Greenwich Foot Tunnel, Greenwich, London

Don’t go in the tunnel if you’re claustrophobic!! It’s fairly long and can get a bit busy during peak times. Howver it’s a really interesting way to cross the river - and cheaper than public transport!

It’s impressive to think how old the tunnel is, and how far is spans.

Both sides of the river ar enice places to sit and watch the world go by - so use this quirky little tunnel to join both sides and see which you prefer!

its ok if you like to walk then this is a cheaper option to get around under the Theams, it is cool but scary lol

Even at 13, I found this place creepy - it is very quiet at times and the echo is amazing, from one side you can’t see the end of the other. There are lifts to get down to the tunnel itself and you can either take the lift or stairs. I found the lifts amazing - they are massive and have a real retro feel as they have their own operator. Not many places where you still get that today.

The actual tunnel looks old and that’s what freaks me out it looks like it could collapse at any moment and there are even some drops coming down. There’s usually quite a few people down there and it’s great actually going under a river and looking back where you just came from.

This is one of those quirky London gems that provide enjoyment and memories for all ages.

There is something curious or magical about walking underneath the Thames and to be able to look back to the other side when you emerge.

It’s also interesting historically in that the tunnel was built to allow people to get their jobs on the Isle of Dogs instead of a ferry service that was the previous way across. This was at a time when the Isle of Dogs was home to maritime industry and docks rather than high finance.

Hopefully as other reviewers have noted, because the tunnel is classified as a public highway, it will remain open for the benefit of generations to come.

I came from New Zealand & found the tunnel by accident. My son & I walked through it back again to catch ferry(from Greenwich) . Loved it - what an experience & what technology! One of the high points of my trip!

I agree with the previous reviewer and am unsure why anyone would choose to visit greenwich for this. I understand that many years ago it was the only way to get from one side of the river to Greenwich, but the Docklands Light Railway now does the job. However, to be honest, it is a short walk from Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs and it doesnt take very long at all. Entrance in Greenwich is right near the Cutty Sark so you end up right in the middle of things. Parking at the weekend on the Isle of Dogs is easier than Greenwich so this might be an option then walk through the foot tunnel….just a thought ;-)

Greenwich foot tunnel…hmm. I’m not sure I would pay a special visit to Greenwich just to see it. It’s quite dirty and I wouldn’t recommend going there at night really. The lift people are nice though and I suppose it is worth seeing and walking under the Thames just to say that you have done it. You won’t find much at Island Gardens though so you’ll probably end up walking straight back, or going and getting the DLR back to Greenwich again! If you happen to be in Greenwich for something else, it is worth having a wander through. If not, don’t bother!

well what can i Say, its a tunnel that goes under the Thames to nowhere interesting, and that’s bout it.. well to an adult like me anyhow.

But when i was a kid it was such an exciting time going down the big lifts and under water… oh yes under this big river Thames and to the little park on the other side to get an ice-cream, oh how i wish i was young again. hehe.

It definitely something i would take my kids through as it has a wonderful feeling that you really are deep within the earth under the Thames.

And I’m sure there are places worth a visit on the other side, just never was interested as a kid in that,

But the view from the other side is lovely and can get some nice sunset pics from there.

A curiously unique tunnel! I have run through this tunnel many times. It is not in a great state of repair, but for me that adds to the appeal. There is a long echo in the tunnel; try running and you will find that the repeated echoes create an atmosphere that you will not find elsewhere. I have run through the tunnel at night on many occasions and have never felt unsafe. If you enter the tunnel at the Cutty Sark end, you will eventually emerge at the other end to find a leafy green area bordering on the Thames. Somehow this tunnel would be very dull and clinical if it were in pristine condition.

a real slice of Victorian history. i walked, or ran, this many times with my grandparents, and its tiled walls bring memories of Greenwich and the pre murdoch isle of dogs. of course small boys should walk the stairs for the fun of it! back in the pre arson days the Cutty Sark was visitable on emerging.

Greenwich Foot Tunnel is a really handy way to cross the river if the DLR isn’t running for any reason - it’s classed as a public highway so it’s kept open 24 hours a day.

It’s also part of the National Cycle Network but you’re not allowed to ride your bike through it - cyclists are supposed to get off and push.

The lifts at either end are operated by attendants and only open between 7am and 7pm. There’s no guarantee that they’ll be working when you go through though - especially if you happen to be carrying a lot of heavy shopping!

As for safety, I’ve walked through there at all hours and never felt threatened or unsafe. There are a few CCTV cameras and most of the time there’ll be at least a couple of other people down there with you.

I fear the picture posted here over-glamourises the foot tunnel. For sure, it’s a magnificent work of Victorian architecture. To build something that is so deep beneath the Thames and yet (mostly) watertight, and for it to be still in use 100 years on, is an immense achievement.

