Greenwich Foot Tunnel London
Walk beneath the River Thames in this historic 1902 tunnel, connecting Greenwich to Island Gardens with unique views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Greenwich Foot Tunnel London
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk beneath the River Thames in this historic 1902 tunnel, connecting Greenwich to Island Gardens with unique views.
"Walk under water in London! (Kinda) - a unique historical experience."
🚶♀️ Check Lift Status
Lifts can be out of service; be prepared to use the stairs if needed.
📸 Capture the Views
The north exit offers fantastic skyline views, perfect for photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walk Under the Thames
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
Experience the unique sensation of walking beneath the River Thames in this historic 1902 tunnel.
Island Gardens Views
North side of the tunnel
Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the London skyline and the historic Cutty Sark from Island Gardens.
Greenwich Riverside
South side of the tunnel
Emerge near the iconic Cutty Sark and explore the historic Greenwich riverside.
Planning Your Visit
Tunnel Safety & Access
Unique London Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Check Lift Status
Lifts can be out of service; be prepared to use the stairs if needed.
📸 Capture the Views
The north exit offers fantastic skyline views, perfect for photos.
💡 Well-Lit & Monitored
The tunnel is well-lit and covered by CCTV, enhancing safety.
🚲 Walk Your Bike
Cyclists can walk their bikes through the tunnel.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Check Lift Status
Lifts can be out of service; be prepared to use the stairs if needed.
📸 Capture the Views
The north exit offers fantastic skyline views, perfect for photos.
💡 Well-Lit & Monitored
The tunnel is well-lit and covered by CCTV, enhancing safety.
🚲 Walk Your Bike
Cyclists can walk their bikes through the tunnel.
🆓 Free to Enter
Enjoy this unique London experience without any admission fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Greenwich Foot Tunnel for its unique historical charm and the spectacular skyline views from Island Gardens. It's a free, accessible, and memorable way to experience London's riverside. Some note that lift reliability can be an issue, and late-night visits require awareness.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The tunnel connects Island Gardens (Isle of Dogs) and Greenwich. You can reach Island Gardens via the DLR and Greenwich via the DLR or Thames Clipper. 
Parking is very limited in both Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs areas. Public transport is highly recommended.
Yes, cyclists are welcome but are advised to walk their bikes through the tunnel.
For the north side, Island Gardens DLR station is closest. For the south side, Cutty Sark DLR station is nearby.
Absolutely! It's easily accessible via the DLR and bus routes serving both Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Greenwich Foot Tunnel is completely free to enter and use.
The tunnel is generally open 24 hours a day, but it's always a good idea to double-check for any unexpected closures.
Unfortunately, the lifts can sometimes be out of service. It's advisable to check their status before your visit, as you may need to use the stairs.
No, there is no admission fee. It's a free public walkway.
While there aren't official 'tours' in the traditional sense, you can explore it independently. Some local history walks might include it.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tunnel is well-lit and monitored by CCTV, making it generally safe. However, like any public space, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
The tunnel is approximately 370 meters (1,217 feet) long, offering a short but memorable walk.
The north exit at Island Gardens provides stunning views of the London skyline and Canary Wharf. The south exit is near the historic Cutty Sark and Greenwich's attractions.
The tunnel itself is accessible, but the lifts can be unreliable. If the lifts are out of service, the stairs are the only option.
Built in 1902, it was designed to allow dockworkers to cross the Thames easily. It's a fascinating piece of Victorian engineering.
📸 📸 Photography
The north exit at Island Gardens offers iconic views of the London skyline, especially at sunset or night.
Yes, photography is allowed inside the tunnel. The tiled walls and lighting create a unique atmosphere.
Sunset and twilight offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the city skyline. Nighttime also provides beautiful illuminated views.
Generally, no specific restrictions are mentioned for personal photography. However, always be mindful of other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the tunnel's interior and the expansive skyline. A tripod can be useful for low-light shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Visiting during sunset or twilight will yield the most dramatic and atmospheric shots, with the city lights beginning to twinkle. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History: The Greenwich Foot Tunnel
+1Walking through the tunnel today offers a tangible connection to this history. The distinctive tiled walls and the gentle slope of the pedestrian ramps evoke the era of its construction. While the original purpose was purely functional, the tunnel has evolved into a popular attraction for both locals and tourists seeking an unusual London experience. It's a free and accessible way to appreciate a piece of the city's heritage that often goes unnoticed.
Beyond its historical significance, the tunnel provides practical benefits. For cyclists, it offers a safe passage under the river, avoiding road traffic. The exits themselves are gateways to distinct London experiences: the north side opens up to the modern skyline of Canary Wharf from Island Gardens, while the south side places you right in the heart of Greenwich, with its famous landmarks like the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College.
Navigating the Tunnel: Safety and Accessibility
Accessibility is a significant consideration. The tunnel itself is a level walkway, but it features two sets of stairs at each end. While lifts are available to assist those with mobility issues or with prams, these can occasionally be out of service. Travelers are advised to check the operational status of the lifts beforehand to avoid disappointment, as relying solely on the lifts might not always be feasible.
For cyclists, the tunnel offers a convenient route. While you can't ride your bike through, you can walk your bike along the pedestrian path, making it a practical choice for those commuting or exploring by bike between Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit