A Marine Oasis: St Katharine Docks

St Katharine Docks welcomes vessels from all over the world since the 10th century, when King Edgar decided to reward his 13 knights with lands. Those lands later became St Katharine Dock.

St Katharine Docks London

The History

In the 18th century Merchant William Vaughn lobbied to increase the dock’s capacity to be able to import more goods.

In 1836 the St Katharine Docks was redesigned and become able to handle more goods faster then any other sites in the world.

An additional warehouse was built in 1858, called the “i”. This warehouse is what we call Ivy House today.

In 1940 St Katharine Dock becomes famous by its valuable cargos such as wine, tea, perfume, indigo, spices, marble and more.

 

Interesting Facts

In 1985 Earnie Wise made the first mobile phone call with a 5KG Vodfone VT from St Katherine Docks, outside the Dickens Inn.

In 1999 the first river boat service arrived at St Katherine Piers and the Docks further built its reputation by becoming an elegant dining spot.

 

Today

Today St Katharine Dock is a hidden gem and a heart-warming contrast of the nearby attractions.

Walking through the maze of the dock admiring the old and new ships and yachts and discover the nearby cozy restaurants and bars is a great way the spend the day.

What to Do

From coffee with friend to dining with family to late night shopping, St Katherine Docks offers plenty of choices to spend your free time.

The Docks offer regular events and experiences throughout the year, for example, you can go behind the scenes to see how Dock Masters spend an average day, if you’re a boat or yacht owner, you can get help to prepare for winter or explore Lady Daphne, the most famous of London’s classic wooden barges still sailing.

Privileges

Psst…there are plenty of special offers around. You can apply for an SKD Privilege Card and get discounts from nearby shops and restaurants if you’re living or working around St Katharine Docks or a boat owner.

The Dickens Inn

The Dickens Inn at St Katharine Docks

On your visit, don’t forget to stop for a craft beer and a traditional fish & chips at The Dickens Inn.

The Dickens Inn is a traditional English pub that was restyled and reconstructed from an 18th century warehouse.

Interesting fact: the pub was opened in 1976 by Cedric Charles Dickens, grandson of the famous author Charles Dickens. He said: “My great grandfather would have loved this pub.”

 

The Medieval Banquet

The Medieval Banquet at St Katharine Docks

The gates of The Medieval Banquet simply cannot be missed: two life-sized armours are guarding the gates, and it’s irresistible to take a selfie with them.

The Medieval Banquet is famous for their immersive medieval theatre-dining experiences.

You can even hire costumes and pretend you’re a royal guest, a wench or a knight just returned from the battlefield.

Travel back in time and find yourself in the days of kings, queens and knights. Dance with a unicorn or let acrobats entertain you. Just don’t pretend you’re not hungry. (wink)

See St Katharine Docks in full Christmas glory and learn about Gloriana The Queen’s Rowbarge, built  for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.