The Cruise Route: Section 54-74
Please note: Attractions in yellow type are not visable from the River.
From Westminster Bridge:
54. Canary Wharf (DLR)
Canary
Wharf and other new developments on this 70 acre site, formerly the West
India Docks, are one of the largest civil engineering projects ever under-taken.
Startling and innovative architecture have made the area a bustling new
financial centre, complete with shops, restaurants and new residential complexes.
At 800ft (240m) the tower at Canary Wharf (One Canada Square) is the tallest
building in Britain. A walk down Blood Alley among the old warehouses gives
excellent views. Cabot Square offers an impressive range of shops, bars
and restaurants.
55. New Billingsgate
57. Mudchute (DLR)
For a real contrast, visit Mudchute City Farm with sheep, cattle, horses,
pigs and other animals.
58. Burrells Wharf (DLR Island Gardens)
In the mid 18th century, the first iron ship built on the Thames was built
here. But it was Brunels masterpiece, the 680 ft (207m) long Great Eastern
which made the wharf famous. She was four times the size of the next largest
ship in service and had to be launched sideways into the river, where the
hull immediately got stuck in the mud. Now the site of a residential development,
evidence of the original dry dock still exists.
59. Island Gardens (DLR)
At DLRs final stop, you can enjoy the superb views of Greenwich as seen
by Canaletto in 1750. Island Gardens is connected to Greenwich town centre
and Greenwich Pier by a Foot Tunnel built in 1902, with lifts at each end.
60. Gipsy Moth IV
The yacht in which Sir Francis Chichester in 1966-67 became the first person
to sail single-handed around the world.
61. Cutty Sark
"The world's last Tea Clipper". Launched in 1869 for the China
tea trade and now the last of the great tea clippers, she is berthed in
dry dock and is open to the public. The Cutty Sark is the first preserved
ship open to the public worldwide since Golden Hinde was exhibited in Deptford
in 1580.
62. Royal Naval College
Wren, John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor all had a hand in constructing
these buildings on the site of the old Tudor Palace of Placentia. The Chapel
and Dining Hall, known as the Painted Hall, are the only parts of the College
open to the public. Completed in 1712 the painted ceiling of the Hall is
one of the most magnificent in Europe.
63. Crafts Market
64. St Alfeges Church
Dedicated
to Alfege, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was martyred on this site. This
church was started in 1714 by Hawksmoor, and was the first of fifty ordered
by Queen Anne.
65. Antique Market
66. National Maritime Museum
Britains seafaring history displayed in an impressive modern museum including
the new Neptune gallery. Features on Explorers, Passenger Liners, the Empire,
20th-century Sea Power and a major exhibition on Nelson. The All Hands childrens
gallery teaches nautical skills. Imaginative use of videos and interactive
alongside unique and facinating artefacts, ship models and superb paintings.
