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Besides the endless skyscrapers and a slight NYC charm, Canary Wharf in London has tons of unique things to do.
Though the business district isn’t known as a London hot spot for tourists, you can discover appealing restaurants, rooftop gardens, art centres, some shopping spots, museums, and other places of interest to visit.
Many are unaware that Canary Wharf has a rich maritime history being located by the river Thames and it’s a stone’s throw from Greenwich, the famous East India Docks, and the new City Hall in the Royal Docks. So, it’s certainly worth exploring by bike:
Get to know this shiny London corner better by digging into ten unique activities to do in Canary Wharf.
Disclaimer – All the details listed are based on the latest information available at the time this post was published. The list is arranged as per their respective ratings and reviews from highest to lowest.
1. Stop by the Museum of London Docklands
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Visiting a museum and recollecting history is mesmerising, especially when it is the Museum of London Docklands, established in 2003. It explains the history of the River Thames, the Port of London’s growth, and the docks’ development and draws a historical link to the Atlantic slave trade. It showcases the rich history of Canary Wharf from the Roman era to modern-day development. Get a ticket for free and enjoy walking through the pages of history from one floor to another, unravelling the rich maritime history of London.
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Address: 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, No, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL.
Contact: +44 20 7001 9844
Entry Fees: Free
Ratings & Reviews: 4.6/5.0 with 6,321 reviews on Google.
2. Play detective with Detective Mystery Trail
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This self-guided murder mystery tour spans approximately 2 miles and will take around 1.5 hours to complete as you decipher clues and narrow down suspects. Wander through the streets of Canary Wharf, gaining a fresh perspective on the area while delving into its history and the lives of its inhabitants. The best part? You can tackle the mystery at your own pace, taking all the time you need to unravel the case. So, don your detective cap and test your sleuthing skills!
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Address: Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5NY
Entry Fees: £9.99 per trail when downloaded at home. £11.49 per trail to have posted to you (includes postage and packing). One Trail booklet can be shared between 4-5 people.
Ratings & Reviews: 4.7/5.0 with 4,391 reviews on Trustpilot.
3. Grab a beer after a Meantime Brewery Tour
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It will be a breath-taking experience to step inside a modern craft brewery. The tour usually lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. The tour includes 4x ⅓ pint tasting beers. The Meantime Brewery is located a short distance from Canary Wharf in Greenwich. You can learn about the brewing process during the tour and enjoy a tutored tasting session of locally produced beers.
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Address: Lawrence Trading Estate, Blackwall Ln, London SE10 0AR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8293 1111
Entry fees: £20.00 (£16.67 excl VAT)
Ratings & Reviews: 5.0/5.0 with 1,410 reviews on Tripadvisor.
4. Roam around Jubilee Park
Speaking about public squares and parks, Canary Wharf has mainly four main areas, Canada Square Park, Westferry Circus, Cabot Square, and Jubilee Park. Among these, you will find Jubilee Park at the exit of Canary Wharf station, a beautiful place that offers an escape from the city crowds. You can sit on the park’s benches and enjoy the view of skyscrapers through the trees. The park is surrounded by sculptures and a waterfall to give visitors a tranquil break in nature amidst all the concrete.
Social Media: Facebook
Address: Bank St, London E14 5JP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7418 2500
Entry fees: Free
Ratings & Reviews: 4.6/5.0 with 2,007 reviews on Google.
5. Enjoy a cocktail party at Boisdale’s
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If you want to enjoy a signature cocktail in the middle of a business hub, head to Boisdale’s. The American-themed bar offers a range of classic and contemporary cocktails alongside a combo of American cuisine influenced by Mediterranean and Oriental cuisine.
The place has a stylish finish with a large dining area and floor-to-roof windows, offering an exciting experience for visitors. And if you enjoy having food and drinks outside then check out these recommended outdoor restaurants in Canary Wharf.
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Address: Upper Level 1, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4QT
Contact: 020 7715 5818
Reservations: reservations@boisdale-cw.co.uk
Average Cost per cocktail: £5 – £20
Ratings & Reviews: 4.2/5.0 with 1,766 reviews on Google.
