Corporate Accommodation in Limehouse
Corporate travellers tend to choose Limehouse for one main reason, its location. It is located so close to the Docklands area of the city, a place where many of the world’s financial giants have their headquarters, as well as the British media. It is also a DLR ride away from Bank station in the midst of the City.
Despite being so close to the financial district and some of the largest corporate skyscrapers in London, Limehouse maintains more of a residential feel. Something that more and more corporate travellers are demanding in their accommodation.
This is especially true of those who travel for business for medium or long term periods. People want to leave work and enter an environment that’s reminiscent of home, with all the mod-cons and amenities of that entails.
Serviced apartments in Limehouse from TheSqua.re are the perfect solution to these modern demands. The mod-cons include flat screen TVs and entertainment systems, high-speed wi-fi throughout, plus a modern fitted kitchen with all the required utensils.
Holiday Accommodation in Limehouse
Limehouse may be the ideal hub for business travellers, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be seriously considered for holiday accommodation by the millions of people who visit London every year for leisure purposes.
Although a very modern place, the sleek new apartments and office buildings are nestled perfectly amongst some other more historical buildings which tell the tale of Limehouse’s industrial past.
It’s not only the buildings. Cobbled streets and docked canal boats hark from a different time and give a very different view of London.
It’s also perfectly placed to link up with other areas of London, giving easy access to all the landmarks and attractions that tourists flock to see.
As far as accommodation goes, the serviced apartments in Limehouse available from TheSqua.re offer a welcome alternative to other forms of city accommodation. Families and those travelling in groups are looking for more sociable options when it comes to holiday accommodation. These apartments with their lounge areas, kitchens and multiple bedrooms, where required, offer the home from home that the modern traveller is looking for.
Where to Stay in Limehouse
Limehouse itself isn’t a particularly large area, the permanent population is probably less than 20,000 people. But it is surrounded by other places which are equally close to the stations and the docklands area. Places which are a viable option when looking for places to stay in East London.
Stepney is to the west, a place that Limehouse was once considered a part of. Mile End and Bow are also nearby to the north. Canary Wharf and Millwall are located to the south of Limehouse.
Facts About Limehouse
Limehouse might sometimes be forgotten about and amalgamated into the general Canary Wharf and Docklands areas, but it does have its own unique identity. It certainly has its own history. Here are a few facts about Limehouse:
- The name ‘Limehouse’ is sometimes attributed to the fruit that sailors who sailed from the area needed to combat scurvy. This is incorrect.
- The Limehouse declaration, made by four breakaway MPs on a bridge over Limehouse Cut, saw the formation of the SDP political party.
- The Grapes pub has been around for 500 years. Chalres Dickens was a regular and it is now part owned by Sir Ian McKellan.
- The redevelopment of Limehouse into the modern area seen today, was started in 1983 as part of the London Docklands Development.
- In the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes once sought opium in Narrow Street in Limehouse.
- There are few surviving Georgian terraces in London. Limehouse can boast one of them.
- Limehouse Station has previously been called Stepney, Stepney Junction and Stepney East.
Cost of Living in Limehouse
Limehouse is a surprisingly peaceful neighbourhood, given its proximity to the city centre. The pull of gentrified East London has been strong in recent years, a trend that continues in the increased demand for places like Shoreditch and Spitalfields. Limehouse lacks the frantic buzz of these places but very much in a good way.
Prices in Limehouse had previously been high as it was lumped into the frantic buy-to-let trend that was prevalent in the surrounding area. People invested into property in order to make money.
Recently this trend has changed. The majority of people actually buying property in Limehouse have been those looking to live there themselves. Prices may continue to rise sharply but they are significantly lower than other parts in the city. Also, the further away from the river a property, the more competitive the price.
Tips for Visiting Limehouse
Staying in Limehouse needs very little introduction to corporate travellers. In all likelihood the location has been carefully chosen due to its proximity to the business district.
Leisure travellers may need slightly more guidance. This is a unique part of London which blends the historic with the modern, here’s some tips on how to make the most of it.
- If staying near West India Quay and working in Canary Wharf consider walking. The distance between stations is 199 metres, the shortest distance between any two stations on the entire London Underground network.
- There are plenty of river walks available, including a few that incorporate a few pubs.
- Purchase an Oyster Card. This is the cheapest and most efficient way to get about on buses, the underground, the DLR and mainline trains.
- Go out in Canary Wharf. It may be full of city types but it’s a great night out for holidaymakers too, and a worthy competitor to the West End.
- For anyone who wants to sample a traditional London pub, there’s not many better than The Grapes. Sir Walter Raleigh once set off on a voyage from there and Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used to be regulars.
