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Winter Holiday 2012: Canary Wharf

On our first full day in London we took the Hilton ferry across to Canary Wharf. Neither of us was adamant about visiting the wharf, but it did seem silly to not do so when we had views of the place; so across the river we went.

Canary Wharf isn’t quite as spectacular as we’d thought it might be, there are a few skyscrapers that make you wonder if you’ve left England behind, but being the financial district, rotten weather or not it’s small and relatively dull. There was a great deal of cigarette smoke as all the office workers come out at lunchtime, and because the place is almost solely offices I would recommend that anyone who doesn’t like smoke or who has asthma think twice before going because there isn’t anywhere to go for fresh air.

There are shops inside a centre, some of which runs underground. Basic chain stores are there as well as shops such as Tiffany’s. You can board the Docklands Light Railway, which is basically an overground Tube train. It does take you on a rail above the street, however, so the daytime is the best time to use it if you’re seeking views.

This was the day I attended the Folio Society event. I’ve been asked for details but don’t want to write much so here goes: poor organisation, very late start, far shorter than cited, no obvious reason for the event.

On our last night we made a second trip to Canary Wharf for the shops and without all the crowds it’s a lot nicer (photographs will be in a later post). The shops shut late, which is useful. Overall it may be worth a short trip, but it’s nothing to get too excited about.

The rest of my photos. If you want to see them full size, right click and open them in a new window/tab.

 
 

jessicabookworm

January 14, 2013, 5:21 pm

I haven’t visited Canary Wharf. I’ve only had a few visits to our capitol and I usually focus on the more obvious places to visit. It looks pretty impressive but probably not somewhere I would go.

Vishy

January 15, 2013, 9:47 am

Beautiful pictures, Charlie! Can’t believe that London is becoming ‘New York-ish’ these days with lots of skyscrapers :) Sorry to know that the folio event you went to didn’t meet your expectations. It is always sad when events don’t start on time and they are compressed and shorter than expected.

Literary Feline

January 15, 2013, 4:46 pm

I’m sorry the Folio Society event didn’t turn out so well.

Your photos are gorgeous, as always, Charlie. I can see why a short visit rather than an extended one would be sufficient to the wharf though.

Audra (Unabridged Chick)

January 15, 2013, 7:54 pm

So sad about the Folio event! :(

Charlie

January 16, 2013, 3:49 pm

Jessica: You’re said it – more obvious places. Besides the name I didn’t really know much about the place until recently, it’s so far away from central London. I’d say go if you’re in the area, but otherwise give it a miss.

Vishy: Thanks! It was difficult that day, with all the rain. There are buildings being constructed still, I suppose one day there will be a great many skyscrapers. Unfortunately yes, and the travelling to get there made it worse, I think. I’m just glad I was in London that day anyway.

Literary Feline: Me too, that’s the thing. I was looking forward to writing a whole post about it but I just couldn’t. Thanks! Yes, a couple of hours at most (fewer in the rain as the lack of interesting sights is more obvious).

Audra: Yes. There was a lot of potential :(

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