The roads and riverside of Limehouse reveal evidence of its centuries-long connections with the sea and maritime trades and of its long journey from tiny riverside village – one of the “tower hamlets” – to today’s modern docklands district. Sailors passing through made it a truly cosmopolitan area– home to London’s first Chinatown – a bustling hive of industry with a dark side which philanthropists sought to address and some writers sought to exploit in sensational stories. Our walk takes us to the sublime St Anne’s church and Narrow Street’s fine 17th century house-fronts, to palatial sailors’ hostels, well- preserved 19th century warehouses and one of the very oldest urban railway viaducts, taking in splendid river views to Canary Wharf and the City along the way.

We meet just outside Westferry DLR station, at the end of Limehouse Causeway, by the Spice Merchant restaurant.

The walk lasts about two hours and ends very near Limehouse DLR station. The walk is largely on flat ground. There are a few flights of stairs (6-12 steps), but these can be avoided if required.