40 Marsh Wall

Visiting 40 Marsh Wall, London: The Complete Guide (Tickets, Hours & Tips)

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: 40 Marsh Wall, London – History and Significance

40 Marsh Wall, located on the Isle of Dogs in East London, is a dynamic symbol of Canary Wharf’s transformation from historical docks to a thriving urban destination. Originally developed as a six-storey office block in the early 1990s, 40 Marsh Wall has evolved to host two significant structures: the Novotel London Canary Wharf hotel—currently the tallest all-hotel building in the UK—and a state-of-the-art, 156-meter student accommodation tower. These developments encapsulate London’s drive for modern, sustainable urban living while connecting to its maritime and commercial heritage (Novotel Official Site; Wikipedia; Tide Construction).

The location is steeped in history, once forming part of the West India Docks, a hub of global trade since the 17th century (East London History; CHBL). Today, 40 Marsh Wall serves as a gateway to Canary Wharf’s cultural, commercial, and recreational offerings, including riverside promenades, premier shopping, rooftop gardens, and the Museum of London Docklands.

Whether you’re drawn to its innovative architecture, seeking top-tier accommodation, or eager to experience London’s Docklands history and vibrancy, this comprehensive guide details everything you need to know about visiting 40 Marsh Wall—covering hours, tickets, accessibility, nearby attractions, and insider travel tips.

Introduction
Historical Background: 40 Marsh Wall & Isle of Dogs
Architectural Innovation & Design
Visitor Information: Novotel London Canary Wharf
Accommodation & Amenities
Booking & Visiting Hours
Tickets & Tours
Accessibility
Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions & Activities
Shopping, Parks, Rooftop Gardens, Riverside Walks
Nightlife, Art, Family Activities, Fitness
Museum of London Docklands: Visitor Guide
Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals & Media
Useful Links
Conclusion & Call to Action
Key Dates & Figures

Historical Background: 40 Marsh Wall & the Isle of Dogs

The Isle of Dogs, defined by a dramatic meander of the Thames, has been central to London’s maritime story since the 17th century. The area flourished with the development of docks such as Rotherhithe and the West India Docks, which became among the world’s busiest ports in the 19th and 20th centuries. “Canary Wharf” derives its name from historic trade with the Canary Islands (East London History; CHBL).

By the late 20th century, advances in shipping led to the docks’ decline and eventual closure. The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC), established in the 1980s, launched an ambitious regeneration, transforming derelict wharves into a modern business and residential district (British History Online).

40 Marsh Wall’s current prominence began with its 1992 office block, later redeveloped in the 2010s as the Novotel London Canary Wharf hotel—at 127 meters and 39 storeys, the UK’s tallest all-hotel building (Kiddle; Wikipedia). The adjacent student tower, completed in the 2020s, is another architectural highlight, further enriching the urban landscape (Tide Construction).

Architectural Innovation & Design

40 Marsh Wall’s student accommodation, designed by EPR Architects, stands 156 meters tall with 48 storeys—the tallest of its kind in London. The building’s façade combines light-bronze aluminum and white glazed terracotta, offering both visual appeal and solar shading. Modular construction ensures environmental sustainability and rapid assembly, reflecting London’s commitment to innovative, eco-friendly design (Tide Construction).

Visitor Information: Novotel London Canary Wharf

Accommodation & Amenities

Rooms: 313 modern rooms with comfort-focused design
Facilities: Conference rooms, gym, indoor pool, sauna, multiple bars and restaurants
Dining: Bōkan Restaurant, Bar & Roof Terrace (European cuisine and panoramic city views; reservations recommended) (Bōkan at Novotel)

Booking & Visiting Hours

Booking: Book directly via the official Novotel site or major travel platforms
Check-in: From 3:00 PM | Check-out: By 12:00 PM
Hotel Access: 24/7 for guests; public bars and restaurants open during standard hours

Tickets & Tours

Entry: No tickets needed for hotel public areas (bars, restaurants)
Tours: No dedicated tours for 40 Marsh Wall, but nearby guided walking tours of Canary Wharf and Docklands are available

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible (entrances, lifts, adapted rooms)
Proximity to Canary Wharf Underground (Jubilee Line) and DLR stations

Travel Tips

Transport: Jubilee Line or DLR to Canary Wharf, then a short walk
Parking: Limited on-site; public parking and street options nearby
Best Season: Spring to autumn for pleasant weather and rooftop views

