A guide to living in Royal Docks
Royal Albert Dock, Royal Victoria Dock and King George V Dock together make up the Royal Docks, a designated special enterprise zone since 2012. Closed for industry and shipping since the 1980’s, the water is still used for events and water sports.
After experiencing large-scale regeneration, the area has become a hotbed of industry and property attracting many successful and wealthy types. Furthermore, a local University of East London campus has encouraged an influx of students to the area.
“The architecturally progressive Eastern Quay and Capital East showcase the best new-build apartments in the area with some rather exclusive views.”
Since 2000 the docks has been home to ExCel London, an international exhibition and convention centre that has hosted events such as The X Factor and BBC Sports Personality of the Year, as well as numerous events at the 2012 London Olympics.
The Thames Barrier, the world’s second-largest movable flood barrier, is also nearby along with a walking tour of the regeneration of the Royal Docks run by Urban Glue, showing how far the area has progressed in recent history. For residents, shopping is catered for by nearby Beckton or alternatively, a short journey into the West End on the DLR.
There is a mix of property around Royal Docks; however the majority of it is modern. The architecturally progressive Eastern Quay and Capital East showcase the best new-build apartments in the area with some rather exclusive views. Furthermore, there is a range of flat and apartment conversions combined with the continued regeneration of local ex-council housing.
Schools
Nursery: Bright Horizons, Heron Quays
Secondary: Bacons College, St Michael’s Catholic College
Eating & Drinking
Docklands Bar and Grill is well located by the water near the Excel, the emphasis is local here with customers benefiting from a range of seafood from Billingsgate Market and locally sourced fruit and veg. A renovated tobacco warehouse, The Fox @ Excel is a pub often praised for its friendly staff, good food and energetic atmosphere.
We Recommend…
One of Boris Johnson’s many spectacular ideas when he was a Mayor; the Thames Cable Car is probably one of his best. Running between Greenwich peninsula and Royal Docks, the Emirates Air Line, as it is also known, has some fantastic views of London’s skyline and also comes in handy for many commuters.
Travelling to Royal Docks
The area will be dutifully served by the shiny new Crossrail service from 2018, but in the meantime there are 13 DLR stations in E16, many of which are very close to the docks. For the more adventurous, London City Airport is just around the corner.