New York Habitat Blog

In honor of Halloween and World Zombie Day (October 26), New York Habitat’s choice for the number three most cinematic spot in London is Canary Wharf, where much of the 2007 zombie movie “28 Weeks Later” was filmed.  The on-screen living dead notwithstanding, Canary Wharf is a beautiful location filled with iconic buildings, breathtaking city views and some of the best vacation accommodations New York Habitat has to offer.

London Accommodation: 1-bedroom rental in Canary Wharf (LN_512)

If you’ve seen “28 Weeks Later,” you undoubtedly remember the scenes where the plague survivors (the non-zombies) gathered together in the modern conveniences of Canary Wharf apartments to wait out the flesh-eating storm that was sweeping through the rest of London’s infected. Well, they couldn’t have picked a better spot.

Spacious and contemporary, Canary Wharf embodies present-day London, boasting three of the UK’s largest skyscrapers, as well as the sterling and efficient Docklands Light Railway, the most scenic way to get around the city. Although Canary Wharf is well-known as the heart of London’s financial district, there are plenty of leisure activities to occupy every traveler, with an endless selection of sleek cafés, fashionable shops, international restaurants, choice galleries, and authentic public houses. The area absolutely buzzes after working hours and the skyline shines.

For a stunning urban experience, check out Canary Wharf’s winter ice rink with the gorgeous Canada Square Park as its backdrop. Or visit the outdoor sculptural art exhibits in Jubilee Park, the live You Are Hear musical performances and the singing by candlelight in East Winter Garden. The area’s cultural events range from classical and acoustic concerts to comedy clubs—and with any luck, you can catch a zombie flick at the grand Starlight Cinema.

Of course, Canary Wharf has historical elements, too, like charming cobblestone streets, gaslight lamps and centuries-old structures that recall the area’s maritime past and long ties to the shipping industry. The Museum of London Docklands will shed some light on this intriguing area and local ghost walks will bring its history back to life in a hauntingly entertaining and informative way.

London Accommodation: 2-bedroom apartment in Canary Wharf (LN-616)

To complement your stay in colorful Canary Wharf, we suggest the following New York Habitat rental accommodations:

•    A cutting-edge designed 2-bedroom duplex in Tower Hamlets-Canary Wharf (LN-616) on the ground and first floors of a modern development. This stunning rental has large picture windows, a balcony with jaw-dropping river views and access to the building’s private gym.

•    A 4-bedroom townhouse in Tower Hamlets-Canary Wharf (LN-373) nestled in a private, leafy square on the banks of the Thames. This three-floor accommodation has a warm, wooden interior, a balcony, garage, spa pool in the en suite bath of the master bedroom, three double beds and one single. A recent client testimonial raves: “The riverside apartment in Canary Wharf more than met our needs and hopes. The owner was incredibly helpful.”

•    A sexy, chic 1-bedroom vacation rental in Tower Hamlets-Canary Wharf (LN-512) on the eleventh floor of a modern development within walking distance of the DLR. This apartment is outfitted with a sleek hardwood interior, lush leather accents and a balcony.

Even the undead in “28 Weeks Later” would agree that Canary Wharf is a very lively area. See for yourself with a stay in a New York Habitat accommodation.

Be sure to check out our number two pick for the top cinematic spot in London—and let us know your favorite British horror film with a comment below.

Check out #5: Liverpool Street and #4: Earl’s Court

At first glance, Canary Wharf may not be what most people associate with London. With the towering, glassy skyscrapers, indoor shopping malls and outdoor seating for the after-work dinner set, this part of the city looks and feels “new”—centuries removed from the usual images of Olde English abbeys and ancestral palaces. Well, New York Habitat would like to welcome you to 21st century London—and to our modern, conveniently equipped rental accommodations in contemporary Tower Hamlets, Canary Wharf.

Canary Wharf towers in London, England

The glittering skyline of this seemingly unbroken-in section of London, however, belies the Docklands’ long history as an important center for trade and shipping, particularly during the period of the British Empire. Its maritime role is hinted at in the names of local streets (Fisherman’s Way and East India Dock Road among them) and pubs still steeped in long-ago lore.

To experience an abridged version of British history for yourself, take the futuristic Docklands Light Railway from the architecturally forward-looking Canary Wharf region a few stops south to the grassy heaths of Mudchute City Farms (on the Isle of Dogs). Two stops later, you’ll see the naval splendor of the Cutty Sark and soak in the maritime atmosphere of Greenwich and the prime meridian.

