If you’re searching for activities in Canary Wharf, you’ll be glad to know that there’s an abundance of dynamic, diverse, and stimulating things to do on the estate’s Summer calendar. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures and parks in Canary Wharf, art and culture opportunities, world-class dining destinations, or even a spot to go swimming in Canary Wharf, E14 has it all.
In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Canary Wharf when the warm weather is on our side.
For the fitness fanatics
Those eager to find outdoor activities Canary Wharf (or a good swimming pool in Canary Wharf!) will love the open water swimming at Middle Dock. Whether private or public, empty or activated, the swimming pool has been the backdrop of many fond summer memories for us all. Enjoy views of Newfoundland and One Canada Square atthis beautiful swimming spot in E14, supported by NOWCA and regularly tested to ensure a safe and clean swimming experience every time. Each session is lifeguarded, and open to swimmers from age 10 and up. Use the ACTiO app to book your session for £8.50 per swim or purchase a NOWCA membership for year-long access at just £15.
Go Boat, Canary Wharf’s self-driving boat experiences give you the freedom to explore the docklands and surrounds on your own terms. You’ll receive training on arrival and can take up to 8 people on a boat for a fun, family day out.
It’s been widely covered in the press, but padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. What’s more, Padium, London’s first premium padel club, will be opening its 30,000 square foot site in the heart of Canary Wharf at the end of summer. Keep your eyes peeled for an outdoor court opening, with other indoor courts following shortly after.
Canary Wharf also offers a range of indoor and outdoor gyms. Fitness enthusiasts can choose between Ultimate Performance, Nuffield, and a unique outdoor gym in Harbour Quay that offers full access to relaxing green and blue spaces along with top-tier equipment. Vertus residents at 10 George Street and Newfoundland have access to their own fully equipped, Antidote-managed gyms (including a wellness studio and spin studio).
For the music lovers
Festival14 is set to return this year, offering a diverse and exciting blend of music, theatre, comedy, dance, and fun for the whole family. The five-day event takes place across Canary Wharf’s open spaces and parks. Canada Square Park is set to host the main stage once again this year, along with a free music program featuring Yazmin Lacey, Wayne Snow and Cherise.
The Festival14 Comedy Club will be held at Montgomery Square, featuring Abandoman, Paul Chowdhry, Desiree Burch, Mark Simmons, Stephen Bailey and Cally Beaton, and other notable names. Regular child-friendly events will help to keep younger family members entertained and enthralled. Family events include a Bach to Baby Family Concert, Let’s All Dance: The Princess and The Frog session, children’s face painting, Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave, and Sisu Theatre: Moo Moo and Friends.
For the art enthusiasts
Kick off your Canary Wharf arts and events explorations with the Raise Your Art Rate trail. Featuring over 100 artworks from a range of celebrated artists, the trail allows you to walk, jog or run and experience the best of local culture in tandem. Raise Your Art Rate has 1km, 3km, and 5km routes, each tailored to give full access to the artworks on display.
Canary Wharf art lovers can also head to Crossrail Place to explore Illusionaries; London’s first story-based immersive Canary Wharf art exhibition which fuses art with technology for a truly unique experience. Illusionaries offers an intellectual and beautiful audio-visual art experience that uses vivid images and powerful soundscapes to invoke ethereal and emotive sensations. This art gallery in Canary Wharf is open:
- 11am to 10pm, Mondays to Thursdays
- 11am to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays
- 11am to 8pm on Sundays
Booking is advised, and tickets start from £27 per person.
For the culinary connoissures
Canary Wharf is home to a wide range of dining establishments, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops and eateries. Along with the area’s iconic establishments like Dishoom, Feels Like June, Iberica, and Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, food afficionados can enjoy fare from some newly opened restaurants, including Fish Game for fresh seafood and Mallow for 100% plant-based meals. Families will love destinations like Fair Game Canary Wharf, which is packed with classic entertainment options and an array of tempting food vendors to please all ages.
Vertus+ members also gain access to an exclusive selection of food events and residents’ discounts. The year-round events programme includes cooking masterclasses, monthly wine Wednesdays, and other events hosted within Vertus’ amenity spaces and curated by our own in-house events team.
Becoming a Vertus+ member brings you unique discounts and promotional offers, including free Happy Hour drinks and 20% total bill discounts. Renting with Vertus not only allows you to enjoy the best of what Canary Wharf’s culinary scene has to offer, but it also provides perks that help you to maximise every experience you have.
Explore Canary Wharf this Summer with Vertus
There’s an endless range of things to do in Canary Wharf this weekend whether you’re passionate about art and culture, enthusiastic about music and performance, eager to dive into E14’s foodie scene, or simply looking for outdoor spaces in which to stay active, relax, unwind, and celebrate, there’s something for everyone!
Vertus’ diverse events calendar, selection of premium amenities, personalised services, and vibrant residential buildings bring you everything you need to enjoy summer in style. Enquire about our available apartments and make the most of every outing with the Vertus+ app.
