Thames Path Walk: Tower Bridge to Canary Wharf

Start your walk at Tower Bridge, one of London’s most famous landmarks. Before heading east, take a moment to look back across the river for views of the City skyline and the towers of the financial district rising behind the bridge. Early mornings and sunset are especially good for photos here.

As you continue along the riverside towards St Katharine Docks, the atmosphere changes quickly from busy tourist London to quieter marina walkways filled with boats, cafés and restaurants. It’s a good place to stop for a coffee and watch the water before continuing east.

From here, the route leads into Wapping, one of the oldest parts of the East End. Look out for the cobbled streets, converted warehouse buildings and hidden alleyways that hint at the area’s dockland history. Keep an eye open for the old hydraulic cranes and dock features still built into the riverside.

One of the highlights of the walk is The Prospect of Whitby, a historic riverside pub dating back centuries and often described as one of London’s oldest pubs. Its outdoor terrace sits directly beside the Thames and is a perfect place to stop for a drink while watching boats move along the river. A little further on, the nautically themed Captain Kidd is another well-known riverside pub with a sedate view of the river and great views back towards the City.

As you continue east, the river opens and the skyline begins to change again. You’ll pass old dock entrances, converted industrial buildings and quieter residential stretches before reaching Limehouse Basin. This marina area marks the meeting point of the Thames and Regent’s Canal and offers a completely different atmosphere, with narrowboats and waterside paths surrounded by modern apartments.

From Limehouse, the final stretch towards Canary Wharf becomes more dramatic as the skyscrapers rise to meet you. The contrast between historic docklands and glass towers is one of the best parts of the route. Keep an eye out for public art installations, floating pontoons and hidden riverside seating areas along the way.

Finish your walk in Canary Wharf, where you can explore the dockside squares, waterside bars and public gardens. If you still have energy left, the Crossrail Place Roof Garden is worth visiting for its indoor tropical planting and views across the docklands.

The full route can comfortably take half a day with stops, or longer if you pause for food, drinks and exploring along the river.