Step inside the Museum of London Docklands, where the city’s maritime past unfolds in all its gritty, brutal reality. Housed in a Grade II-listed 19th-century warehouse, this hidden gem in Canary Wharf tells the untold stories of smuggling, slavery, executions, and hard labor. From the dark alleys of Sailor’s Town to the stomach-churning realities of the transatlantic slave trade, this museum brings London’s docklands history vividly to life.
Time to Visit the Museum of London Docklands
I have very fond recollections of the London Museum, Barbican with its ornate Art Deco Selfridge’s lift doors, the charming video of waitresses serving afternoon tea at a Lyons Corner House and the exhibits of various cabs and carriages that plied their trade in London’s West End. Sadly, the London Museum, Barbican is temporarily closed as it plans its relocation to a more central location in 2026.
I decided it was now time to head East to explore the Museum of London Docklands. Would it be up to snuff?
Exploring the Museum of London Docklands: A Dark Journey Begins
The route through the museum galleries starts on the third floor. As the lift doors ping, we glimpse a darkened gallery of ropes, weighing scales, pulleys and trolleys operated by overworked dockers.
And on to more doom of fires, prostitutes, ram-shackled, housing and irate dock managers.
Executions & Torture at the Museum of London Docklands
Can we come up for air yet?
Nope!
Our dear curators have decided that we need a full immersion experience of executions and hangings with a liberal spattering of torture instruments.
You couldn’t make this up.
Children these days are monsters and I am sure they are thrilled to see these horrors. I saw no signs of modern parents shielding their little darlings’ eyes.
Step Into Sailor’s Town: Life in Victorian Docklands
There was a temporary respite with a stunning alleyway of Victorian era shops, boarding houses and offices. Pure Disney.
If you are enjoying this blog post on the Museum of London Docklands you may also like to read our reviews of the Charles Dickens Museum and the Churchill War Rooms.
The Museum of London Docklands Stomach Churning Slavery Exhibition
Onwards and downwards…to the stomach-churning London, Sugar & Slavery exhibition replete with whips, images of tortured semi naked women hanging from trees and metal restraints used to prevent slaves escaping.
If the purpose of museums is to elicit an emotional reaction this was highly successful. I was holding back the tears.
What You’ll See Here:
• Real-life torture devices used in historical punishments.
• Stories of condemned criminals executed at the docks.
• Graphic exhibits that might not be for the faint-hearted!
A Talk on the Victorian Wine Trade is a Merciful Respite
Thankfully, I was rescued by an announcement of an imminent talk on the Victorian wine trade. A talk! They should provide wine dispensers at regular intervals through their gory exhibits.
Our lecture on bottling, corking and labelling wines…historical taxation and wine consumption statistics all championed by one William Gladstone was riveting.
I thought of limping to the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese which was rebuilt in 1667 but alas too far, so I limped towards the Exit in search of nearer victuals.
A Beacon of Quality Souvenirs in the London Museum Docklands Shop
The bright spot in the Museum of London Docklands…the part that makes your spirits soar and your heart sing is the museum shop near the Exit.
This is the very place for London souvenirs that are the pinnacle of good taste. There are purple and green stuffed Women Suffragettes to adorn your Christmas tree…
Quality, embroidered hoodies emblazoned with the London Underground logo and lined in a cotton fabric depicting the tube map.
Their book department on all matters London would have you browsing for hours.
My find was a book on London at Night remaindered at £2 from a previous Museum of London Docklands exhibition. London during the blitz, the seedy side of London’s Soho and Londoners on the night bus kept me entertained on the tube journey home.
Recovering from the Museum of London Docklands at Browns
Browns West India Quay in the first dock warehouse has a modestly priced lunch menu which is served until 5pm. Chain restaurants have a bad rap but I was very happy with my smoked duck starter accompanied by crisp croutons, fresh watercress with a delicate orange dressing.
The main course steak was a perfect medium rare and they were happy to switch out the chips for broccoli.
Friendly and unobtrusive service made it the perfect place to recover from a trip to the Museum of London Docklands.
The Museum of London Docklands is an intense but unforgettable journey through the city’s maritime past. Whether you’re fascinated by smuggling, executions, or the gritty reality of London’s docks, this museum is a must-visit.
Getting to the Museum of London Docklands
The museum is a short walk from the exit of the Canary Wharf Elizabeth line. Follow the signs for the London Museum. As you leave the tube you will see a row of dock warehouses and the museum is in the last building.
You can also take the DLR to West India Quay,
Buses D3, D7, D8, 277, D6 15, 115, 135 stop near the museum.
Museum of London Docklands Tickets
You are encouraged to make a voluntary contribution but entry to the museum is free. There is no need to prebook your ticket.
The museum charges for entry to some of its temporary exhibitions. More information is available on its website.
Museum of London Docklands Opening Times
The museum is open from Monday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Museum of London Docklands Parking
There is a public car park behind the Museum of London Docklands on Hertsmere Road.
