This is not traditionally the glamorous side of London Town. It used to be where you had to go for a Trade Show at the Excel Centre and it felt like the end of the earth but WOW has Docklands had a glow up. There is so much to see and do that you will not want to leave.
The obvious choice is to book a ticket for a show at the O2 Arena. There are so many going on with Iron Maiden for the rock fans and Jack Whitehall playing there this month. But even if that isn’t your bag and you are more of an adrenalin junkie, you could Climb the O2 for epic views of Canary Wharf and the River Thames. They even have London in the Sky starting again in August, which is an opportunity to dine 100ft in the air!
The Greenwich Peninsular is linked to Docklands by my favourite mode of transport in London. The Cable Cars! These are just amazing and you can easily pop over the river for the price of an Oyster tap. I love how they are so accessible and that you get a cable car to yourself or your group. The views are unrivalled and they drop you right outside the Crown Plaza London Docklands 4 star hotel.
It feels really exciting and not to mention convenient. You can get ready in your room overlooking the O2 and then simply hop on a cable car to your show in minutes.
The Crown Plaza offers a number of Junior and Executive Suites that over look the waterfront. These rooms are absolutely huge and with floor to ceiling windows and balconies that you can access. They really bring the holiday vibes and the beauty of Docklands alive.
I could have watched the wake boarders and paddle boarders at Wake Up Docklands all day. The water sports centre is also conveniently located a few minutes’ walk from the hotel and with lots of bars and restaurants nearby it is a great way to spend the afternoon.
If you are visiting East London I urge you to check out Bamboo Mat. A restaurant fusing Japanese and Peruvian cuisines with exceptional results. The owners were formerly chefs at Chotto Matte and Sushi Samba so you an imagine the quality of the food. Think super fresh ceviche and melt in the mouth Ox Cheek with Yuzu Mash.
Saying all of that you don’t really need to leave the hotel if you are feeling super relaxed. This Crown Plaza is home to the Quad Spa. This is a member’s gym and spa so it has all the facilities you would want for a good workout, swim, steam and jacuzzi. You can also book treatments there if you are in the mood to pamper yourself.
Once blissed out of my spa, you can order from a modern European menu at Docklands Bar and Grill. We had the most delicious prawns and lamb whilst sat by the waterfront people watching.
With Damian Hirst sculptures bringing dramatic culture and Canary Wharf or Westfield Stratford for shopping it really is a great location for London weekend.
Make sure you stay at Crowne Plaza London Docklands, it’s a real find.
Review and Portrait Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
Feature image and landscape images courtesy of Crowne Plaza London Docklands
