London Museum Docklands

The Museum of London Docklands is housed in a beautiful early 19th-century warehouse on West India Quay, a short walk from Canary Wharf DLR station. It tells the story of the River Thames and London's docklands from Roman times through to the modern regeneration of the area, and it does so with a level of physical drama and immersive design that goes well beyond typical museum presentation. The centerpiece for younger children is Sailortown, a recreated Victorian street complete with pub, chandler's shop, and opium den that children can walk through freely — it is genuinely atmospheric and remarkably well-executed.

The upper galleries cover the history of trade and empire with impressive frankness, including a serious and moving examination of London's role in the Transatlantic slave trade that is handled with care and is genuinely valuable for older children. There are also exhibits covering the Blitz and the post-war decline of the docks that round out the picture of how profoundly this part of London has changed. The whole experience is free, which makes it exceptional value, and the building's historic warehouse bones are part of the appeal — exposed beams, original floors, and views over the dock basin from the upper windows.

Combine with a walk along the quayside and a DLR journey for a full East London day out.