For most people the Isle of Dogs is London Docklands. And there is little doubt that the Isle of Dogs has been the heart of the Docklands redevelopment.

Open to more debate however is the name. Although the South Dock effectively separates the Isle of Dogs from the rest of London, some people argue that it is not really an island.

And there is also disagreement as to the origins of the name. One theory is that the ‘Dogs’ is derived from the royal kennels that were once housed here, whilst another theory is that it is derived from the Flemish word for the Dutch dykes that were built here in the 19th Century.

Whatever the origins of the unusual name, it is indisputable that the whole area has become a major tourist attraction in recent years. Canary Wharf, with its 800ft tower is the centrepiece, but if you venture to the south you will also be able to see the Docklands Visitors Centre, Mudchute City Farm and the Island Gardens.

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