See & Do Guides

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July in Canary Wharf is buzzing with exciting activities and events, making it the perfect time to explore this vibrant part of London.

Whether you’re craving a cool beverage on a sun-soaked terrace, you’re an art enthusiast seeking a stroll with a difference, or you want to entertain the whole family, it’s all happening on the Wharf. 

Here are 10 of our top things to do in Canary Wharf this July, taking you from sunny days to balmy evenings.

1. The return of Canary Wharf open water swimming

   

   Back by popular demand this year, open water swimming is making a splash at Middle Dock. One of the best things to do in Canary Wharf, swimmers can don their tow floats and coloured headgear (safety first), in our crystal–clear waters. Working in partnership with Love Open Water, this excellent-rated natural pool helps you cool off and reconnect with your wild side. To swim at this spot, swimmers just need to purchase a NOWCA membership for £15 per year. Each swim will cost just £9.00 per swim, or you can take part in the free NOWCA Swim events that will be offered to members regularly. 

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2. Play like a pro at Padium’s outdoor padel court

   

   Padel tennis at Padium is always ace, but on sunny days they take the competition into the open air with their outdoor court. If the weather isn’t playing ball there are still seven indoor courts to enjoy, whether you’re a regular player or visiting the Wharf. Get booking now to avoid disappointment!

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3. Outdoor big screen experiences with the Film Club
   

   Movie nights get a seasonal upgrade at Canada Square Park as the Wharf’s Film Club brings blockbusters, family favourites and old school classics to big screens in the open air. It’s one of the best things to do in Canary Wharf– grab your favourite picnic ingredients from nearby M&S Simply Food, Waitrose & Partners or Sticks’n’Sushi, bring your besties and take your pick from  Romeo + Juliet, The Dark Knight, Monsters Inc and Crazy Rich Asians for a moonlit movie experience.

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4. Go on a creative journey with our free Canary Wharf Art Trail
   

   Walking through a creative wonderland and exploring more than 100 pieces of art is one of the best things to do in Canary Wharf for free. Across the estate’s 16.5 acres of parks and green spaces, there are sculptures and integrated architectural pieces to discover, from new mural GET REAL by Henry Gibbs on Wren Landing to Sasso Cosmica by Do König Vassilakis in Westferry Circus. You can use the free online guide to plan your route.

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5. Entertainment for everyone, rain or shine
   

   We all know that the British weather can’t be relied upon, so come rain or shine, we’ve got you covered when it comes to fun things to do in Canary Wharf. Indoor activities range from the best indoor adventure park at Flip Out to the UK’s largest indoor go-karting track at Capital Karts, a chance to take part in your very own version of the iconic TV games at brand new THE CUBE and movie magic at Everyman Cinema. When the sun shines head to Montgomery Square to enjoy pop-up Ping Pong and our free colourful  Minigolf course  designed by artists Craig & Karl, perfect for all ages

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6. Italian inspiration with pizza perfection
   

   Few do summer quite like the Italians, and Canary Wharf serves up a feast of opportunities to tuck into the best pizza in town. Choose from the feel-good flavours of Gallio where you can even join a class and learn how to make your own, the international outlook of Caravan, the healthy and heavenly goodness of @homepizza or the Milanese marvels at Café Brera. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also Franco Manca – famous for their signature sourdough pizza.

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7. Big screen sports entertainment
   

   Summer Screens is in full swing this July with a whole world of top sporting entertainment. From Wimbledon to F1, Cricket to the Olympics, whatever takes your fancy, we’ve got you covered on our open-air screens in Canada Square Park. Take a picnic or enjoy the view from the balcony at The Ivy in the Park or the rooftop at Oasis Bar & Terrace.

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8. It’s National Ice Cream Month!
   

   As if we needed an excuse to tuck into gelato from Badiani’s unmissable red kiosk at Canada Place, and their new brick and mortar store in Cabot place. Famous for delivering Florentine flavours since 1932, they’re masters of classic favourites including their Buontalenti, La Dolcevita and Dark Chocolate Sorbet. Want to go sugar free? Head to Yolé where they serve frozen yoghurts and plant-based ice cream in signature turquoise tubs – perfect for taking to one of the nearby parks.

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9. Top talent at Alfresco Arts
   

   Of all the things to see in Canary Wharf, the Alfresco Arts calendar of events is a firm favourite. Across the neighbourhood, discover a vibrant display of talent from theatrical performances to classical lunchtime music,  and family-friendly events. Amongst the favourites are a modern take on Shakespeare’s King Lear, a balletic interpretation of Goldilocks, and inter-planetary gypsy jazz and hot swing from the Docklands Sinfonia.

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10. Retail therapy and holiday shopping
    

    Whether you’re heading off on holiday or looking forward to a staycation, get ready with retail therapy on the Wharf. Across five malls and more than 300 retailers, find everything you want, need and have on your wishlist, for a summer shopping spree. Visit Canary Wharf shops including Bimba Y Lola, COS, the Lone Design Club and Maje for hot high street fashion, get in the holiday mood with a facial at Weather and Palette Skincare Atelier and grab feel-good essentials from Bobbi Brown and Boots.

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