6. Treat yourself to a relaxing evening at Everyman Cinema
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Featuring lavish reclining seats, gourmet dining options, and an extensive array of wine and beer, Everyman Cinema offers a truly opulent movie-watching experience. Experiencing Everyman could be a must for tourists, offering a unique and luxurious alternative to regular cinemas. With its arthouse vibe, independent and classic films, and live theatre and opera broadcasts, Everyman provides plush seating and in-seat service, making it a standout destination for moviegoers seeking something special.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Address: Crossrail Pl, London E14 5AR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1233 555642
Entry Fees: Ticket prices differ depending on the venue, time, day, and event, so please refer to the individual cinema pages for more details. Please be aware that there will be an extra fee for all 3D movie tickets.
Ratings & Reviews: 4.5/5.0 with 1032 reviews on Google.
7. Slide around the Ice Rink
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The Ice Rink of Canary Wharf is one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in London and should not be missed during the winter months, especially around Christmas. One can enjoy the morning view of the city while ice skating or spend an evening here with some drinks afterwards. It remains open from 10 am to 10 pm.
Canary Wharf transforms into a winter wonderland at the arrival of Autumn, and the glistening outdoor ice rink attracts thousands of tourists and locals. You can also book for special events like curling and barre on ice, enjoying wine in the Grandstand Bar, and others.
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Address: Canada Square, London E14 5AB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 (0)207 418 2423
Entry Fees: Adult/teen (13 years and above) £17.95, Children (4-12 years) £11.95, skate aids £5.00
Ratings & Reviews: 4.1/5.0 with 1,285 reviews on Google.
8. Play board games at Electric Shuffle
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Looking for an exciting and distinctive evening activity in Canary Wharf? Look no further than Electric Shuffle! Gather your friends or family for an electrifying shuffleboard experience. Games are suitable for groups of up to 32 people and tasty food and drinks are available.
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Address: 10 Cabot Square, N Colonnade, London E14 4EY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8059 4163
Entry Fees: £14 per person for 90 minutes
Ratings & Reviews: 4.4/5.0 with 839 reviews on Google.
9. Ride a hot tub with Skuna Boats
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Riding a hot tub through the city with Skuna boats is one of the unique things to do in Canary Wharf. These floating boats remember the Scandinavian tradition of keeping yourself warm no matter what the weather is. Each boat can fit up to seven people at 38°C and pass by the canary work locals. You can enjoy sightseeing for 75 minutes floating around with boats.
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Address: West India Quay, Off Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7205 2827
Entry Fees: Starting from £225
Ratings & Reviews: 4.7/5.0 with 653 reviews on Google.
10. Take aim and shoot at Clays
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This isn’t your typical shooting range—Clays offers a cutting-edge, interactive target shooting experience set against a picturesque countryside backdrop. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner, you’ll enjoy the thrill of hitting high-tech targets in a beautiful and immersive environment. Get ready for an unforgettable shooting adventure at Clays.
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Address: On the wharf 1, Cabot Square, W India Ave, London E14 4QJ, United Kingdom
Entry Fees: A shooting session starts at £10 per person, with the final price varying based on the selected time and date, which will be shown when you choose your slot.
The Bottoms Up package is available for £30 per person, not including the shooting fee.
Night Play is priced at £35 per person, excluding the shooting fee.
Ratings & Reviews: 4.8/5.0 with 335 reviews on Google.
11. Unleash the racer in you at Capital Karts
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When it comes to thrilling go-karting in London, Capital Karts in Canary Wharf is the place to be. Offering a variety of adult and junior karts, there’s excitement for all ages. With a well-crafted track full of twists and turns, the experience remains engaging. Plus, the staff is welcoming and accommodating, ensuring a fantastic time for all. Keep in mind that weekends can get crowded, so booking ahead is advisable.
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Address: 15 Cabot Square, London E14 4QS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7100 4412
Entry Fees: Adults from £36pp; Junior and Family sessions from £26pp.
Ratings & Reviews: 4.3/5.0 with 521 reviews on Google
12. Discover London’s biggest indoor adventure park at Flip Out
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Flip Out Canary Wharf is London’s largest and most exciting indoor adventure park! Put your teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test at Flip Out London. This expansive indoor trampoline park offers a range of zones, including trampolines, climbing walls, and ninja courses. It’s the perfect spot for people of all ages to unwind and enjoy some fun-filled activities.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Address: Former Car Park, Shopping Centre, 2 Cabot Square, London E14 4QS, United Kingdom
Entry Fees: Prices depend on the sessions and the duration of the games you choose. Explore here.