Venture a few stops northwest of Canary Wharf for the former docking community of Shadwell and its traditional pie and mash shops; Limehouse, an historic neighborhood with a legacy of factory workers and Chinese immigrants (plus The House They Left Behind, Joseph Conrad’s old local); Westferry, which has the Hawksmoor church of St. Anne’s and its sister, St. George, whose clock comes from the same workshop as Big Ben’s; and Wapping, where the incredible, can’t-be-overstated Wapping Project, housed in a former hydraulic power station, exhibits art that vies with the must-be-seen interior.

Sadly, the Docklands are often overlooked by many tourists, which means they’re missing out on a huge part of the city’s history—and all that Canary Wharf and the surrounding areas have to offer today. Save the sixteen pounds for a double-decker bus tour of the usual sights and take the Docklands Light Railway instead. Even without getting out, you’ll get a great view of London’s layers from past to current cutting edge, all for the price of a Zone 2 ticket.

London accommodation 2-bedroom Canary Wharf (LN-379)

If this is your first time in London, Canary Wharf is the perfect spot to stay, uniquely located on the east side, yet only three Tube stops from London Bridge. If you’ve been to London before, this will feel like a fantastic new alternative—though it’s less than 15 minutes from familiar central London on the Underground. In either case, New York Habitat has unbeatable vacation rentals near the water…and what could be better in the summertime?

• An airy 2-bedroom furnished rental in Tower Hamlets, Canary Wharf (LN-379) off lively Westferry Road. This penthouse, with king-size beds and balcony, is part of Canary South, a luxurious new residential development of serviced apartments about a 5-minute walk from the Jubilee and DLR stations.

• A 2-bedroom furnished apartment in Tower Hamlets, Canary Wharf (LN-375) on the third floor of a modern building with elevator. This light and contemporary flat is all on one level, has a 28” flat screen TV, a balcony off the lounge area, and is less than a 3-minute walk from the nearest rail station.

• A spacious 2-bedroom furnished accommodation in Tower Hamlets, Canary Wharf (LN-511) off Millwall Inner Harbour. Situated on the 14th floor of a new development, this apartment has expansive views of the city and is a 3-minute walk from the DLR station.

London accommodation 2-bedroom Canary Wharf (LN-511)

From the area’s prominent past to its present fine dining with waterside views, the Docklands are a sure choice for a summer stay. Let New York Habitat set you up in Canary Wharf—and see a side of London that few know to look for.

If you’ve ever been to this part of east London, share your comments and experiences with us below.

Enjoy modern city living in the industrial East London. The London borough of Tower Hamlets is nestled near the primary business district in London. Forget those expensive, high-end stores and swanky, reservation-only restaurants on Oxford Street. Canary Wharf is packed with affordable shopping and dining inside a four-floor shopping center. All of the excitement of lively London is easily accessible from the nearby Jubilee line and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). This two-bedroom apartment rental in Tower Hamlets (LN-511) boasts a prime location.

London Accommodation: Two bedroom rental in Tower Hamelts (Ln-511)

One of the most famous historical landmarks in London is just a tube ride away. Visit the Tower of London, which is located off of the DLR at Tower Gateway or the Circle and District Lines at Tower Hill. On the North bank of the River Thames, the Tower of London was a fortress originally built by William the Conqueror in 1078, during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. It has been used for many different purposes over the centuries, but it is now home to the British Crown Jewels. So much history is nestled minutes away from this two-bedroom London apartment rental in Tower Hamlets.

Clad in earthy, neutral tones and warm, wooden colors, this New apartment rental on Limeharbour in Tower Hamlets is clean, contemporary and completely furnished. It’s also situated in a brand-new development. The large window in the living room comes with custom window treatments and offers fantastic city views. Enjoy the luxury of cable television on the included flat screen while relaxing on the cozy couch.  Notice the sparkling can lights on the ceilings shining over the gleaming hardwood floors. Make yourself right at home in this cozy, modern space.
 

The master bedroom grants access to an airy balcony through a door with floor-to-ceiling windows. No matter where you are located in this two-bedroom apartment rental in Tower Hamlets, you can always count on having a magnificent view of the docks. The master bedroom also includes a private, ensuite bathroom with a sand-alone shower, a washbasin and a water closet. With an open living room and kitchen, two bedrooms and two baths, there is plenty of room to stretch your legs.