- Spend a sunrise or a sunset down by the river. Some stunning photo opportunities with a city backdrop might present themselves.
Things to Do in Limehouse
Limehouse is well located for corporate travellers, that is in no doubt, but what about things to do for fun? Here’s a few things for leisure and corporate travellers to consider doing on their downtime.
Q. What are the most popular landmarks in Limehouse?
Amongst the modern apartments and offices, Limehouse and the surrounding area does have some historic landmarks, and just as many contemporary ones.
- One Canada Square.
- Limehouse Town Hall.
- Limehouse Library.
- The Grapes.
- The Narrow.
- Narrow Street.
Q. What are some free things to do in Limehouse?
Free things do exist in London, they’re just few and far between. Here are a few things to see and do in Limehouse and the surrounding area.
- Get a picture of Tower Bridge.
- Go on a river walk (avoid the pubs to make it free!).
- King Edward Memorial Park.
- Stepney City Farm.
Q. Are there many excursions to be had from Limehouse?
The only access problems that the Limehouse area has is to areas outside of London. Mainline national rail stations linking the rest of the country are perhaps a longer journey away than in other areas but are definitely not unfeasible.
However, it is very well connected to London itself. Any excursions to most places in London are certainly possible when staying in Limehouse.
The O2 arena, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The Oval are all venues that are possible for days out from Limehouse.
Q. What are the most family friendly things to do in Limehouse?
Stepney City Farm has previously been mentioned and that is the nearest family friendly day out, within walking distance depending on the accommodation location.
There’s plenty of other family activities however, some just a short journey away. These include HMS Belfast, The Shard, The London Dungeon and the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.
Places to Visit in Limehouse
Limehouse may be well placed to travel to many of London’s most iconic attractions and monuments, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a few things to see of its own, closer to home. Here are a few places to visit in Limehouse and the surrounding area.
- Stepney City Farm - meet and greet the animals and explore a city farm.
- The Grapes - An ancient pub. Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Sir Ian Mckellen can’t be wrong.
- St Anne’s - A church designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, a pupil of the more famous Sir Christopher Wren.
- Jamboree - Independent live music venue.
- Troxy - A traditional East End dance hall, check for events.
- The Limehouse Basin - Dangerous slum turned lake village and marina.
- Regent’s Canal - Ideal place for a quiet walk.
Places to Eat in Limehouse
Limehouse has quite a few eateries to boast of itself but this is dwarfed by the amount of options open just a couple of stops on the DLR away at Canary Wharf. Catering for office workers is big business and means big choice for visitors.
Here’s a selection of some places to try for all budgets and requirements,
- The Narrow.
- The Grapes.
- Kar Woo.
- La Figa.
- Bathak Grill & Restaurant.
- Basilico.
- Rajboy.
- Royal Spice.
Shopping in Limehouse
To some, Limehouse may feel like it’s far away from some of the famous shopping hotspots of London. That isn’t true at all. There’s plenty of places nearby where shopaholics can get their retail fix. Especially in the Canary Wharf area. Here are a few.
- Jubilee Place Mall - Canary Wharf.
- Billingsgate Market - Fish market.
- Canary Wharf Shopping Centre.
- Churchill Place Shopping Mall - Canary Wharf.
- Westfield Stratford City - One of the largest shopping centres in Europe.
- Surrey Quays Shopping Centre - Rotherhithe.
Transportation in Limehouse
The quality of the transportation links in Limehouse has improved along with the redevelopment of the rest of the area.
The new Limehouse Station has been in existence since 1987 and has the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and National Rail lines passing through it. The DLR connects to places south of the river such as Lewisham and Woolwich Arsenal and as far east as Beckton. It also connects Limehouse to Central London with trains terminating at Bank Station.
The National Rail runs trains through Limehouse from West Ham that go through to Fenchurch Street.
There are also buses, walkways and one of London’s Cycle Superhighways are nearby too, providing a healthier mode of transport.
Limehouse Basin is a working marina, so travel by boat is also possible, though no public services exist.
Weather in Limehouse
Limehouse weather is of course the same as London weather. The south-east of England follows similar weather patterns to western Europe, however, as an island off of the mainland, there are some differences.
The differences between the seasons are far more subtle. It remains fairly mild all year round and freezing winters and boiling summers are few and far between, though the odd day may see more extreme weather and temperatures.
Rain is pretty much guaranteed so waterproofs and an umbrella are highly recommended, as are plenty of layers for all seasons. A hot summer’s day can quickly turn into a chilly summer’s night, so preparation is key.
