England

Isle of Dogs

Peninsula formed by a Thames meander in east London, technically an island since the West India Docks were cut across its neck in 1802; now home to Canary Wharf.

Open on the map →
Isle of Dogs

Part of the England islands map.

Geography

A teardrop of land enclosed by the Thames; the docks effectively turn it into an island. Dominated by the towers of Canary Wharf.

Geology

Bedrock: Lambeth Group (Clay, Silt, Sand And Gravel), Paleocene–Paleocene. Superficial deposits: Superficial Deposits Not Mapped [For Digital Map Use Only] (Rock (Undifferentiated)). Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026, licensed under the BGS Open Data Licence (OGL v3.0). Source: BGS DigMapGB-625 Bedrock & Superficial WMS.

History

Marshland used for grazing in medieval times; transformed by the West India Docks (1802) and again by 1980s redevelopment into Europe's tallest financial district.

How to reach it

DLR, Jubilee line, Elizabeth line, Thames Clipper river bus, and the Greenwich foot tunnel under the river.

Accommodation

Numerous hotels in and around Canary Wharf, plus serviced apartments — a major business-travel destination.

Nearby and related islands

Last reviewed: 2026-08-13.