Who knows the Docklands best? The people who live there! Discover the best places to live in London Docklands according to the residents who have watched it evolve. With hundreds of millions of pounds continually being invested in the area’s regeneration, there’s more reason than ever to take a look.
Where are the Docklands in London?
Nine square miles of riverfront make up the London Docklands, ranging across the diverse boroughs of Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham, Newham, and Greenwich. It was one of the worst poverty-stricken areas of the capital in the 1980s, but over 30 years of urban regeneration efforts have completely changed the docklands’ fortunes.
What happened to London Docklands?
Private investors and successive government initiatives have turned derelict land into thriving communities. Today, you can see the carefully planned blending of the old and new. Neighbourhoods like Canary Wharf, the Isle of Dogs, Limehouse, Wapping and Woolwich have created beautiful cityscapes of modern architecture, while at the same time retaining much of their historical roots and charm.
What’s it like to live in London Docklands?
The Docklands are constantly changing, as expansion projects and ongoing property development build on previous successes. Currently, the area offers a quieter, laid back riverside lifestyle, but with plenty to keep you occupied.
There’s a thriving cafe, bar and restaurant scene, with a slightly more relaxed nightlife offering. You can also find good schools aplenty here, with more are being added in recent years. Fortunately, transport links are also steadily improving, with the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) undergoing ambitious expansion plans.
This makes the area most appealing to families and young professionals. With a widening range of properties available at appealing prices, solid commuter links and plenty of local colour, the London Docklands are attracting new residents with increasing confidence.
The 10 best places to live in London Docklands – according to residents
Our list of the best places to live in London Docklands is made up of the 10 developments with the highest star ratings from our reviewers. Click on any of the listed developments below to see a breakdown of exactly how residents rate it. You can also read the full list of reviews.
4.73 (29 reviews)
4.73 (29 reviews)
Our top-rated London Docklands development is 10 George Street, which rises 37 storeys above Canary Wharf’s new district, Wood Wharf. There are 327 ultramodern apartments available, all overlooking waterside gardens and boardwalks below. In addition, residents have exclusive access to “Club Vertus.” This includes access to a 24/7 gym studio, self-service bar, private dining room and lounge which opens out onto a large, south-facing terrace. Residents love this mix of exceptional on-site facilities and easy access to the thriving Canary Wharf scene.
4.64 (55 reviews)
4.64 (55 reviews)
Sailmakers’ residents say they enjoy the great views, convenient location and wide range of facilities on offer, including pool, gym, pool tables, quiet areas, terraces and more. Situated within Harbour Central on the Isle of Dogs, Sailmakers’ is within 5 minutes’ walk of the DLR and less than a 10-minute walk from the heart of Canary Wharf.
4.45 (60 reviews)
4.45 (60 reviews)
Named after renowned botanist Nathanial Bagshaw Ward, Wardian London is a unique residential development from EcoWorld and Ballymore, and designed by Glenn Howells. The development offers one and two-bedroom apartments and a collection of suites, all close to Canary Wharf’s Jubilee line, DLR, Thames Clipper services and London City Airport. Residents routinely give top scores for the development’s design, complimenting the architecture, interior design and added touches such as the fresh flowers on display in the communal areas.
4.46 (16 reviews)
4.46 (16 reviews)
This new-build development by Telford Homes is situated in Bow, and offers 1-3-bedroom apartments alongside a handful of ‘sky villas’ (a mixture of two and three-bedroom duplex apartments). Bow Garden Square is within close proximity to Mile End tube station (for the District line) and Devons Road DLR, giving easy access to the City and Canary Wharf. The high-quality finish of the apartments, as well as the “simply stunning skyline views” are what put this development up to number four on our list.
4.43 (90 reviews)
4.43 (90 reviews)
Fancy living on your own island within London? That’s just what our 5th top-rated London Docklands development offers, as it makes up a mixed-use 12-acre neighbourhood that includes a central square, commercial units, parkland, Manhattan-style apartments, and the City Island Social Club, all overlooking the River Thames and the River Lea. It’s now home to the English National Ballet, and offers excellent transport links out of Canning Town station.
4.55 (14 reviews)
4.55 (14 reviews)
At number 6, Baltimore Wharf is a mixed-use development from Galliard Homes, comprising residential units, retail outlets and a luxury hotel. There are 1-2-bedroom apartments, premium duplexes and penthouses on offer here. The development is moments from the Crossharbour DLR Station and Canary Wharf is less than a 10-minute walk away.
4.43 (15 reviews)
4.43 (15 reviews)
Residents at Ability Place say that there’s everything you need on your doorstep, from the on-site spa and gym to the great mix of local restaurants, playgrounds and shops. All of this is backed up by solid transport links in the form of the nearby Jubilee Line link via Canary Wharf and the extensive bus network connections.
4.40 (10 reviews)
4.40 (10 reviews)
Royal Quay is a Regal Homes development that’s conveniently close to the Westferry DLR station. There are 90 residential units on offer – a combination of studios and 1-2-bed apartments. Limehouse Cut Canal is just behind the building, so residents get to enjoy unobstructed waterfront views. They also rate the design and furnishings of the apartments, noting the good quality fixtures and fittings.
4.30 (27 reviews)
4.30 (27 reviews)
As we come to the final entries in our list, The Landmark makes the grade thanks to its great location (easy access to Canary Wharf station and local hotspots), reliable staff and excellent views. The available apartments are a mixture of studio, one, two, three and four-bedrooms, all with resident parking and other on-site facilities.
4.27 (19 reviews)
4.27 (19 reviews)
To finish, the Dollar Bay development rounds out our list. Residents love the unique look of the building (it’s easy to pick out from the Isle of Dogs skyline) and that the tasteful design ethos extends to the interior of the apartments. There are 115 studios, apartments and penthouses at Dollar Bay, all enjoying plenty of warmth and natural light, as well as outstanding views of the river. Dollar Bay also offers easy access to Canary Wharf’s transport links and shopping malls.
Interested in knowing more about how the TFL expansion plans will affect the London Docklands? Click here. We also have guides to the best places to live in Canary Wharf and other East London areas.
HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, landlords and the Government to recognise high performers and help to improve standards in the built environment.
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