Ratings & Reviews: 3.4/5.0 with 233 reviews on Google.
13. Join in the fun at the Summer and Winter Lights Festivals
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The Summer and Winter Lights Festivals make Canary Wharf even more exciting. These festivals feature amazing light artworks from Britain and around the world. You can see everything from fun to serious installations. The best part is the immersive light experiences, which use cool technology to make your visit unforgettable. Whether you’re with family or on a date, don’t miss the Canary Wharf Lights festivals!
Address: London E14 4AP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 (0)20 7418 2000
Entry Fees: Free
Ratings & Reviews: 4.4/5.0 with 43 reviews on Google.
14. Stroll through Adams Place Bridge
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Adams Place Bridge lies between One Canada Square and Crossrail Place and will give you a feel of being in a Star Trek movie. It is commonly known as the “Star Wars tunnel” by the locals. This illuminated pedestrian pathway gives a futuristic vibe.
Canary Wharf offers great city landscapes for business or lifestyle photoshoots and if you are an entrepreneur, influencer/London Blogger or freelancer you can take impressive and futuristic photos here with a professional photographer which you can use for your online presence including websites and social media.
Address: One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, United Kingdom
Fees: Free
Ratings & Reviews: 4.8/5.0 with 20 reviews on Google.
15. Open Water Swimming at Love Open Water
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Canary Wharf has teamed up with Love Open Water to introduce an exciting open-water swimming spot just in time for summer! The water is maintained pristine using state-of-the-art technology and undergoes regular testing to guarantee top-notch cleanliness, providing you with confidence and safety during your swim. Additionally, sessions are supervised by lifeguards to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Don’t miss this ideal chance to take a plunge into Middle Dock!
Address: Mackenzie Walk, London E14 4PH, United Kingdom
Entry Fees: £8.50 per swim. You can make a booking via the ACTiO app.
Ratings & Reviews: 4.6/5.0 with 20 reviews on Google.
16. Play Mini Golf at Montgomery Square
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Mini golf by Craig & Karl offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an afternoon with your family. Luckily, both activities are available at Canary Wharf this summer. Explore the offerings and prepare to tee off for some mini golf fun in Canary Wharf!
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Address: Montgomery Square, Canary Wharf
Entry Fees: Free
Ratings & Reviews: 4.2/5.0 with 5 reviews on Google.
17. Experience an exhilarating challenge at THE CUBE
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Take on the ultimate challenge at The Cube. This is no ordinary game show—The Cube is an immersive adventure where you’ll face a series of mental and physical trials inspired by the iconic TV series. Do you have what it takes to navigate the chambers and claim victory?
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Address: 14 Charter St, London E14 5GZ, United Kingdom
Entry Fees: You can book your game according to the date, number of players and location here.
Ratings & Reviews: Not available
18. Explore the UK’s first story-based immersive art experience at Illusionaries
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Welcome to Illusionaries, a captivating experiential art hub located in the heart of London, where contemporary digital art reaches new heights. Step into a world where reality and illusion blur as light, sound, and motion converge to create a mesmerising spectacle. Immerse yourself in this awe-inspiring experience and witness the future of art unfold.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Address: Crossrail Pl, London, United Kingdom E14 5AR
Entry Fees: From £24 Adults, £17 Teens/Students/Seniors, Wheelchair accessible
Ratings & Reviews: Not available
Conclusion
There are numerous things to do in Canary Wharf that you may not think about while visiting London and you should certainly check out some very stylish and modern hotels that also host business events here. You can explore the CrossHarbour to find a hidden island dockside from Canary Wharf, relax at Everyman Cinema, enjoy food from Street Food Vans, or spend time at Breakfast Club. You can try a never-ending list of restaurants, shopping malls, and places to visit in Canary Wharf.
And for the hardcore London lovers (or travel bloggers) who want to make their London trip the most memorable to look back on with stylish photos and videos, you can arrange a professional London photoshoot!
You may come across seasonal surprises like summer screens, ice skating, and lots more. Hopefully, this guide will help you discover some of the best things to do in Canary Wharf and London.
Check out the best places to live in London if you want to explore more London districts. If you want us to add a suggestion here based on your experience, please get in touch with us!
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