Five unmissable things to do near Novotel London Canary Wharf

Discover the history of the Docklands, which has directly inspired much of the Novotel’s design and menus, with a trip to the nearby Museum of London. Here, you’ll find a huge archive of pictures, photos and objects documenting the area’s roots as a key trading port through to the impact of the Blitz and its latter-day transformation into a global financial centre. Got the kids in tow? You’re in the right place – the museum’s Mudlark gallery has a water play area (for under-eights accompanied by an adult) and a soft play zone.

A 32-acre green oasis in the heart of east London, Mudchute combines a working city farm with a petting zoo, an equestrian centre, a café and lots of room to roam around in. Experienced riders can saddle up and take to the all-weather course at the riding school, while those who simply want to ooh and ahh at the sight of cute furry animals can do just that at the farm, which even includes exotic llamas alongside the more traditional ducks, goats and pigs. Entry is free.

Jump on the Jubilee line from Canary Wharf and you can be at the O2 complex in Greenwich in less than fifteen minutes. Be sure to check the listings and book tickets in advance – the biggest names in show business headline the main arena here, and you can see everything from chart toppers Take That to grime pioneers Boy Better Now, depending on the date. While you’re here you can make a day of it by taking in the ‘Star Wars Identities’ exhibition, a huge collection of props, costumes and artwork exploring every corner of George Lucas’s galaxy, or eat and drink at one of the many restaurants on site.

Early risers can head to the world-famous Billingsgate Market to see traders and Londoners haggle over seafood from all over the world. This is a London institution that’s still going strong to this day. While you’re there, grab yourself a bacon and scallop buttie – it’s widely regarded as one of the best breakfasts in town.

Just a short hop across the Thames, you can stroll around village-y Royal Greenwich, visit the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum, or stare in wonder at the Old Royal Naval College’s Painted Hall - one of London's unmissable attractions.