Nearby Attractions & Activities

Shopping & Dining

Canary Wharf Shopping Centre: Over 120 stores and diverse dining (Canary Wharf Shopping)
Local Markets & Pop-Ups: Regular food markets and events

Parks & Gardens

Jubilee Park: Landscaped lawns, water features, seasonal events
Crossrail Place Roof Garden: Exotic plants, free performances (Canary Wharf Group)

Riverside & Outdoor

Thames Riverside Promenade: Scenic walks, jogging, cycling with O2 Arena views
Public Art Trail: Over 75 installations and sculptures (Canary Wharf Art Trail)

Culture & History

Museum of London Docklands: Free entry, interactive exhibits on London’s port history (Museum of London Docklands)
Seasonal Events: Winter Lights Festival, summer concerts, open-air cinema

Nightlife & Rooftop Experiences

Bōkan Roof Terrace: 39th floor, sunset drinks
Attic Bar: 48th floor, Pan Peninsula (jazz, cocktails) (London Evening)
Oasis Bar & Terrace: Sports and games
The Print House at Jim & Tonic East: Casual rooftop with Thames views

Family-Friendly Activities

Playgrounds: Jubilee Park
Educational Workshops: Museum of London Docklands
Boat Tours: Thames Clipper river buses (Thames Clippers)

Fitness & Wellness

Hotel Gym & Wellness: Novotel’s gym, pool, sauna (Trivago)
Outdoor Activities: Jogging, yoga, paddleboarding

Excursions & Landmarks

Greenwich: Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum
Tower Bridge & Tower of London: Iconic sites a short journey west (Booking.com)

Museum of London Docklands: Visitor Guide

Location & Setting

Just 600 meters from 40 Marsh Wall, the Museum of London Docklands is housed in a Grade I listed Georgian sugar warehouse, blending historical architecture with modern exhibitions. Its Thames-side location adds to the atmosphere.

Highlights & Exhibits

London, Sugar & Slavery Gallery: Examines the sugar trade and transatlantic slavery
Port Cities Gallery: Explores London’s dock development
Mudlarks: Interactive archeological displays
Temporary Exhibits: Regularly changing displays on Docklands history and culture

Visiting Information

Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed 24–26 December)
Admission: Free; some temporary exhibitions ticketed
Guided Tours & Workshops: Book in advance on the official site
Accessibility: Fully accessible, step-free routes, adapted facilities
Getting There:
- Underground: Canary Wharf Station (Jubilee Line, 10 min walk)
- DLR: West India Quay Station
- River Bus: Thames Clipper to Canary Wharf Pier

Visitor Tips

Arrive early to avoid crowds
Plan at least 2 hours for a thorough visit
Combine with a Thames walk or Canary Wharf attractions

Practical Tips for Visiting 40 Marsh Wall & Canary Wharf

Transport: Jubilee Line, DLR, and river buses provide easy access
Accessibility: Most public areas and attractions are step-free
Safety: Well-lit and secure district
Weather: Riverside locations can be breezy; bring layers
Public Access: 40 Marsh Wall is private, but surrounding public spaces are open for exploration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is 40 Marsh Wall open to the public?
A: The building is private (hotel and residential); public access is limited to hotel bars, restaurants, and surrounding public areas.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: No tours specific to 40 Marsh Wall, but Canary Wharf and Docklands walking tours are widely available.

Q: Is 40 Marsh Wall accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the hotel and nearby public areas are fully accessible.

Q: Are there family-friendly activities?
A: Yes, including playgrounds, museum workshops, and river cruises.

Visuals & Media

Images: Exterior of 40 Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf skyline, Jubilee Park, Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Alt Tags: Use descriptive tags such as “40 Marsh Wall building in Canary Wharf” and “Thames Riverside Promenade near 40 Marsh Wall”
Maps & Virtual Tours: Available on official tourism and hotel websites

Useful Links

Conclusion & Call to Action

40 Marsh Wall is a powerful emblem of London’s urban transformation—blending innovative architecture, sustainable living, and rich maritime history. Although the building itself is private, its prime location in Canary Wharf puts you at the heart of one of London’s most vibrant districts. Enjoy world-class shopping, dining, arts, and riverside walks, with easy access to cultural highlights like the Museum of London Docklands.