Events
A Big Weekend at the Docks: 25 & 26 July - plus SwimSafe throughout the Summer
On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, the Royal Docks will come alive with world-class sport, spectacular outdoor performances and free family activities. As part of At the Docks, visitors can enjoy the Certain Blacks Ensemble Festival around City Hall, watch athletes take on the London T100 Triathlon, and join SwimSafe water safety sessions as part of Royal Docks Summer Splash.
A T100 London Triathlon athlete exits Royal Victoria Dock during the swim leg of the race in the Royal Docks.
Experience the Certain Blacks Ensemble Festival
Returning to the Royal Docks on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, Certain Blacks’ Ensemble Festival transforms the area around City Hall into a vibrant, free outdoor celebration of circus, dance and theatre.
Over two full days, audiences can enjoy bold, joyful and thought-provoking work from exciting contemporary artists, creating a weekend packed with creativity, spectacle and family entertainment. Find out more.
Watch the London T100 Triathlon
Also taking place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, the London T100 Triathlon returns to Excel London, bringing thousands of athletes and some of the world's best triathletes to the Royal Docks.
Watch elite and amateur competitors swim in the dock waters before taking on the bike and run courses, making for an exciting weekend of racing. Plan your visit.
A Swim Safe instructor stands with a group of participants preparing for an open water safety session.
Free SwimSafe Sessions for Young People
Running from Friday 24 July to Sunday 16 August, SwimSafe returns to the Royal Docks as part of Royal Docks Summer Splash. These free sessions, created by Swim England and the RNLI, and funded by the Mayor of London, help children aged 7 to 14 build confidence in and around open water while learning vital safety skills, including floating, recognising hazards and signalling for help.
Children must be able to swim 25 metres unaided, and a carer or parent must remain on site throughout the session. Book your free session.
Performer balancing on a high wire during an outdoor performance at Ensemble Festival in the Royal Docks.
Make a Day of It
There's plenty more to enjoy around Royal Victoria Dock, whether you’re making a day of it or staying or the weekend, including:
See & Do
- Follow The Line free outdoor public art trail.
- Step into the world of Immerse LDN, where storytelling, technology and interactive experiences come together.
- Take a ride on the London Cable Car for spectacular views across the Thames and London’s skyline.
Get Active
- Hire a Brompton bike from Custom House (E16 3AR) and explore the waterfront.
- Try paddleboarding or wakeboarding at WakeUp Docklands.
Relax & Unwind
- Pause at the Floating Garden, a small floating habitat designed to support local wildlife, with a few seats and views across Royal Victoria Dock
- Relax at Sweheat Sauna, a traditional wood-fired Nordic sauna on the waterfront.
Eat & Drink
- Grab an award-winning speciality coffee from Perky Blenders and take a dockside stroll
- Choose from a range of places to eat and drink, including Bonnane, China Place, Fremantle Bar & Kitchen, Good Hotel London, Heroica Lounge pizza bus, Nakhon Thai, Sunborn London and The Fox Excel.
Discover even more events, activities and experiences taking place across the Royal Docks as part of At the Docks, on our What's On page.
Important safety information:
The Royal Docks are not open for general, public swimming. The dock waters are deep and can present significant hazards. Please only enter the water as part of an authorised activity operated by a licensed provider and follow all safety instructions.
