6 reasons to visit Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf, once a grey concrete jungle dominated by banks and offices, has undergone a transformation over the past few years into a vibrant hub filled with an array of things to do. From art pop-up exhibitions, the tranquil greenery of the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, swimming, an abundance of exceptional restaurants, you won’t be bored spending an evening or a day in this buzzy London spot. Here are six of our favourite reasons to get on over to Canary Wharf.

The Art 

Image: Floating Earth installation by Luke Jerram. Canary Wharf Winter Lights 2023.

Canary Wharf’s annual Winter Lights Festival, a highlight of the cultural calendar, was a big hit last year with a collection of 22 immersive light installations. Notably, the striking Floating Earth installation by Luke Jerram was all over Instagram. 

A recent addition to Canary Wharf's cultural landscape is Illusionaries, a pioneering and immersive multi-sensory art experience – the first of its kind in the UK. The debut exhibition, Memories of a Dead Poet, curated by resident artist Arash Irandoust, unfolds over 40 minutes. This immersive masterpiece takes visitors on a journey through three galleries, each serving as a portal to a captivating realm of light, sound, and movement that challenges the very fabric of reality. 

Image: Illusionaries. Canary Wharf.

Canary Wharf is also home to 100 standalone sculptures and integrated architectural works, all of which can be explored through a downloadable Map. Click here to download it now.

Illusionaries is open until 24th September. Click here to book now. The Winter Lights festival will be back in 2024.

Crossrail Place Roof Garden 

Image: Crossrail Place Roof Garden. © MTotoe.

The Crossrail Place Roof Gardens is a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by towering skyscrapers. Designed by Foster + Partners, the garden features a diverse array of plants reflecting the area's history. Divided into eastern and western hemispheres, it pays tribute to Canary Wharf's trading past with plants from countries visited by the West India Dock Company, with an intricate ETFE lattice timber roof creating a microclimate for any delicate plants. 

The garden hosts free summer events in collaboration with the Canary Wharf Group and Space Theatre. It's a serene escape with a central walkway, perfect for leisurely strolls and gatherings. Open until 9 pm in summer, the garden is free to access and will provide you with valuable plant insights. Click here to discover their cool lineup of events.

Location: Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB.

Swimming

Swimming in London has often meant visiting a lido, a private members club, or even wild swimming, but now you can take a dip into the inviting waters of the Middle Dock. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, this urban oasis offers an idyllic location for a refreshing swim in the heart of the city. 

Image: Open water swimming. Middle Dock, Canary Wharf. Image courtesy of Canary Wharf Group.

With a watercourse spanning from 200m to 400m, swimmers of all levels can go to perfect their strokes and or just enjoy a cooling respite from the summer sun. This initiative, in collaboration with the Canal and River Trust and Love Open Water, guarantees a safe and picturesque environment, ensuring a memorable experience for open water enthusiasts.

Location: Middle Dock, Canary Wharf, London, E14. Price: Swims cost £8.50 per visit. £15 for all sessions if you sign up to a  NOWCA membership. Website: canarywharf.com.

Date night 

If you're seeking an unconventional and exciting venue for your next date night, look no further than Canary Wharf. The area boasts a huge selection of restaurants, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed at the choice might we recommend Feels Like June. 

Image: Feels Like June. Canary Wharf. © Mollie Cohen

With its sophisticated decor and all-day menu, this restaurant offers a cosy dining experience. Indulge in a diverse selection of no-fuss small plates, including halloumi, burrata, and mac 'n' cheese, alongside an array of salads, bowls, tacos, steaks, and burgers. To accompany your food, why not treat yourself to a tasty cocktail!
Alternatively, you could spend a romantic afternoon exploring the area from a boat. Renting a GoBoat allows you to personally captain your vessel through the heart of London's famous Docklands.The boats can take up to 8 people, so it's probably a great option for double dating with mates. 

Image: Platform Canary Wharf. June 2023. © Mollie Cohen.

Another great option for a unique date is to book a session at Platform, a cool video game bar. Here you can play classic and modern games on a PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch in your own little private booth, whilst sipping on some delicious cocktails or gobbling down some tasty snacks.

Finally, this summer, Sofar Sounds is hosting nights in Canary Wharf. Held in a secret location, these events will present an exciting and varied program of up-and-coming artists - some venues even let you BYOB.

Free activities

Image: Festival14. Canary Wharf.

One standout free event is the annual Festival14 held during the summer, featuring a diverse lineup including acts like Soul II Soul. This 5-day festival goes beyond music, encompassing theatre, dance, comedy, and even games and activities for children. 

Canada Square Park also hosts free movie screenings, showcasing classics like Bend It Like Beckham, Mamma Mia, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Black Panther, alongside family-friendly options like Toy Story and Paddington at their Sunday Film Club. 

Image: Mini Golf by Artists Craig Redman & Karl Maier. Canary Wharf.

Sports enthusiasts are in for a treat, as Canary Wharf broadcasts major sporting events such as Wimbledon and The Ashes on large outdoor screens. The area's exceptional dining scene, featuring establishments like The Ivy in the Park and The Parlour, serves up tasty dishes and cocktails, providing the perfect complement to the experiences.

For those seeking competitive fun, Canary Wharf also offers a series of engaging and free mini-golf and ping pong activities.