Limehouse Cut

The Limehouse Cut links the River Thames at Limehouse Basin to the River Lee in Bromley-by-Bow, and is the oldest canal in London.

This two mile canal is at the heart of the area's industrial heritage, dating back to 1766.

A floating towpath forms part of a waterside walk along the canal, exploring a recently regenerated area of East London.

Limehouse Basin, Old Ford Lock and Bow Wharf, and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park are all in close proximity.

Array of colourful boats lines up in basin

Boating the Limehouse Cut

All you need to know about boating the Limehouse Cut

Things to do on the Limehouse Cut

The canals in and around London are fabulous places for a family day out, a cycle, a paddle, or simply a bit of chill time by water.

Circular walk from Limehouse Basin

Enjoy colourful waterside views and a taste of history on this 1-mile circular walk

A young person sat next to the canal fishing wearing a red tracksuit

Go fishing

Find out about fishing along the Cut

Wildlife-spotting

An urban wildlife corridor, you may come across a variety of species during your visit

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

Paddling

The Limehouse Cut is connected to other canals in the area

Places to visit near the Limehouse Cut

The history

Navigating from the River Lee to the River Thames using nature's intended route necessitates traversing Bow Creek, a winding tidal waterway not best suited to inland vessels.

The River Lea Act 1766 authorised the construction of the Limehouse Cut, a straight section linking the Lee Navigation at Bromley-by-Bow to the Thames at Limehouse. It saved sailing barges coming down the Lee to London from having to wait for the tide before navigating the long southward loop of the Thames around the Isle of Dogs. Historically the Limehouse Cut attracted an unsavoury reputation, but massive redevelopment over recent years has improved both the canal and the surrounding area substantially.

Limehouse Basin

The exit lock from the Cut to the Thames was replaced in 1968 by a short length of new canal linking the Limehouse Cut with the Regent's Canal Dock. No longer used for transhipment between canal craft and coastal vessels this is now known as Limehouse Basin and has been transformed with new housing, a marina and a wide range of environmental improvements including walkways and boaters facilities.