Swimming and activities at Royal Docks and Canary Wharf

At Canary Wharf there are open air performances, screenings, family events and open water swimming, while at Royal Docks there's a family lido, outdoor performances, and a Finnish sauna.

Summer In The City is Canary Wharf's mix of free activities including family movie nights, minigolf and ping pong, and open water swimming in Middle Dock.

Summer in the City at Canary Wharf includes minigolf, free cinema screenings and swimming in Middle Dock (Image: Supplied)

The Alfresco Arts series takes place across the area's parks and open spaces taking in music, theatre and family events such as the Family Film Club showings of the likes of Shrek, Barbie, and The Dark Knight on big screens in Canada Square Park until August 27, alongside all the sporting action from the Paris Olympics.

Swimming at Middle Dock runs until the end of October with sessions from pre-work to sunset, and East London's only free minigolf is back, with a 9-hole course in Montgomery Square.

The free geometric ping pong tables are also back at Montgomery Square with visitors able to pick up bats and balls from stewards everyday between 12pm and 6pm.

New this year is a packed Alfresco Arts programme running until 28 August in Jubilee Park and Crossrail Place Roof Garden, featuring theatre, including a modern take on Shakespeare’s King Lear, plus classical music and a programme of performances and workshops to keep children entertained when school is out.

From an interactive rocket making workshop to a ballet performance of Goldilocks, there is something for the whole family.
 
Sofar Sounds is also returning to The Wharf with a series of pop-up performances at secret venues on 7th August and 4th September including sets by musicians in different genres, spoken word, comedy and dance.
 
If you want to stroll around and enjoy the scenery, Canary Wharf is home to the UK’s largest free public art collection, with over 100 pieces to discover from artists including Camille Walala, Adam Nathaniel Furman, Henry Moore and Helaine Blumenfeld.
 
Those looking to refuel after a busy day of activities have plenty of choice with over 70 bars, restaurants, and cafes, plus a Thursday Lunch Market in Montgomery Square from 12pm until 2:30pm with an array of traders.

The Summer Splash lido at Royal Victoria Dock (Image: Emma Nathan)

Over at Royal Docks near the ExCel London there's a range of evening entertainment, cultural events and a lido.

At the Docks is a season of waterside leisure, sports, arts and culture in a historic East London location that was built over 100 years ago and spans 12 miles of waterfront and 250 acres of open water.

Highlight for 2024 include Royal Docks Summer Splash until 18 August which features a temporary lido built on Royal Victoria Dock, complete with deck chairs, a giant sand pit, food and drink, and free activities for children and adults, from crafts and storytelling to a Thursday evening disco.

Wellness is also catered for in a series of guided nature walks and nights of storytelling at the Sweheat Sauna a wood fired outdoor Finnish sauna at Royal Victoria Dock. 

At the Docks also presents an evening programming for adults that includes open mic nights at Oiler Bar – a dockside venue located in an ex-Royal Navy refuelling barge – live music, drag acts and club nights at music venue The Cause, and a queer film club at the floating Good Hotel.

Public art includes sculptures and works by artists including Laura Ford and Yinka Ilori plus an audio work by award-winning artist Larry Achiampong that works in tandem with a journey on the cable car.

All are part of The Line, a major public installation and art walk that runs through the Royal Docks on its route from Stratford to Greenwich.

Work by new designers is showcased in Pews and Perches, a design competition with London Festival of Architecture that sees six new benches commissioned and installed across the area.

From one bench constructed from rope and using traditional rigging knots to another that is made from repurposed sugar by-product, these outdoor seats span the practical to the poetic.

Across the weekend of July 27 and 28 there is also the London T100 Triathlon
at Royal Docks with 20 men and 20 women competing in every race -  an urban route through the City, allowing athletes of all levels to swim, cycle and run past London landmarks.

Justine Simons, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said:
“I’m delighted to see the return of the hugely popular At the Docks summer festival. As London hosts a spectacular summer of sport, it’s great that the Royal Docks is once again offering local young people and communities a wonderful selection of leisure, sport, art and culture. From immersive experiences and high-profile sporting events to free outdoor performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Royal Docks."