Things to do in London: You can now go paddle boarding in the middle of Canary Wharf

Summer has arrived in London, bringing with it a host of fun things to do, from festivals to outdoor theatre.

Among the most fun (and unexpected) things to do in London this summer are water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and open water swimming.

This summer, for the first time, you can enjoy a host of water sports at Eden Dock, Canary Wharf’s unique waterside oasis, created in collaboration with the Eden Project.

Open water swimming at Eden Dock

Open water swimming is back in Eden Dock’s crystal-clear waters by popular demand, from Thursday 5th June until Friday 31st October.

In partnership with Love Open Water, residents, visitors, and workers are invited to take a dip and enjoy the water to the fullest as the plants and floating gardens bloom over the summer months.

Two swimming options will be available – either the 150m loop or 300m loop in early morning, lunchtime, and evening slots. Swim sessions start at £9.50 with a NOWCA membership, and there are free events throughout the summer.

Try paddle boarding and kayaking

New to the Wharf this summer is stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, with sessions hosted at Eden Dock – giving paddlers the perfect opportunity to explore the lush landscape of over 70 species of plants and trees that grow throughout the whole stretch.

Kayaking sessions will be hosted in Oru Kayaks – the world’s first origami-inspired folding kayaks. Located at the bottom of Cubitt Steps, the adventures will launch from Makenzie Walk, with fully trained safety staff on hand to support paddlers during the activities.

Sessions will take place on various Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (12-8pm) from Saturday 7th June until Sunday 28th September, with tickets just £15 for an hour of adventure.

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