Canary Wharf is a place we’ve long associated with glass high-rises, tailored suits and big corporations. Love it or hate it, the district has come a long way from its days as a stretch of abandoned docklands.
As part of that transformation, its identity has expanded beyond finance, with culture, leisure and community spaces becoming part of the landscape.
The new open-water swimming destination Sea Lanes is the latest addition to a growing list of amenities helping Canary Wharf evolve into an unlikely urban oasis.
And during a heatwave that has sent Londoners scrambling to find places to cool off, Sea Lanes is helping meet a growing demand for outdoor swimming.
It may not be the first place most Londoners would think of to take a dip, but since opening in June, the venue has been inundated with swimmers eager to take to the water.
Sea lanes has welcomed more than 13,000 swimmers in its first month, which director Harry Smith says has been a “fantastic endorsement” and “incredible milestone” for the centre.
But what makes Sea Lanes worth the hype and what can you expect if you visit?
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf boasts a 50-metre open water pool with fast, medium and slow lanes, making it accessible for swimmers of all abilities.
It features two eco-friendly, wood-crafted saunas powered by renewable energy, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the pool.
There's also an all-day lakeside dining area with al fresco seating, alongside a community clubhouse.
While Sea Lanes is primarily designed for lane swimming, it maintains a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with swimmers of all ages enjoying the water.
I visited during London’s most recent heatwave, when temperatures were nudging 30C and the pool was sitting at a brisk 19C.
That sounded fairly mild on paper, but stepping in was still a bit of a shock to the system.
Within a few minutes, though, the cool water felt incredibly refreshing, and I found myself settling into the swim and taking in the beauty of the skyline - all while doing my best to avoid the occasional patch of algae.
Unlike a traditional chlorine pool, there’s a real sense of freedom when swimming in open water.
Even when sticking to a lane, it never felt repetitive or monotonous. Being outdoors, surrounded by the water and the landscape of Canary Wharf, made the experience surprisingly peaceful.
Make sure you use the showers afterwards, though, as the river scent can linger.
The open-plan design of the centre also adds to its appeal. Whether you’re rinsing off after a swim, relaxing by the poolside, or quickly stashing your belongings into a locker, everything feels thoughtfully laid out and easy to navigate.
The changing facilities are well equipped if you’re heading straight back to the office or onto another engagement, while the open bar and kitchen make it easy to stick around for a while.
If you're meeting friends, you can grab a spot for brunch, order a cocktail or two, and tuck into some food while enjoying the post-cold-water-swim high.
It seems London can barely get over one heatwave before another arrives, with once-unthinkable temperatures now becoming a familiar reality for the capital.
With climate change expected to drive more prolonged periods of extreme heat, attention is turning to how the city’s infrastructure can adapt.
And access to open water is just one part of that conversation.
Lidos seem to fill up faster than sunbeds at a holiday park as soon as hot weather is forecast, with security guards even being brought in to manage the crowds.
The demand has also seen people turning to London’s rivers, protected pools – such as those at Hampstead Heath – and canals, many of which are dangerous, polluted, and home to protected wildlife.
But in a post-pandemic world, where outdoor swimming has grown in popularity, the question remains whether more needs to be done to ensure people have access to safe outdoor swimming spaces.
Mr Smith said he wanted to create a safe way for people to access open water.
But even he admits the response to Sea Lanes has exceeded expectations.
"Welcoming more than 13,000 swimmers in our first month has been an incredible milestone and a fantastic endorsement of what we set out to create,” he said.
“From day one, our ambition was to create a destination where people could reconnect with nature, build confidence in the water and enjoy the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of open water swimming.
"The response has exceeded our expectations and shows there's a real appetite for safe, accessible open water swimming in the heart of London.”
He added: “It's been inspiring to see people of all ages and abilities embracing Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, and we're excited to build on that momentum by introducing even more ways for people to experience Eden Dock and connect with the water.”
Sea Lanes is open Monday to Friday from 6am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 7pm.
Two pass options are available for visitors, with a swim-only session priced at £10 and a swim-and-sauna experience costing £18.
To find out more or become a member, visit sealanescanarywharf.co.uk.
