When thinking of places to swim during the summer in London, your mind inevitably jumps to one of the many lidos scattered about the city. After all, we are not blessed to be a city by the sea. No, we’re not a Barcelona or a Lisbon. Nor can we boast many lakes nearby for wild swimming.
What you probably don’t think of, is the River Thames as a suitable swimming alternative. And yet, last year it reared its head as a very real option for mid-city cooling off. 2022 saw a 600m section of the Canary Wharf docks opened up as a clean space for outdoor swimming. And now, it’s back again!
Swimming in Canary Wharf?!
Yup! It’s the area’s very first open swimming space. Following its immense popularity in 2022, it’s returned for the summer of 2023. Anyone in the area hoping to swap a business suit for a bathing suit can make a quick change and dive into the swimming area at Middle Dock.
As you’re practising your front crawl you’ll be treated to views of One Canada Water and Newfoundland, and it’s open to swimmers of all abilities (over the age of 10). Open water swimming is one of the fastest-growing activities in the UK, and this initiative comes from swimming operator Love Open Water, in partnership with the Canal & River Trust.
NOWCA supports the project in their network of safe open water venues, and will regularly test the waters (literally) to ensure it keeps to the “high levels of cleanliness as required by EU Bathing Standards, meaning it is completely clean and safe to swim in”. The swimming area will fluctuate from 200m to 400m, and access will depend on daily weather and safety conditions.
Getting in the water
Speaking of NOWCA, you’ll need a membership with them to access this space. A year pass costs just £15, and grants you access to over 40 locations nationwide as well as insurance coverage for personal accidents and injuries. NOWCA also hosts regular free swimming events, allowing you access to the Canary Wharf open swimming free of charge.
Outside of the free events, sessions will run throughout the week and on weekends. Swims at Canary Wharf cost £8.50 per visit. You can book and pay online via the ACTiO app. Regardless of ability or experience, all swimmers must wear brightly coloured headwear of some sort and a bright tow float.
Swimmers can access the water from the pontoon next to Humble Grape on Mackenzie Walk. There you’ll also spot huts for changing in and out of your swimwear. After your swim, you can carry on your day with one of the many activities Canary Wharf has to offer, from the Raise Your Art Rate public art trail, to outdoor film and sport screenings, the area’s plethora of restaurants, and more.
Said Lucie Moore, Associate Director Arts+Events at Canary Wharf Group: “We’re excited to be welcoming back open water swimming to Middle Dock, providing people with the opportunity to swim in an iconic part of London. Last year’s reception to open water swimming was incredible and seeing so many people choose Canary Wharf as a spot for their swim session has allowed us to continue the partnership with Love Open Water and Canal & River Trust.”
All sessions are lifeguarded and any competent swimmer over the age of 10 can swim.