Group of kayakers on quiet stretch of the Bow Back Rivers with urban cityscape in background

Bow Back Rivers

The Bow Back Rivers are a series of interconnected waterways; forgotten rivers with evocative names like Pudding Mill, Channelsea, Three Mills Wall and Waterworks.

Once a neglected part of the city, the area has now been transformed for the 2012 Olympics. Careful restoration has created space for nature and encouraged wildlife to return to the heart of the city. The Bow Back Rivers, London's Olympic waterways, look set to become a popular new destination for walkers, cyclists, canoeists and boaters.

You can explore the fascinating industrial history of the area at Three Mills Island, a historic patch of cobbled streets, 18th Century buildings and watermills, all surrounded by the waterways of Bow Back Rivers.

Are you a boater?

All you need to know about boating the Bow Back Rivers

Days out in East London

Whether it's a gentle walk or your first step to a happier you, take a look at our places to visit along the Bow Back Rivers.

Old Ford Lock & Bow Wharf

Visit Old Ford Lock for some fresh air and a good excuse to clear your head, slow down and enjoy what our waterways have to offer

Olympic Park and more

Grab some welcome sunshine as you stroll around Three Mills and the Elizabeth Olympic Park complex

Limehouse Basin

Limehouse is ideal for Londoner's looking for a lunchtime break or a stress free stroll home

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The history

Parts of the Bow Back Rivers date back to the time of Alfred the Great and the invasion of the Danes; it is recorded that the King trapped their ships by draining the lower Lee, forcing the invaders to flee on horseback. During the industrial revolution the Bow Back Rivers played a major role in providing water to local industry and in the 1930s they were improved both for navigational purposes and the drainage of floodwater.