Outdoor swimming fans, rejoice! Planning permission has just been granted for a brand-new floating, natural water swimming pool in Canary Wharf, set to open in summer 2026 – bringing one of the UK’s most loved open-water swim brands right into the heart of London.
Known as Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, the new destination will transform Eden Dock into a year-round urban oasis for fitness, wellbeing and riverside relaxation.
London’s growing appetite for swimming experiences continues – read on to find out more about the highly anticipated Canary Wharf lido.
Everything you need to know about Sea Lanes Canary Wharf:
- 📍 Where: Eden Dock, Heron Quays Road, Canary Wharf (E14 4HJ)
- 📅 When: Estimated to open summer 2026
- 🚇 How to get there: Jubilee line, DLR and the Elizabeth line
Jump ahead to the relevant section:
London’s newest destination to take a plunge
Set within Eden Dock, the floating pool will feature a 50-metre, six-lane swimming area, designed for lane swimming and suitable for swimmers of all abilities.
Open 364 days a year, it promises a rare opportunity to swim outdoors in clear, natural water – surrounded by impressive glass skyscrapers. The wellness destination will create a green and blue oasis, featuring geodesic domes and generous planting in a beautifully designed courtyard setting.
The project is being delivered by the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton, the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre, bringing their expertise in safe, accessible natural swimming pools to the capital for the first time.
More than just a swim – it’s a year-round wellness destination
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is designed as a year-round wellness destination, not just a place to swim. The approved plans include:
- Two outdoor saunas, powered by 100% renewable energy
- A community clubhouse hosting wellness events throughout the year
- A food and drink offering for post-swim refuelling
- A wetsuit concierge service
Whether you’re training for a triathlon, trying open-water swimming for the first time or simply looking for a unique way to unwind, it’s set to offer something special for everyone.
Get ready to swim safely in the heart of the city
If you’re wondering about the water quality of swimming in the heart of the city, reassurance comes built in. The water in Eden Dock is regularly tested to EU Bathing Standards and consistently achieves an “Excellent” rating, making it one of the safest places in London to enjoy natural swimming.
Fully lifeguarded sessions and both pay per swim and membership options will make the pool accessible to locals and visitors alike.
A new chapter for Canary Wharf
The new outdoor natural swimming pool builds on the transformation of Canary Wharf from a business district into a vibrant neighbourhood for culture, leisure and wellbeing. Following the opening of Eden Dock in collaboration with the Eden Project, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is the latest step in expanding the area’s green and blue spaces.
Construction is set to begin in early 2026, with doors opening in summer 2026 – just in time for the outdoor swimming season!
Top tip: Keep an eye on this article for upcoming opening dates and programming announcements – this could soon be one of London’s most distinctive places to take the plunge.
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf: Q&A's
Questions for: Joe McNulty, Director at Sea Lanes
Why was Canary Wharf the right location for this outdoor natural swimming concept?
Canary Wharf offers something genuinely rare; historic docks with water rated “Excellent” by EU Bathing Standards, set within a dense, vibrant urban environment. Eden Dock is a green biodiverse waterfront making it a perfect setting to create a natural swimming venue that is safe and inclusive. Canary Wharf Group also shares our vision of creating places where people connect with nature, health and wellbeing – so the location, the water quality and the partnership all align naturally.
How will the seasons change the experience, given it’s designed as a year-round facility?
Each season will bring a very different, but equally powerful experience. In Spring and Summer, it will be daylight swims, in autumn and winter, it will be embracing the elements. Whatever the weather or season, the pool is supported by an urban oasis for health and wellbeing. Inspired by the Eden Project and CWG partnership, it will feature geodesicdomes and generous planting, in a beautifully designed courtyard setting. It will be home to saunas, food and drink offerings, retail outlets and a clubhouse hosting events. All contributing to creating more opportunities for Londoners to connect with nature.
What’s the one thing you’re most excited for people to experience when it opens?
That moment when someone steps into the water and realises they’re swimming outdoors, in natural water, right in the middle of Canary Wharf, safely and confidently.
What kind of daily life do you hope this pool will add to the area?
We hope it becomes part of Londoners' everyday life from the early morning swimmers starting their day, the lunchtime dippers, post-work swimmers following it up with a sauna, to the wider community enjoying events, food and drink by the dock. A place for people to rely on for wellbeing, community, and connection to the water.
Discover what else Canary Wharf has to offer
Canary Wharf offers a mix of modern city experiences, green spaces and cultural spots to enjoy, including:
- London Museum Docklands – A free museum housed in a historic warehouse, telling the story of London’s docklands from Roman trading port to modern-day city district.
- Crossrail Place Roof Garden – A covered rooftop garden home to plants from across the world. It’s a peaceful spot for a stroll and overlooking the docks.
- GoBoat – Explore Canary Wharf’s docks at your own pace on a GoBoat. The self-drive electric boat experience is perfect for relaxed sightseeing on the water.
- Fairgame – Enjoy street food, cocktails and reimagined arcade carnival games at this nostalgic spot.
- Hawksmoor Wood Wharf – Tuck into famous signature steaks and indulgent side dishes at Hawksmoor Wood Wharf, housed in an eco-friendly floating pavilion.
- The Cube – Take on a series of high-tension challenges in an immersive gameshow-style experience inspired by the hit TV series.
- Bokan – Perched atop the 39-storey Novotel London Canary Wharf, enjoy a unique dining experience with breathtaking views of the London skyline.
- K1 Speed – Take part in timed races and wheel-to-wheel competition at a high-octane indoor racing experience.
- Market Halls Canary Wharf – Find 11 different food traders and three bars here, including Malaysian street food and modern gourmet kebabs to authentic Mexican tacos and artisanal Italian gelato.