1 / 2Love Open Water London Royal Docks
π London, Greater London
Year-round supervised open water swimming in the Royal Docks with qualified lifeguards, a 1km buoyed course, and multiple loop lengths. NOWCA membership and pre-booking required; tow float hire available.
HIGHLY recommend this spot to swim. It's tucked away in a picturesque location, with a lovely dock with changing rooms and places to store your belongings. There are three loops of different lengths to choose from - perfect for those who are training to complete a specific distance. The staff are really friendly and helpful - they host different events to help test your skill and have 121 coaching on offer as well. Bright coloured caps and tow floats are required - they do have a supply of some as well. Lovely dining spots nearby for those wanting to make an occasion out of it - including outdoor bars on the water during the summer.
π Family Action Verdict
Best suited to families with confident teen swimmers rather than young children β this is structured open water swimming with equipment requirements and safety protocols that suit older participants. The Royal Docks location is genuinely distinctive, and the year-round calendar means it works as a regular training venue.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β563 Google reviews
Aleata Alstad-Calkins
2 years ago
βHIGHLY recommend this spot to swim. It's tucked away in a picturesque location, with a lovely dock with changing rooms and places to store your belongings. There are three loops of different lengths to choose from - perfect for those who are training to complete a specific distance. The staff are really friendly and helpful - they host different events to help test your skill and have 121 coaching on offer as well. Bright coloured caps and tow floats are required - they do have a supply of some as well. Lovely dining spots nearby for those wanting to make an occasion out of it - including outdoor bars on the water during the summer.β
Sam Browne
a year ago
βThis is one of my favourite spots in London and it IS my favourite spot to swim in the city. It's clean and safe, and the staff are extremely friendly and kind. I've swam here in all weathers over the years, and it's always magical rain or shine. There's some really great events on too! Halloween is one I try not to miss. Overall I think it's a great thing to have in a stunning setting. I hope it continues to be as great as it is currently. I think it's in a golden era right now with the staff it has and the community it encourages.β
C P
2 years ago
βHave loved swimming here for years now. The staff here are friendly and helpful. You can swim as little or as much as youβd like. Itβs great to see novice swimmers here now swimming amongst more serious swimmers. There are minimal facilities around - most people get checked out in the open. There are some cafes around for a a warm drink after. There are some big events here too if you are serious about swimming or you want to set yourself a challenge.β
Mark Roberts
6 months ago
βWho would have thought there was great open water swimming in London? Itβs a tad expensive but well organised and safe with a friendly vibe and a 1km course around the buoys. Pre booking and tow floats are mandatory.β
Reviews from Google
Overview
Love Open Water Royal Docks operates a 1km buoyed course in the Royal Docks with qualified lifeguards and safety crew on every session, year-round. Swimmers choose from multiple loop lengths. All participants must wear bright caps and tow floats β hire available on site. NOWCA membership is required. Pre-booking is mandatory. Changing facilities are minimal; most swimmers change in the open. Nearby cafes and outdoor bars serve post-swim.







