5 Fun Things to Do in and Around City Island
City Island, on the Leamouth Peninsula, is the hottest place to live in London right now. It’s a new art and culture hub for East London, and within the next couple of years, it will be home to the English National Ballet, London Film School, Goodluck Hope and London City Island.
London City Island is fast becoming not only a highly popular place to live but also a new cultural hub, with the English National Ballet, London Film School and art galleries all making the area their home overlooking a quiet area of the River Thames.
This area of east London has always been full of activity; with London City Island once being one of the British Empire’s busiest docks. These days’ commerce in the area has moved away from the seafaring business it once supported and has been replaced with an economy of technology and finance.
London City Island is a fabulous new neighbourhood, nicknamed ‘Mini Manhattan’, comprising 12 acres of mixed use development including homes, offices, restaurants, boutique shops, pedestrian and cycle routes, waterside parks, arts and cultural spaces.
The Grocer is where all the locals hang out on the weekend, but for those who can tear themselves away from the incredible Italian food on offer, there’s plenty to do within a short distance of the Island.
Up at the O2
Enjoy a different perspective of this iconic London landmark when you walk over the O2. Make the short journey to North Greenwich (just one stop on the Jubilee Line) and embrace your inner urban explorer as you ascend 52m above ground level on a suspended walkway. This experience takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and offers exhilarating 360-degree views of London.
Choose from the Original Climb, Summer Lates, Sunset Club, Celebration Climb and Twilight Club.
If you’re looking for spectacular views of the O2 arena, you might be interested in taking a trip on the Emirates cable cars. With amazing views as far as the eye can see, you will be able to spot some of London’s most iconic landmarks. You can reach the Emirates Airline from North Greenwich Underground (Jubilee line) or from Royal Victoria DLR station.
Where: O2, Greenwich Peninsula
Cost: Prices start from £30
Arebyte Gallery – London City Island
Arebyte Gallery moved to its new location at London City Island in 2017 and uses its exhibition space to exhibit digital art created by new artists. Arebyte gallery prides itself on displaying work by artists who bring new insight to digital culture and who push the boundaries of collaborative creation of art.
If you are interested in digital culture and interactive art then be sure to pay a visit to this wonderful gallery.
Where: London City Island
Cost: Free
Bow Creek Ecology Park
Originally the site of ironworks, a coal wharf and a shipyard, Bow Street Ecology Park is now a green oasis in the centre of London.
The park was created in 1994 after unexpected plants were found in the area. They’re thought to have been introduced by ships docking in the shipyard, but regardless of their origin, this is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Great for all ages, and make sure you spend some time spotting the resident wildlife which includes wading birds, butterflies, dragonflies and newts.
Where: Bidder Street, E16 4ST
Cost: Free
Trinity Buoy Wharf
Trinity Buoy Wharf is home to studios, galleries, schools, a boat club, restaurants and London’s only lighthouse. It’s also home to London’s container city, which provides affordable modular studios for creatives. There is always something going on at Trinity Buoy Wharf, from art trails to Parkour lessons, so make sure to check their website to see what’s on.
Where: Trinity Buoy Wharf
Cost: Varies
Meantime Brewery Tour
Meantime Brewery in Greenwich brews exceptional modern beers and offers brewery tours, masterclasses and tastings.
Masterclasses are led by Rod Jones, brewer and Institute of Brewing and Distilling’s Beer Sommelier of the Year 2015/16. The classes are about five hours long, and topics include the brewing process, ingredients, the science behind taste and beer and food pairings.
At the end of your tour or masterclass, you can pick up a case of your favourite beer to take home and enjoy with friends.
Where: Lawrence Trading Estate, SE10
Cost: Tours from £20, masterclasses from £90
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These are just a selection of the excellent activities and places to visit close to or within a short distance of City Island.
Within the London City Island development, you’ll be able to choose from a range of properties to suit your needs. From one-bed suites to three-bedroom apartments, the new build homes provide a luxury metropolis lifestyle and inclusive community feel for all of its residents.The development of London City Island, has been inspired by some of the world’s best cityscapes, including Tokyo and Chicago, with buildings ranging from 3 storeys to 27.
The new homes at London City Island provide people with a high standard of living and excellent transport connections with easy access to Canary Wharf, The West End, the City and beyond.
Have we missed a hidden gem? Let us know on our Twitter or Facebook.
Arebyte Gallery – London City Island
Arebyte Gallery moved to its new location at London City Island in 2017 and uses its exhibition space to exhibit digital art created by new artists. Arebyte gallery prides itself on displaying work by artists who bring new insight to digital culture and who push the boundaries of collaborative creation of art.
If you are interested in digital culture and interactive art then be sure to pay a visit to this wonderful gallery.
Where: London City Island
Cost: Free
Bow Creek Ecology Park
Originally the site of ironworks, a coal wharf and a shipyard, Bow Street Ecology Park is now a green oasis in the centre of London.
The park was created in 1994 after unexpected plants were found in the area. They’re thought to have been introduced by ships docking in the shipyard, but regardless of their origin, this is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Great for all ages, and make sure you spend some time spotting the resident wildlife which includes wading birds, butterflies, dragonflies and newts.
Where: Bidder Street, E16 4ST
Cost: Free
Trinity Buoy Wharf
Trinity Buoy Wharf is home to studios, galleries, schools, a boat club, restaurants and London’s only lighthouse. It’s also home to London’s container city, which provides affordable modular studios for creatives. There is always something going on at Trinity Buoy Wharf, from art trails to Parkour lessons, so make sure to check their website to see what’s on.
Where: Trinity Buoy Wharf
Cost: Varies
Meantime Brewery Tour
Meantime Brewery in Greenwich brew exceptional modern beers and offer brewery tours, masterclasses and tastings.
Masterclasses are led by Rod Jones, brewer and Institute of Brewing and Distilling’s Beer Sommelier of the Year 2015/16. The classes are about five hours long, and topics include the brewing process, ingredients, the science behind taste and beer and food pairings.
At the end of your tour or masterclass, you can pick up a case of your favourite beer to take home and enjoy with friends.
Where: Lawrence Trading Estate, SE10
Cost: Tours from £20, masterclasses from £90
