy Wharf, where the opening
scenes of the James Bond film, The World Is Not Enough,
are set.
Away from the water you’ll find cultural treasures
in one of the east side museums. The Ragged School
Museum [map] and the Museum of Childhood [map] focus on the highs and lows of childhood through the ages.
The Geffrye Museum [map] is one of London’s best loved especially for those
with a penchant for interior design, as it showcases middle
class living rooms from the 17th century to the present
day.
For a five senses education in the social history of the
east end go to Brick Lane [map].
The street is alive with the sights, smells and sounds
of the areas past originally as a brick manufacturing
area (hence the name) and has become a haven for waves
of immigrants over the decades. Today the area is known
for its Bangladeshi community and gives you the perfect
opportunity to taste the culture in one of the many curry
houses. Sunday gives you the chance to become a part of
one of the areas institutions – Brick Lane market
– and pick up a bargain at the same time!
Whitechapel tells of East London’s more sordid
past as this is where Jack the Ripper,
the World’s first serial killer, earned his reputation.
Guided walks are available for those who want to delve
further into the East End’s murky past.
For those with a need for speed east London has two venues
for you to get your kicks. Petrol heads can take a spin
in a 70mph twin-engine go-kart at F1 City [map] in Docklands. While those who like to keep their feet
firmly on the ground can enjoy the four-legged thrill
of greyhound racing at Walthamstow Stadium [map].
If you want to comment on our choices or recommend somewhere,
why not use our What
You Recommend form to let us know. |
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