Part One
This morning we took the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Woolwich Arsenal where we enjoyed breakfast in the ‘Great Harry’ pub which was in the main square. Woolwich is a historic naval and military town situated three miles to the east of Greenwich. Leaving the pub we walked towards the river passing the historic site of the Royal Artillery, at one time the world’s largest manufacturer of guns and explosives, employing over 70,000 people at the outbreak of the First World War. Nowadays a small part of the building is a museum Firepower – The Royal Artillery Museum. The Military Academy was also based in Woolwich but since its move to Sandhurst the area has suffered severe hardship and decline, most noticeable on its high street. There are now signs of regeneration as smart riverside apartment blocks are being built to coincide with the new Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) station which will cut journey times, speeding passengers across the capital in minutes from 2018.
Walking along this section of the Thames Path we could see the free Woolwich Ferry which transports vehicles and foot passengers across the river. Near the ferry lies the Woolwich Foot Tunnel, one of only two pedestrian tunnels beneath the Thames. The tunnel features a Grade 2 Listed entrance at both sides.
The refurbished lifts are spacious, retaining elegant wood panelling having ample room for several bicycles. On reaching the other side, (North Woolwich) we continued along to the nearest DLR station (King George V) travelling along to its terminus at Bank, taking 25 minutes.
It was then time for a coffee near Monument followed by a short walk to the delightful Leadenhall Market. (See feature photo above). Located on Gracechurch Street in the City of London this Victorian covered market is a hidden gem. A market since the 14th century it has an old fashioned butchers, cheesemonger, fruit and vegetable stalls as well as some inviting delis, bars and cafes. It’s open 10.00 am until 6.00 pm Monday to Friday and we really like it.
Our next stop was to the nearby Royal Exchange, this magnificent building was founded in the 16th century as a centre of commerce, being occupied by the Lloyds Insurance Market for almost 150 years. Today it contains offices, luxury shops and restaurants, making a delightful lunch venue.
I’ve split today’s activities into two posts, part 2 follows.
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Love Travelling Blog 
We took this foot tunnel when we visited in 2016. We also visited the Thames Flood Barrier. Interesting history along this part of the river, but some long walking. Allan
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Glad to read you walked through this foot tunnel Allan as most people seem to only discover the Greenwich Foot tunnel. When the Elizabeth Line eventually opens, the Woolwich area will be transformed.
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I have been dying to go to England! I love your blog, it’s helping me build my to do/to see list!
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Thank you for your inspiring comments in my blog. I’m so pleased you are enjoying it.
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I like Leadenehall market:)
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It’s gorgeous, isn’t it!
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Thank you for providing me with ideas for my next London visit – definitely want to go to Leadenhall Market, looks really nice! How did it feel walking through the tunnel? I’m afraid I would feel too claustrophobic to try it myself.
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I think you would be fine walking through the tunnel as its not too confined a space but I suggest you just go down the lift and take a look and if you don’t feel comfortable you can ride back up again!
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I love your photo of the foot tunnel
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Thank you!
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Beautiful photographs. I love Leadenhall Market, one of my favourite places to visit in London 🙂
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It really is beautiful isn’t it, with all those lovely old fashioned signs too!
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Such interesting sights! I do love a market 😀 Next time I must try a traditional English breakfast at a pub!
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Definitely! If you only have them occasionally they seem such a treat and delicious but I’m not sure about healthy!
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Very interesting about the foot tunnels – who knew?! 😊
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I think more people are aware of the Greenwich Foot Tunnel than this one but neither are very well known. Thanks for commenting.
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No, I didn’t know about that one either! Interesting and varied blog 😀😊😘
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Thanks so much for your encouraging thoughts!
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Oh wow, it looks like something from a fairytale!
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It sort of does, I hadn’t thought of it before! Thanks for reading and for your nice comment.
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It’s such a strange experience walking under the Thames isn’t it? We’ve used the Greenwich Foot Tunnel but not this one – love the sound of the entrances. Leadenhall Market sounds like the perfect place to refuel!
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Leadenhall Market is so attractive and not at all touristy which we liked and walking under the Thames through the foot tunnel reminds us how clever engineers were so long ago without the aid of modern techniques.
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I am also a big fan of heritage buildings; will check the Royal Exchange hopefully sometime.
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That’s a good idea Rashminotes, it is really beautiful and you can just look round, there is no need to dine there.
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I find tunnels fascinating. This looks great.
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I know what you mean, and to feel that you are walking below the river, too.! We were lucky to cross at a quiet time. Thank you for your interesting comment, much appreciated.
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