London is set to open its first natural water swimming pool, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, just in time for the upcoming heatwave. With temperatures predicted to reach 31°C on Friday and remain high over the weekend, the new floating destination offers a 50-metre pool suspended in the dock, creating an urban oasis for swimmers.
What to expect at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf
The pool features six lanes of natural water, and visitors can enjoy a food and drink menu poolside, including weekend brunch options like shakshuka, green goddess salad, smoked salmon flatbread, and ice cream sandwiches. Drinks include Aperol spritzes and pints. For colder months, hot pods powered by renewable energy will be available for sauna and cold dip experiences. A shop on site offers swimwear from brands like Dry Robe, Finisterre, and Water Haul.
Inclusive swimming for all
Sea Lanes aims to make swimming accessible, offering fully-funded memberships and discounted memberships through Tower Hamlets Council's Be Well scheme. Pricing starts at £10 for one hour of lane swimming, with concession rates at £8. A one-hour swim and sauna session costs £18 for adults, or £14.40 concession.
Deputy Mayor of London, Mete Coban, MBE, said: 'Sea Lanes Canary Wharf provides a fantastic new open swimming opportunity for Londoners and visitors in the heart of our city. The Mayor and I are committed to transforming London's waterways – cleaning them up, improving biodiversity, and opening up more blue spaces.'
Future plans and other lidos
Later this year, Sea Lanes will expand to include non-lane open water swimming, paddleboarding, freediving, surf-fit, and winter scuba. The venue is the latest venture from the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton, the UK's first National Open Water Swimming Centre. For those seeking other options, Hitchin Lido in Hertfordshire has recently undergone refurbishment, and Brightlingsea Lido in Essex offers affordable admission at £7.50 for adults. Brockwell Lido in South London was also ranked among the top 20 cold water dip spots globally.
