20 Things To Do And See In East + South East London
This post is part of our archived content. While we’ve shifted focus, it still may be useful.
To celebrate 30 years of the DLR in 2017, TfL put together a ‘Destination DLR’ travel guide featuring things to do in South London and East London.
All places are easily reached via DLR.
The activities include a variety of places to go in south east London and things to do in east London, from Royal Museums in Greenwich to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford.
Getting around on the DLR was made even easier when new line maps onboard the trains and at stations were introduced.
They use different colour shades for each branch of the railway to simplify journey planning and to help provide clearer interchange information.
The ‘Destination DLR’ travel guide features 30 places that are all easily reached by the DLR under the categories:
- family days out
- historic Docklands and Maritime
- food and drink
- music and theatre.
There are plenty of things to do in South East London when you take the DLR.
20 things to do and see in East and south east London
National Maritime Museum, The Queen’s House and Greenwich Park
DLR Station: Cutty Sark (for Maritime Greenwich)
Enjoy the views from Greenwich Park, The Queen’s House and one of the world’s largest maritime museums.
Museum of London Docklands
DLR Station: West India Quay
Uncover the history of London’s River Thames and the growth of Docklands through fantastic exhibitions and summer events at the museum.
The museum is one of our favourite things to do with kids in east London.
museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands
Thames Barrier Park
DLR Station: Pontoon Dock
Enjoy fabulous views of the river and Thames Barrier in a landscaped park perfect for games.
Later, you can take respite in the café and enjoy some local refreshments.
Lee Valley Regional Park
DLR Station: Canning Town or Pudding Mill Lane
Explore the Lee Valley Park from the DLR.
Try the zoo and adventure playground, Limehouse Cut canal towpath, Limehouse Basin, Bow Creek Ecology Park and Three Mills Island.
Thames Path Island Gardens
DLR Station: Cutty Sark (for Maritime Greenwich) or Tower Gateway
The Thames Path, a National Trail footpath along 180 miles of the river, is great for a leisurely stroll or invigorating bike ride.
We’ve done it and it’s great.
Explore the North and South Bank walks both of which are easy to reach from DLR stations.
Tower Bridge and Tower of London
DLR Station: Tower Gateway
Step inside Tower Bridge and see it lift, or explore The Tower of London, the royal castle steeped in history.
You can also catch a River Boat from Tower Pier.
Looking for things to do near Blackheath?
Fly a kite on the Heath.
DLR Station: Lewisham (followed by bus route 380 or a 20 minute walk via Lewisham Hill)
We’ve flown many a kite on the Heath but if you don’t have your own, there’s plenty of fun to be had in watching others fly their magnificent creations.
Blackheath is home to loads of cafes, delis and restaurants or just take a picnic and enjoy it on the Heath.
During the year there are summer festivals, funfairs and the November fireworks display.
visitgreenwich.org.uk/Blackheath
Canary Wharf
DLR Station: Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf isn’t just banks, offices and shops.
There’s plenty of music, film, theatre, dance and more.
You can also see one of the UK’s largest collections of public art.
Mudchute City Farm
DLR Station: Crossharbour
Newham City Farm
DLR Station: Prince Regent or Royal Albert
See our guide to the best farms and zoos in London.
Enjoy an Urban Beach
Relax on London’s Urban Beach and watch the wakeboarders.
If you’re feeling brave, why not join in?
Street Food Markets
The foodies among us can take the DLR to St. Katharine Docks World Food Market; Lewisham Model Market; or Canary Wharf’s Giant Robot and Kerb on the Quay.
Go hungry, the food here is FAB!
Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre
DLR Station: Crossharbour or Mudchute
Choose from sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, dragon boating and more.
There’s something on for all ages.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
DLR Station: Pudding Mill Lane, Stratford and Stratford International
If you weren’t one of the lucky ones who went to the London 2012 Olympics, head to Queen Elizabeth Park and try out the sports facilities for yourself.
Explore the park and waterways, discover a fabulous kids’ play area and shoot down the Arcelor Mittal Slide.
queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
Poplar Baths Leisure Centre
DLR Station: Poplar
After a long 30 year closure, this listed building has been restored to its former glory with an Art Deco lobby, sports hall and café.
Theatre Royal Stratford East
DLR Station: Stratford
The Theatre has been at the heart of the community in East London for more than 130 years.
If you’re into music, comedy and drama, Theatre Royal has it all.
You can see all 30 things to do in South East and East London via DLR on ‘Destination DLR’ here.
If you’re a fan of a family day out, you might want to look into a National Art Pass from Art Fund.
A National Art Pass helps you explore the hundreds of museums, galleries and historic houses throughout the UK at a discount while also supporting the arts.
There is often a range of fun and engaging activities for kids of all ages.
Things To Do In Greenwich (also accessible on the DLR include)
National Maritime Museum
They are currently building their exciting new Exploration Wing but their children’s gallery (Ahoy!) is great fun.
You could also visit the Queen’s House there and see the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, which was saved for the nation after a public fundraising appeal with Art Fund and Royal Museums Greenwich.
There is also plenty for kids to see and do at the Cutty Sark.
Ascend 60 feet and uncover the secrets of London’s largest painted ceiling.
The only museum in the UK that is devoted to the art of fan-making.
They also have a beautiful Orangery with the most bargainous afternoon tea in town, overlooking a ‘secret garden’.
The home to Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian line.
What’s your favourite tourist spot to visit with the kids when you’re in South East and/or East London?