Bow Creek Ecology Park and East India Dock Basin

Bow Creek Ecology Park, Bidder Street, London E16 4ST

East India Dock Basin, Orchard Place, London E14 9QS

July - August: 08:00 - 21:00

September - October: 08:00 - 19:30

November - March: 08:00 - 17:00

April - June: 08:00 - 19:30

In the most southern part of the park you will find these two hidden gems.

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

03000 030 610

Check the latest visitor information >

Facilities

What 3 Words

Bow Creek: ///famed.expose.spins | East India Dock Basin: ///crop.rear.hood

How to get here

You can plan your journey to the site using Google maps – click on the site in the map to discover more.

We’re within London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone. Find out more about ULEZ >

Car parking

There's no car parking at these sites. The closest train stations are Canning Town and East India Station.

Bow Creek Ecology Park

Originally, Bow Creek was an Osier bed but was turned into an ironworks in 1846. This industrial site has since been reclaimed by nature, following the closure of the ironworks in 1912 and its subsequent acquisition by the London Docklands Development Corporation, and is now a haven for wildlife in an urban environment. Bow Creek has something to offer all year round, and has won the prestigious Green Flag Award for several years running

East India Dock Basin

Near to Canary Wharf and just across the river from The O2, sits the old East India Dock Basin. Originally trading in tea, spices, indigo, and silk, the docks played a key role in the Second World War as a site for constructing Mulberry harbors, which were used by the Allies during the D-Day landings in France. The dock has now been transformed into a wildlife sanctuary, supporting a wide range of birdlife.

Picnic spots

Both Bow Creek and East India Dock have benches where you can sit for a picnic, just make sure to take your litter home with you!

Walking, running and cycling routes

The Lee Valley Walk starts at East India Dock Basin and passes up the side of Bow Creek, before continuing to Three Mills, the next most southern site, and then continues up through the Lee Valley.

Bird hides

East India Dock Basin has two bird hides overlooking the basin, from which you can watch birds, such as teal, shelduck, and herons, swimming and feeding in the water.

Things to do nearby

Just across the river there is The O2 where you can catch a gig or just go shopping. Alternatively, Canary Wharf is close by where you can also do some shopping. Around this area there is also Mudchute Park and Farm. There is also Royal Victoria Dock close by where you can go swimming.

Toilets

The closest public toilets are in Canning Town Bus Station.

Things nearby

The Line

Explore the city with this artwork trail

Kids at the starting line of the BMX track

Lee Valley VeloPark

Lap the track and soak up the atmosphere of this London 2012 venue

Cody Dock

A creative industries quarter with community gardens and footpaths.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

A hub of culture, art, sport and nature in Stratford, east London

Wildlife watching

Lee Valley Regional Park is a haven for wildlife with different species around every corner

Spring

Kingfisher and Sand Martin in the river next to Bow Creek. Butterflies and dragonflies flying around the pond on site. East India Dock is also home to a variety of dragonflies and damselflies which can be seen skimming over the water.

Summer

You can also see dragonflies skimming along the water’s edge. At Bow Creek listen out for the distinctive call of the Cetti’s Warbler which are present all year round, but are particularly loud in the summer when the males are defending their territories. They're quick birds so you're more likely to hear them than see them

Autumn

This is the season where you will see Lapwing wading in the river next to Bow Creek. Looking up into the trees at Bow Creek you might catch a glance of a tiny Goldcrest or Firecrest.

Winter

Hundreds of Teal can be seen on the water at East India Dock Basin, as well as Redshank feeding the muddy margins of the river alongside Bow Creek.

Take a read of our blog

Here comes summer

Celebrate summer in Lee Valley Regional Park with a packed calendar of events and activities for all ages. From National Picnic Month in July to Love Parks Week and the East London Festival of Nature, the park offers everything from scenic picnic spots and wildlife watching to open-air theatre.

4 days ago

Family having a picnic on Walthamstow Marshes

Picnic in the park

Summer is here and its time to take your lunch outside! See the best spots in the park

Jun 18

Rob and Olivia use prongs to tackle a large sedge root

Valuing volunteers in the valley!

Its #VolunteersWeek and we want to shine the light on the unsung heroes of the park, our volunteers. From repairing and restoring vital assets to litter picks and planting – see what’s involved in being a volunteer in Lee Valley Regional Park.

Jun 2