Winter 2025
25 Places in the Royal Docks to explore this festive season
The countdown to Christmas is on, and what better time to showcase some of the amazing places in the Royal Docks to shop, eat, and explore!
From 1 - 25 December, we’ll be highlighting one fantastic spot each day on our Instagram and Facebook channels as we lead up to the big day.
Can’t wait to see them all?
No worries — check out our guide to 25 of the best hot spots in the Royal Docks.
1. Treat yourself to artisan sweet treats or a loaf of tasty sourdough at Breadmeister.
Breadmeister, 13 Silvertown Way, Canning Town, London E16 1DH
2. Dine on Australasian-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting at Fremantle Bar & Kitchen.
Fremantle Bar & Kitchen, Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London, E16 1AL
3. Walking with your pup? Explore the Royal Docks and enjoy dog-friendly venues where your furry friend can join you indoors.
Various locations
4. Let your creativity flow at BonBon Pottery located at Royal Wharf. This friendly studio and café offer wheel throwing, hand building,
and ceramic painting with no experience needed.
BonBon Pottery, 3 Royal Crest Avenue, London, E16 2PG
5. Challenge yourself with climbing, bouldering, and training walls at Rise Climbing, then unwind at the on-site café.
Rise Climbing, Unit 6 Caxton Works, Hoy St, E16 1ZA
6. Visit Beckton Globe, North Woolwich, or Custom House Libraries to explore books, free activities, and creative learning spaces.
7. Tuck into a Christmas sharing boards at Galyons Bar and Kitchen, a stunning Grade II-listed venue.
Galyons, Albert Basin Way, London, E16 2Q
8. Discover immersive experiences from The Last Days of Pompeii to Squid Game at Immerse LDN, with nearby dining at Waterfront Street Kitchen and Bar.
Immerse LDN, Excel London Waterfront, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1FR
9. Shop local at The Crafted Corner, a creative hub, community‑space, and gift‑shop in Canning Town. Discover handmade jewellery, skincare and other artisan treasures from local makers.
Crafted Corner, 27 Silvertown Way, London, E16 1DH
10. Enjoy comforting Georgian dishes and natural wines at the family-run Sad Meli.
Sad Meli, 4 Silley Weir Promenade, London, E16 2AJ
11. Relax at Sweheat Sauna, enjoying authentic wood-fired Finnish-style saunas, private hire experiences, and a refreshing dip in the plunge pool or cold-water barrel.
Sweheat Sauna, Western Beach, 1 Dock Road, London, E16 1AH
12. Step aboard Sunborn London, the UK’s only luxury superyacht hotel, for fine dining, afternoon tea, and cocktails with views.
Sunborn London, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1AA
13. Taste authentic Chinese cuisine and dim sum with riverside views at Yi Ban, rated one of London’s best dim sum spots by Time Out.
Yi Ban, London Regatta Centre, 1010 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QT
14. Explore the Royal Docks with a range of guided tours and self-led trails that uncover the area’s history, art, and hidden gems.
Various locations
15. Explore the vibrant flavours of Bombay, Kerala, and Goa with Indian and Parsee small plates at Café Spice Namasté.
Café Spice Namasté, 12 Lower Dock Walk, Royal Albert Wharf, London, E16 2GT
16. Experience festive variety shows with singing, dancing, comedy, and cabaret at Brick Lane Music Hall.
Brick Lane Music Hall, 443 North Woolwich Road, London, E16 2DA
17. Enjoy traditional Italian cooking with fresh, simple ingredients at Bonnane Restaurant.
Bonnane Restaurant, Unit G7 Capital East, 17 Western Gateway, London E16 1AQ
18. Soar across the River Thames on the IFS Cloud Cable Car with spectacular views and a Glass Floor Experience.
19. Find your new favourite coffee spot in the Royal Docks
20. Pamper yourself at VA Salon, a calm and welcoming beauty and wellness haven offering facials, haircuts, balayage, massages, and signature Russian manicures and pedicures.
VA Salon, 5 Excel Marina, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1AT
21. Play padel with friends or colleagues at Rocket Padel Beckton on premium indoor courts, and enjoy the lounge and restaurant.
Rocket Padel Beckton, 1 Triumph Rd, London, E6 5LW
22. Explore City Hall to see cutting-edge architecture, a 2012 Olympic torch, and enjoy lunch at London’s Kitchen Café
City Hall, Royal Victoria Dock, London
23. Join free art classes for kids at Art in the Docks’ Saturday Kids Club, exploring hands-on creative themes with professional artists.
Art in the Docks, 25 Shackleton Way, London, E16 2XJ
24. Experience Italian dining with a twist at Heroica Lounge, including meals on a double-decker bus or in cosy igloos.
Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1FA
25. Register to take part in Beckton ParkRun 5k on Christmas Day at 9am. You can run or walk it for free. What better way to start the day before you into all the festival treats!
Beckton District Park South, Stansfeld Road, Beckton, London, E6 5NE
Merry Christmas to all those celebrating!
And finally...Go for a Christmas or Boxing Day walk to enjoy your local parks and green space. Enjoy tranquil riverside views, a hedge maze, tennis courts and vibrant wildlife from Lyle Park and Thames Barrier Park to Royal Victoria Gardens and Beckton Meadows. See the rich urban biodiversity at unique habitats like Itchycoo Pond and the Floating Garden at Royal Victoria Dock too.
- Beckton Meadows, London, E6 5QN
- Floating Garden, opposite 17 Western Gateway, London, E16 1AQ
- Itchycoo Pond, Beckton Park, Hadleigh Walk, London, E6 5SA
- Lyle Park, Bradfield Road, London, E16 2AU
- Royal Victoria Gardens, Albert Rd, London E16 2NL
- Thames Barrier Park, North Woolwich Rd, London, E16 2HP