London Accommodation: two bedroom rental in Notting Hill (ln-45)

If you are looking for a more regal, old-fashioned living space, check out this two-bedroom apartment rental (LN-45) in Notting Hill. Welcome to quaint, country-like living in the lovely Royal Borough of Kensington - Chelsea. A decadent chandelier brightens the living room in this apartment rental. Take a stroll to nearby Cambridge Gardens, which is lined with bars, restaurants and shops. On a Saturday, find a hidden treasure amongst the second-hand clothes and antiques at the nearby, world-renowned Portobello Road market.
 

What is your favorite part about Canary Wharf? What was your greatest find at the Portobello Road market in Notting Hill? Leave us a comment on this blog below.

Bethnal Green is situated in the lovely London borough of Tower Hamlets in East London. Tower Hamlets is one of five London boroughs that has been designated to host the 2012 Olympics! With museums, sports stadiums and parks galore, renting this one-bedroom apartment in Bethnal Green in Tower Hamlets near the bustling Canary Wharf is ideal!

Located near the Central Line, this New York Habitat one-bedroom apartment (LN-509) in Bethnal Green is quaint and stylish. The apartment is completely furnished with comfortable, contemporary furniture. Notice the cozy red futon and gleaming white table in the living room. The black accent rug completes the modern look of this living area. Curl up with a book or daydream while sitting on the comfortable bay window, which illuminates this already bright room.

London Accommodation: 1 Bedroom Rental in Bethnall Green (LN-509)

The best part of this Bethnal Green rental is its location! Near the Central Line, the heart of London, commonly referred to as “Central,” is easily accessible and just minutes from your front door. London staples such as Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Parliament and Buckingham Palace are just a hop, skip and a Tube ride away. Canary Wharf, London’s business district, is also close by. It has some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe, and the architecture is truly a sight to see. With the opening of the Jubilee Place shopping center, Canary Wharf is a prime shopping destination in East London.

If the sleek, industrial architecture and the affordable shops in Canary Wharf strike your fancy, another one-bedroom apartment rental (LN-340), nestled on Crews Street in the Docklands area of Canary Wharf awaits you. Some of the perks to living in this London apartment rental include a 24/7 concierge service and access to a gymnasium. The kitchen is stunning with its neutral colors stainless steel appliances. The apartment also overlooks the River Thames. How beautiful!

Have you ever visited or stayed in Bethnal Green or Canary Wharf? Tell us about your favorite restaurant, a unique shop or an interesting museum. Feel free to comment on this blog below.

If you are traveling to London for business, one of the most up and coming neighborhoods for offices is Canary Wharf and the Docklands area. Canary Wharf is located on the north bank of the Thames and is east of Central London. New York Habitat offers apartments in the area, including choices around Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf as well as apartments in the City section of London to the west of the Docklands area.

Reasons to choose the Docklands/Canary Wharf area:

The advantages of this neighborhood include lots of new and reconstructed housing, a new train line and less congestion than downtown. The area has many renovated and reconstructed buildings that include converted factories, cleaned up brown fields and new high-rise buildings. Furthermore, the Docklands Light Rail was initially constructed to connect the Canary Wharf area to downtown but has expanded to several other lines. The Jubilee line, built in conjunction with the millennium events, also offers rapid service to the main area within the city. The neighborhood has several parks lining the Thames River and offers views of the new water control gates along the water. Finally, the Docklands area tends to be less congested because the new infrastructure has been built to provide plenty of capacity in the neighborhood.

Accommodations available around Canary Wharf:

The neighborhood offers all different types of accommodations to meet your needs and our London Corporate Relocation team can aid in finding unique apartments in the Docklands and Canary Wharf area. One New York Habitat offering in the area is a one-bedroom rental in Tower Hamlets-Canary Wharf (LN-340) that has a gym and views of Canary Wharf for 966 pounds per night. Also available is a four-bedroom rental in Tower Hamlets-Canary Wharf (LN-373) located within walking distance of Canary Wharf and offering views of the Thames. Another option is LN-376, a studio in Tower Hamlets-Canary Wharf in a building constructed in 2005.

For other London neighborhoods near the Thames, take a look at Apartments along the South Bank of the Thames and London Accommodations near Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, both located to the west of the Canary Wharf area. Click to view all London vacation accommodations or furnished rentals. Remember, New York Habitat has apartments throughout London that are suited to all different needs.