Days Out: Mudlarks Gallery – Museum of London Docklands
Enjoy the fascinating history of the docks at the Museum of London Docklands. The Mudlarks Gallery is a perfect place for young children to explore.
When we first moved to London, Kenz worked at 40 Bank Street in Canary Wharf. That was of course many moons ago before Lady Yeya was born. At the time, Kenz could not understand why there were so many primary school-aged kids running around Canary Wharf. Are they here to learn about finance and banking, or maybe the media? Back then, other than skyscrapers and a shopping mall, there was nothing to do for young children in Canary Wharf. Little did Kenz know then, there is a fantastic museum right in the heart of the Isle of Dogs.
Museum of London Docklands
Together with its sister institution, the Museum of London, the Museum of London Docklands is a dedicated museum focusing on the role of ports and docks in transforming London into a world class city. The docks in East London facilated trade and movement of commodities such as sugar, tea, coffee, and spices.
Housed in a former warehouse, the museum is spread across four floors with easy to follow pathways and lifts at every level. The museum is divided into numerous galleries documenting the development of the ports. One of Lady Yeya’s favourite sections is the “City and River” and the development of the Thames River. New bridges and tunnels helped the movement of goods down the River Thames. She was able to get on her hands and knees to “build” a tunnel out of yellow soft bricks.
During World War II, the London docks were the first target of the London Blitz in September 1940. West India Docks and St. Katherine’s Dock were nearly decimated from the bombings. These historical events were brilliantly documented in the “Docklands at War” gallery. The “Sailortown” gallery is also fun to explore the dark and narrow alleyways, as it recreates squalid districts near the docks where seafarers and sailors lived near Wapping and Shadwell.
Fun at Mudlarks
The Mudlarks gallery is Lady Yeya’s favourite space in the Museum of London Docklands. Located on the ground floor next to the cafe, this is a wonderful interactive children’s gallery. Book free tickets at 10am the day before your visit. Each session is approximately 45 minutes.
Mudlarks is clean and well-organised into various play zones. On the immediate left is a multi-level soft play area with a slide as well as a dedicated baby area which is perfect for crawlers. In the middle is a replica of the Docklands where kiddos can load and unload cargo from ships on the River Thames using cranes. On the left side of the room is a water play area (smocks are provided) where kids can play with nautical-themed toys. There are wheelbarrows, hardhats, mega blocks as well as a range of sensory toys dotted along the walls and floor.
Lady Yeya and her friend had so much fun at the Mudlarks. It was hard to say goodbye when our session was over. Mudlarks is a perfect combination of sensory meets soft play with a nice dose of history of London.
Meander around Canary Wharf
If you are feeling peckish after exploring the fascinating history of the Docklands, not to worry as just outside the museum is a row of restaurants. From Pizza Pilgrims to Burger & Lobster, there’s plenty to choose from. I like to walk to the new CrossRail Place to enjoy a bowl of Japanese ramen at Ippudo. Of course, I can never resist a coffee and a cinnamon roll at Ole & Steen. On a glorious day in the summer, I love grabbing some picnic foods at the Waitrose and enjoy the summer concert series or Summer Screens at Canada Square Park.
Canary Wharf has drastically changed over the past decade with numerous new office and residential developments. Whilst Canary Wharf is a big employment centre, today there is plenty to do for families from museums, shops and restaurants. But despite all the changes, I am happy to see the Museum of London Docklands remains part of its history right in the Isle of Dogs.