Yet the reality of walking through it is dismal. The lifts (immense confession booth wooden panelled jobs) are often out of order, so you have to use the spiral staircases, no easy job when lugging a bike or shopping bags. And when you’re walking through, that wonderment at Victorian architecture soon gives way to feeling you’re trapped in a public loo. It smells dankly of urine, and the neon lighting bouncing off the creamy tiles can be a bit overpowering. I try to jog through as fast as I possibly can to reach the exit.

is an underwater tunnel going from Greenwich to the isle of Dogs, is quite an old tunnel with lots of history, just heard is not very safe for ladies to walk at night as Isle of Dogs is full of gangs of teenagers causing disturbance

Greenwich foot tunnel is one of the least well known ways to cross the thames - underneath it. The long tunnel hemmed in by Victorian tiled walls that haven’t seen the daylight for 150 years. Eeery but very exicting. You can imagine the water above you as you walk from Greenwich to around Canary Wharf. There is always someone behind you, you always hear footsteps real or imagined? What a place to hold a party but of course you are not allowed to.

The greenwich foot tunnel runs under the river thames between cutty sark gardens, The woolwich foot tunnel is situated about three miles downstream, if you ever need to exercise, the foot tunnel is a good route to loose a few pounds regularly, its beneath the water and you can just sence the aquatic nature of its existence, i can remember the opening times at the moment.

When you are walking through this tunnel, you will find it quite a sight, built all those years ago and yet still intact and in service, it is yet another historic part of London - I am surprised this is not covered as an alternative sight in more tourist guides.

Being a local, I find this foot path fairly useful, the DLR is down quite a bit for maintenance so rather than waiting for some replacement bus that will appear god knows when, why not opt for the healthier option and take a quick stroll to Cutty Sark Greenwich?

Mind you, it can get pretty chilly in the tunnel during the winter months!

The Foot Tunnel is one of the best ways across the river, especially for people on the Isle of Dogs.

It’s really a little gem, as it’s the nearest method of getting across the river without walking down further West, or using Blackwall tunnel (but only if you have a car!)

The tunnel is very well maintained. It’s clean, smells fresh and is in a good condition.

The Foot Tunnel is surprisingly quiet considering it being an important link between North and South of the river. Perhaps it’s not really known about amongst tourists, or people are scared? No need to be scared! There are loads of CCTV cameras and people that use it have one motive, to get to the other side!

The elevators in the tunnel are usually always working, although they have been out for the past few days, but were being fixed pretty fast.

Atmospheric and interesting, this old tunnel is extremely useful for crossing the river by foot and I’ve always rather enjoyed using it. Be warned though - if you’ve had a pint or too don’t stop and chat to people half way through as i did one time. We suddenly resalised we’d forgotten which way was which and faced the prospect of potentially going back the way we’d come! I can’t recall how we sorted this out but there was a logic to it I think…. The other thing worth mentioning are the vast lifts used to get to the tunnel itself - very characterful and old fashioned.

i have lived in Greenwich all my life, and simply love the foot tunnel. although i do warn you, if the lift isnt working, be prepared to climb those stairs!. Its a very safe tunnel- cctv is breaming down there, you also get the occasional busker, although they tend to be more careful these days as its banned. i would recommend you give the tunnel a go

If you’re going to spectate at the London Marathon in April, then watching the start on Blackheath, cutting through Greenwich, down through the tunnel then onto the DLR will allow you to see the race leaders five or six times round the course if you plan it right.
The Café at the Island Gardens side is very nice too.

The Greenwich foot tunnel is a pedestrian tunnel crossing beneath the River Thames in South East London, linking the London Borough of Greenwich in the south with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to the north. It was designed by civil engineer Sir Alexander Binnie for London County Council, and was constructed by contractor John Cochrane & Co; the project started in June 1899 and the tunnel was opened on 4 August 1902.

I love the concept.. although it does smell down there and is really quite cold!!!

How do I get from north London to Greenwich on the bus £3 only please without wasting time by crossing in central london or the deptford tunnel thing (if indeed that is its name?)
Why then you use this tunnel here my friend, although the latter part of your journey will be on foot, as a bus wouldn’t fit in the lift.
Get off your bus (C2? C3?) at the island gardens dlr stop, proceed down the side road to the river and there it is, the north entrance! Go down in the wood walled manned lift, endure the resentment of the one hour of sunlight a day lift operator, and head into the tunnel, which dips then rises, to avoid the water. And obey the rules: no running, no cycling, no loud noises, and definitely no explosions. YEAH! You are in a tunnel. Rules matter. You’re not on the tube now, sweating and waiting to die. You are sweating and waiting to die under the Thames, on foot, in a foot tunnel. All the difference in the world. And you can actually SMELL the river through the walls. And watch it come through in small drop sized portions.
Then you emerge right in greenwich near that bit of burnt wood that used to be an iron hulled tea clipper that we flogged to the portuguese for most of its working life. Cutty Sark, i think the name means young girl’s dress. Seriously.
There you go. Greenwich for £3. Much better than certain other thames foot tunnels we could name (wool itch anyone?)
It is shut at certain times though; why not risk it? Because you would be stuck on the isle of dogs waiting for a bus that never comes, that’s why.