London - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks
Built over a hundred years ago this is one of London’s less visible attractions. It runs between Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs (South of Canary Warf) and Greenwich (right by the Cutty Sark) and was built to take workers from the South to the Northern docks. At the surface all you can see is two strange round buildings. If you didn’t know better you might expect to see an old telescope sticking out. Inside though there’s a choice of lift or stairs. If you choose the stairs it’s a long way spiralling down. You might want to check for signs saying if the lifts are working before you go down! Anyway, the lifts are an experience… One minute you are standing on the river bank, next you could be in some posh department store. The lifts are huge, wooden panelled and complete with an operator sitting on a chair!
After that the tunnel itself is a disappointment to be honest. It’s pretty much like the tunnels found in many underground stations. It goes down a bit… then goes up a bit. That’s it. Fairly grotty and dull really. Ah well, that’s not the point. The experience is more about the idea, if you get what I mean. There’s not many places on Earth you can walk under a major river. Don’t forget when you re-emerge to look across the river and spot where you came from, especially if you have kids with you. They’ll love it.
Check out my review of Greenwich Foot Tunnel - I am moonrising - on Qype
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