Love Open Water London Royal Docks

Open Water Swimming at London Royal Docks

Our London Royal Docks venue is as amazing as the team that runs it. Every location provides safe open water swimming, with lifeguards present at every session and regular water quality testing. Join our welcoming community of swimmers and enjoy a safe, refreshing dip in London’s Royal Docks.

Facilities

We have limited changing facilities onsite, so we suggest arriving swim-ready and bringing warm clothes for after your swim.

There is no toilet onsite, but several local businesses nearby welcome swimmers. A bag drop is available within the venue perimeter, though we recommend leaving valuables at home, as we cannot take responsibility for lost or stolen items. Items left at the venue will be held for a few weeks — please check with staff if needed.

A cold water shower is available on the pontoon for rinsing after your swim. Access to the swimming area is via a ramp, which may be steep depending on water levels. Please use the handrail when entering and exiting the water.

Our venue accommodates swimmers with different access requirements. If you are unsure whether this site is suitable, speak with venue staff to discuss your needs.

Your Swim

Arrive early to check in at the registration desk. New NOWCA members can collect their swim band on their first visit. Your swimming slot is your entry time, helping us safely manage numbers. Swimming time is open-ended until 5 minutes before closing; to swim longer than 55 minutes, book an earlier slot.

We offer swim loops from 150m to 750m, depending on session times and weather. Check with staff at check-in to confirm which loops are available and familiarise yourself with the course and direction.

If you want to improve your open water swimming skills, we run coaching courses covering sighting, buoy turns, deep water starts, and other techniques. Squad sessions are also available during the summer season (May–September).

For swims at London Royal Docks, download the ACTiO app, set up your NOWCA membership, and select London Royal Docks to check prices or book your swim.

Equipment

Wetsuits are not compulsory, but the Royal Life Saving Society recommends wearing one in water under 15°C. Limited wetsuits are available to hire onsite at £10 per session.

All swimmers must have a valid NOWCA membership with a safety wristband, which is scanned in and out of the water.

Swimmers are required to wear a brightly coloured hat for visibility and warmth, and use a tow float for safety. Tow floats are available to hire or purchase onsite.

Staff can also advise on purchasing wetsuits and other swim kit, with exclusive discounts available through NOWCA Perks.

Location

Our London Royal Docks venue is at the west end of Royal Victoria Dock, opposite the City Hall building. Look for the entrance gate to the pontoon with banners and green astro turf.

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The nearest station is Royal Victoria DLR, just a few minutes’ walk. The Emirates Skyline terminal is also nearby (100m from the entrance). Parking is very limited; check the JustPark app for private spaces in Britannia Village, or paid parking on Dock Road (free on Sundays).