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Newham local area guide

Custom House Area Guide

Shops, transport, lifestyle, services and local highlights in Custom House.

Local guide: Custom House

A practical local area guide for Custom House covering transport, lifestyle, property and services.

About Custom House

Custom House is a residential and transport-focused area in Newham, located beside the Royal Docks, ExCeL London, Canning Town and Silvertown. It has long been associated with docklands communities, industry, working-class housing and major event infrastructure. Today, it is increasingly important because of improved transport links and regeneration around the Royal Docks. Custom House station is served by the Elizabeth line and DLR, giving direct access to central London, Canary Wharf, Heathrow, Stratford and London City Airport. This makes the area highly practical for visitors attending events at ExCeL London, one of the capital’s major exhibition and conference venues. The area has a mixed character, with residential estates, new developments, hotels, local shops and public spaces. Its location beside Royal Victoria Dock gives it access to waterside views, walking routes and modern leisure facilities. The Emirates Air Line cable car and Royal Docks attractions are nearby. Custom House is not a traditional tourist neighbourhood, but it is very useful for business travel, exhibitions, conferences and docklands exploring. It is connected, practical and evolving, with strong links to Newham’s waterfront regeneration and the wider Royal Docks area.

Local Highlights

Custom House local amenities
Local shops, cafes, hotels, event facilities and daily services around Custom House and nearby Royal Docks streets.
Custom House station
Elizabeth line and DLR connections linking Custom House with Canary Wharf, Liverpool Street, Heathrow and London City Airport.
ExCeL London and Royal Victoria Dock
Major events, exhibitions, dockside walks, hotels and waterfront spaces close to Custom House.
Docklands regeneration character
New homes, event venues, transport links and waterside public spaces shaping Custom House's local identity.

Transport

Custom House is served by the Elizabeth line and DLR at Custom House for ExCeL, with links to Canary Wharf, Liverpool Street, Paddington, Heathrow, Woolwich, Abbey Wood, Canning Town and Beckton routes. Key bus routes include 147, 241, 325, 474 and local services towards Canning Town, East Ham and Royal Docks. There is no London Underground or tram service directly in Custom House.

Property

Property in Custom House is closely linked to the Royal Docks and Elizabeth line regeneration area, with modern apartments, purpose-built flats, ex-local authority homes, new developments and some terraced houses close to Custom House station, ExCeL London, Canning Town, Silvertown and the docks. Property prices are shaped by Elizabeth line access, DLR links, regeneration, water views and proximity to Canary Wharf and London City Airport. Recent Newham indicators suggest average property prices around 454,000 GBP, with flats around 407,000 GBP and terraced houses around 507,000 GBP. Modern apartments near Custom House or the Royal Docks can command higher values, especially with balconies, dock views or concierge services. The rent market is active because tenants value transport, ExCeL, airport access and links to Canary Wharf. Typical one-bedroom flats are often advertised around 1,800 GBP to 2,700 GBP per month, while two-bedroom apartments commonly range from 2,500 GBP to 3,900 GBP per month.

Services

Custom House offers local shops, schools, GP access, pharmacies, community facilities, hotels, visitor services and major event-related amenities linked to ExCeL London and the Royal Docks.

Lifestyle

Custom House has a regeneration and events-focused lifestyle shaped by ExCeL London, Elizabeth line access, DLR links, Royal Docks waterside routes and new residential development. It suits visitors, commuters, event workers and residents who want fast links to Canary Wharf and central London.

Frequently asked questions

Custom House is known for ExCeL London, Royal Docks, Elizabeth line and DLR connections, hotels, events, residential areas, and riverside regeneration.

Yes. Custom House is a key area for events because it provides access to ExCeL London, hotels, conference facilities, restaurants, and transport links.

Visitors can attend events at ExCeL London, explore the Royal Docks, visit nearby restaurants and hotels, and travel easily to Canary Wharf or central London.

Yes. Custom House has Elizabeth line, DLR, bus, walking, and cycling connections to Canary Wharf, Stratford, Woolwich, the City, and Heathrow.