The sun may have only shone in the capital city for a grand total of 3 hours this summer, but with a heatwave finally on the horizon (and when I say heatwave, I actually just mean the temperature reaching the twenties for the first time in weeks), us Londoners will need to find some ways to cool off. Luckily for us, the adventure-aficionados down at Secret Adventures have got us covered with their oar-some kayaking experience.
You’ll be given the chance (and the equipment) to paddle your way down London’s oldest canal until you reach the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (or in this case – the brewery at the end of the canal) and reward yourself with a well-earned pint at the Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick. Canoe believe it?!
Starting at the canoe shed in Limehouse, you’ll be given a safety briefing and everything you’ll need for your urban adventure. Once you’ve been briefed and your valuables are safely stowed in the van which will meet you at the other end, it’s time for you to take the plunge (hopefully not literally).
At just over 5k, the route follows the Limehouse Cut and the River Lee, where you’ll get to see some swans and other birdlife. You can paddle at your own pace but the route will take roughly an hour and a half – and with the kick-off being 6.30pm – you might even be treated to some glorious golden hour views (hellooo Instagram-heaven).
The end point of your escapade will be the waterside brewery, Crate Brewery, but you can also have an explore around the many other great bars and restaurants in Hackney Wick – whatever floats your boat, really. Get it?
A peaceful paddle down the oldest canal in London followed by a refreshing pint at a brilliant brewery – canoe think of a better way to spend a warm summer evening? I certainly can’t.
Tickets cost £49.99pp and you must be over 18 and able to swim to partake. The meeting point is the Canoe Shed Limehouse Basin, E14 7JZ. The nearest stations is Limehouse.
Find out more and plan your visit here.