Man standing beside the Thames with Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast in the background on a clear day.

Tower Hamlets – Thames Riverside, Canals, and Urban Green Space

An inner London borough of riverside frontage, dock basins, canals, and dense urban fabric east of the City

Tower Hamlets is an inner London borough defined by the River Thames, historic docklands, and a network of canals and urban green spaces. Walking routes follow the Thames Path, use canal-side routes along the Regent’s Canal and Limehouse Cut, and link places such as Canary Wharf, Limehouse, Wapping, Bethnal Green, and Whitechapel across riverside walkways, dock edges, parks, and city streets.

Much of the terrain is firm and level underfoot. Paved riverside promenades, towpaths, and park paths allow continuous, accessible walking with minimal gradient. Routes are shaped by bridges, locks, and dock crossings rather than changes in elevation.

The landscape shifts between sub-areas. Along the Thames, walking follows embankments, wharves, and dock edges through Wapping and Canary Wharf. Inland areas include canal corridors, former industrial land, and parks such as Victoria Park, where paths move through open green space. Eastern sections become more residential, with local streets and smaller open spaces linking the waterways.

Settlements are continuous, with frequent transport links and access points. Walking is naturally broken into shorter sections, with many options for linear routes between stations, river crossings, and canal junctions.

Trails and Routes Through Tower Hamlets

Thames Path

A national riverside route following the north bank of the Thames through Wapping, Limehouse, and Canary Wharf, using embankments, dock edges, and riverside walkways.

Regent’s Canal (eastern section)

A canal-side route running from Limehouse Basin west toward Hackney, following towpaths through dockland and parkland.

Limehouse Cut

A straight canal linking the River Lea to Limehouse Basin, used for short linear walking and connections between waterways.

Local park and riverside circuits

Shorter routes through Victoria Park and dockland basins, commonly combined with canal and riverside paths.

Walking Character

Flat, paved riverside and canal paths
Historic docks, basins, and industrial edges
Urban parks and open green spaces
Frequent bridges and waterside crossings
Continuous settlement and transport access
Fully urban and low-lying

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tower Hamlets located?

Tower Hamlets lies in east London, immediately east of the City of London, bordering the River Thames and neighbouring boroughs including Hackney, Newham, and Southwark.

What defines walking here?

Level riverside and canal walking through a dense urban environment, with a mix of historic dockland and modern development.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Thames Path passes through the borough, alongside longer canal routes that continue beyond Tower Hamlets into other parts of London.

Is the terrain steep?

No. Walking is almost entirely flat, with gradients limited to ramps, bridges, and steps.

When is the best time to visit?

Walking is possible year-round. Spring and autumn offer quieter conditions, while summer can be busy along riverside sections, particularly at weekends.