TH_IS TOURISM|Visit Tower Hamlets
Visit Tower Hamlets
There are so many unforgettable experiences in Tower Hamlets. Immerse yourself in the culture of museums and galleries, enjoy our parks and open spaces, explore the history of The Tower of London and Tower Bridge, have a countryside experience in our city farms, or soak up the atmosphere in the borough’s markets. From galleries to museums there are so manty free and nearly free family friendly activities.
Visuals capturing all the great sites around Tower Hamlets. From the leafy glory of Victoria Park to the world of design and creativity at the Young V&A. What about some of the buzzing markets like Petticoat Lane and Spitalfields we have around the borough. World Heritage sites like Tower Bridge and the iconic Canary Wharf to add to our repertoire. From culture to class - it's all here - The Best of London in One Borough!
Canary Wharf
There’s so much more to Canary Wharf than business, buildings and shopping. You’ll find outdoor cinema, big screen sporting events, year-round public art, exhibitions, Christmas and Diwali light shows and so much more. Check out their what’s on page for the latest activities.
Jungle is massive at Crossrail Place roof garden, one of London’s largest. It’s a place to relax and wander through a forest of roof-high exotic plants.
Hidden pathways will take you to peaceful benches and mini beaches. Or simply take in a show in the amphitheatre. Open daily until sunset. Crossrail Place, above Canary Wharf Elizabeth Line station.
Our city farms
Mudchute park and working farm makes for a great family day out. You will see all the animals you would expect in a real working farm or wander round vast areas of unspoilt natural parkland. Stepney City Farm offers a similar experience in the heart of the east end and has a great café. And it doesn’t end there. Spitalfields City Farm is open Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 4.30pm. It’s in Buxton Street, E1 5AR.
Mudchute Park & Farm, Pier Street, Isle of Dogs London E14 3HP. Every day, 9am-4pm. Park closes at dusk. Stepney City Farm, Stepney Way, E1 3DG. 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays.
Young V&A in the heart of Bethnal Green
Young V&A is the museum where families can imagine, play, and design. It’s magical place for children, and mums and dads can relive their childhoods through the toys they once played with.
Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA. Daily, 10am to 5.45pm. Galleries close from 5pm.
World heritage at Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are not quite free, but at just one £1 entry for residents, they are the borough’s best bargain.
Tower Bridge offers a glass floored walkway, incredible machine rooms and a 15 per cent shop discount for residents.
Tower Hamlets residents also only pay one pound entry for the Tower of London. Get up close to the crown jewels. Adults need to bring photo ID and proof of address with them to the ticket office. Visit their websites for terms and conditions.
London Museum Docklands
London Museum Docklands offers 400 years’ of Thameside history. It’s free and open to all, every day from 10am to 5pm every, with no need to book in advance.
Arts at the Whitechapel Gallery
The Whitechapel Gallery was founded in 1901 to enrich the cultural offer for the people of East London. It’s historic building houses nine exhibition spaces, a fully equipped auditorium, a variety of study and studio spaces, as well as a specialist bookshop and lovely cafe.
Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 6pm. Thursday late opening until 9pm.
Visit our markets
Tower Hamlets boasts some of the most iconic and internationally renowned street markets in London. No other borough in London offers year round trading with such a choice of vibrant and contrasting markets.
Spitalfields market
One of London’s oldest markets, Spitalfields Market is a seven-days-a-week destination. You’ll find an uncompromising array of independent stall holders, showcasing incredible hand-crafted and hard-to-find pieces that make every trip special and memorable.
Brick Lane Market (Sundays)
Expect plenty of fashion, food and art. This historic street is a famous focal point for the Bangladeshi community. And in the past it’s been a home to French Huguenot and Jewish immigrants. You can refuel at one of the numerous food stalls in the area or head into a Brick Lane restaurant.
Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays)
Sundays in the East End come alive in a blaze of colour and fragrance. Columbia Road market brings together the best of home grown and imported flowers and plants. (It’s also a just a short walk from Brick Lane if you feel like doing two markets in one day).
Hiding away behind the blooms are 60 independent shops, several art galleries as well as antique sellers. There are also cafes and pubs for you to stop in and watch the world go by.
Petticoat Lane Market (Sunday)
Petticoat Lane market has a rich history in textiles. This began in the 1750’s when the Huguenots fled from persecution in France and settled in the East End. Eastern European Jews (likewise fleeing oppression) took the tradition on in the late 18th and early 20th centuries.
A little confusingly, Petticoat Lane itself does not exist anymore. The Victorians felt the reference to undergarments was too racy and changed the name to Middlesex Street. That’s where the main part of the market can be found along with stalls on surrounding streets.
Behind the fashion, textile and leather goods stalls you can also discover Asian and African fabric shops.
