Middle Dock, Canary Wharf

This outdoor swimming spot between the commercial buildings of Canary Wharf is new for summer 2022. A section of Middle Dock, overlooking the iconic One Canada Square tower, has been designated for swimmers until the end of September. Where ships used to moor to unload their cargoes of sugar, rum, and coffee, there is now 600 square metres of clean Thames water to play in. It's ideal for extroverts because you'll almost certainly be watched over by jealous employees from the surrounding office buildings.

Love Open Water, which is supported by NOWCA, the UK's largest network of safe open water venues, ensures that the water at Canary Wharf is regularly tested and reaches high levels of cleanliness using cutting-edge technology, ensuring that it is completely clean and safe to swim in. Every session is lifeguarded and open to people of all ages and skill levels over the age of ten. Swimmers can access the water from the pontoon next to Humble Grape on Mackenzie Walk, where they will find changing huts.

To enjoy the new spot, swimmers just need to purchase a NOWCA membership for £15 per year – granting them access to all 40 NOWCA UK locations – with sessions running throughout the week including weekends. Open water swimming sessions are charged at £8 per three-four hour session, or you can take part in the free NOWCA Swim event that will be offered regularly. Members can also benefit from the ACTiO app which allows swimmers to book and pay online, check their swim stats and update emergency contacts and medical information.

Google rating: 4.3/5.0

Address: London E14 5AB, UK

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7418 2000

Website: k-west.co.uk