Royal Docks Summer Splash 2024
From 27th July until 18th August, why not join us At the Docks and immerse yourself in a new side of the city. Expect deck chairs, a giant sand pit, food and drink, as well as plenty of entertainment and iconic city views. And did we mention the lido!? Ideal for families, friends and all ages, Royal Docks Summer Splash is the perfect place to cool off this summer with enclosed swimming in the lido complete with a shallow end for children. As well as open water swimming there's a raft of other water-based activities for the more adventurous.
Royal Docks Summer Splash is open to all ages. Eight years and under need to be accompanied by an adult in the water. No booking is required and it's free! Tuesdays to Saturdays, expect a packed programme of family activities.
The fun includes performances, arts and crafts, storytelling and more. On Thursdays from 5pm to 9pm, adults can unwind with a drink from the bar and enjoy evening entertainment with live DJs from Disco Shed.
Why not make a day of it? There's so much to see, do, and explore in the Royal Docks. Try water sports with Wakeup Docklands, Open water swimming, check out the local eateries, relax at Sweheat Sauna, and take in the stunning views from the IFS Cloud Cable Car. You can also book other exciting events At the Royal Docks, such as The FRIENDS™ Experience or For The Love of Fantasy. For more free family fun take part in the DLR Summer Treasure Hunt.
Royal Docks Summer Splash is always popular and the perfect place to enjoy the glorious sunshine. Get the dates in your diary so you don’t miss out on the free summer fun.
During busy times, we may implement a timed wristband system for water access. This is to enable as many visitors as possible to enjoy the water during these busier periods.
If we need to put this in place, water sessions will run:
- 11-12.30
- 12.30 – 14:00
- 14:00 – 15:30
- 15:30 – 16:45
Please ask the team on site if you have any questions.
Check out the full programme for each week below!
You can also sign up to Swim Safe @ Royal Docks Summer Splash between 6 - 16 August
Full List of Activities (FINAL WEEK):
Tuesday 13 August
Arty Pants - Festival decorations and bunting
Drop in between 12:00 - 16:00
Make do and mend, but festival style! Make a string of bunting or your very own unique festival decoration using recycled materials. These stunning decorations will look amazing in your home or garden.
Wednesday 14 August
Arty Pants - Tickle Sticks and Carnival Masks
Drop in between 12:00 - 16:00
Fancy a tickle? Come along and make a tickle stick – its like a wand only more fun! A festival favourite! Then its carnival time – create your very own carnival mask and decorate it in your own unique style.
Thursday 15 August
The Disco Shed with Peepshow Paddy
17:00 - 21:00
Sam Deeley is a London-based DJ renowned for his deep passion for underground dance music. With over 10 years of experience, Sam has played at major clubs and festivals across the UK and Europe, and has featured on guest mixes for Kiss FM and Rinse France. Specialising in dance music, Sam’s versatility extends to soul, hip-hop, R&B, and reggae. His own personal productions have been showcased on BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, Kiss, Rinse FM, and Capital, with support from industry giants like Disclosure, Sub Focus, Sarah Story, Conducta, Flava D, and P-rallel. Notably, he achieved number one in the iTunes Dance Charts in Kenya and New Zealand. Known for his ability to read and adapt to the crowd, Sam ensures every set is memorable. Proficient with all standard DJ equipment, he delivers a seamless and engaging performance every time.
Friday 16 August
Arty Pants - Bubble Wands and Key Chains
Drop in between 12:00 - 16:00
Come along and make one of our fabulous bubble wands. Choose your colour-scheme and beads to make this unique bubble blowing wand. Then test out your bubble skills. Or you could make your very own key chain using ribbons and beads to decorate your bag or use as a keyring.
Saturday 17 August
Dock Local Panel present You Press PLAY (Summer Music Jam)
12:00 - 16:30
Join us for You Press PLAY (Summer Music Jam 2024), an interactive music session for families and the community. Talented young artists from the You Press creative arts and training programme will co-host, offering music activities, an open mic, and jam sessions. Come participate, connect, and celebrate through music!
Sunday 18 August
Dock Local Panel present Art in the Docks: Rubbish Puppets
Drop in between 12:00 - 16:00
Using everyday materials and recycled items, as well as your imagination, come and create a puppet. You can create anything you like, and even better, you can learn how to operate your puppet too!
For your visit
Food & Drink
Airline Cafe
No one complains about all-day breakfast for under a fiver. Right next to the ExCeL, this cafe-diner opens early to late.
Activities
Royal Docks Adventure
Power boats, rowing boats, dragon boats, canoes – everything you need for an afternoon on the water.
Community
Royal Wharf Community Dock
From adult ballet classes to dance and drama classes for kids, this new centre in the heart of Royal Wharf has begun with a bang.