Art & Culture
Celebrate Father’s Day in the Royal Docks
It’s Father’s Day on 15 June, and the Royal Docks is the perfect place to celebrate. With a wide range of events and activities taking place in the lead-up to the day and plenty happening on the big day itself, there’s loads of local ways to make it special.
From laugh out loud comedy nights and hearty roast dinners to immersive experiences and adrenaline-pumping activities, there’s something to suit the father figure in your life. Read our guide to discover many ways to celebrate Father’s Day in the Royal Docks:
Ride the Waves with WakeUp Docklands
Head to WakeUp Docklands in Royal Victoria Dock for wakeboarding and paddleboarding fun. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, Jon Byrne and his team will help you get on the water and tackle the jumps and obstacles.
WakeUp Docklands, 1 Dock Road, London, E16 1AG
Unwind at Sweheat Sauna
For dads who need to unwind, treat them to a relaxing experience at Sweheat Sauna in the heart of Royal Victoria Dock. The authentic wood fired saunas are inspired by traditional Finnish-designs to optimise the heat experience and steam quality. Private hire sauna experiences are also available.
For the ultimate feel-good experience, after the sauna, they can take a refreshing dip in the 12ft plunge pool and the cold-water barrel.
Sweheat Sauna, Western Beach, 1 Dock Road, London, E16 1AH
www.sweheatsauna.co.uk
Dads Dine for free plus Comedy Nights at The Fox Excel
Dads get a special treat at The Fox Excel this Father’s Day. Book a table for two or more on 15 June, and Dad enjoys a main meal or Sunday roast for free!
Another great way to celebrate at The Fox Excel is with the brand-new Stand-Up Comedy Fridays. Happening on the last Friday of each month from June to September 2025, these high-energy comedy nights feature three top acts from the UK circuit, all performing live under one roof. General admission is only £5, £3 concessions. Enjoy 2-for-1 pizzas and cocktails from 5pm or take advantage of the Dinner and Show Package with a two-course meal for just £20 per person. Availability is limited, so book early to secure your table.
The Fox Excel, Warehouse K, 2 Western Gateway, London E16 1DR
Get Creative with the Kids
Are your children too young to take you out for Father’s Day? Why not take them out instead! Enjoy family fun together at Saturday Kids Club with Art in the Docks, held at the University of East London, Docklands Campus as part of the Undergraduates Open Day.
Kids can take part in interactive fashion workshops to create wearable art hats, tote bags, t-shirts and decorating shoes using recyclable and sustainable materials. At 1pm, the young designers will showcase their creations in a mini fashion parade. Plus, all ages can visit the cream van for a free ice cream (while stocks last)!
University of East London, Docklands Campus, University Way, London, E16 2RD
www.uel.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/undergraduate-open-days
Plan a Getaway from London City Airport
With London City Airport just around the corner, it’s the ideal starting point for a quick getaway. Take your pick from over 30 exciting European destinations including Ibiza, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Sardinia.
London City Airport, Hartmann Rd, London, E16 2PX
www.londoncityairport.com
Savour a Juicy Burger at Good Hotel
Get together and celebrate the father figure in your life with a perfectly cooked burger, crispy fries and a cold draft pint or soft drink at the Good Hotel for just £19 per person. The 180g beef patty is served on brioche with applewood bacon, red Leicester cheese and topped with the chef’s signature sauce. Book a table on the rooftop bar and terrace to also enjoy panoramic views of the iconic city skyline. To book email events.london@goodhotel.co or call 020 3637 7401.
Good Hotel, Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London E16 1FA
www.goodhotel.co/london/events-in-london
Try an Immersive Experience at Immerse LDN
Celebrate Father’s Day with a unique adventure at Immerse LDN. The exciting experiences include Squid Game: The Experience, Egypt at Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition and The Friends™ Experience.
Take on live-action challenges inspired by Squid Game, step back in time with cutting-edge tech at Tutankhamun or dive into the world of Friends™.
Afterwards, enjoy delicious bites at the new Waterfront Street Kitchen and Bar.
Immerse LDN, Excel Waterfront, Excel London, London, E16 1XL
Soar 300 Feet Above London on the IFS Cloud Cable Car
Glide across the River Thames and enjoy breathtaking aerial views between the Royal Docks and Greenwich Peninsula. This exciting journey offers fantastic view of iconic London’s landmarks including the Thames Barrier, St Paul's Cathedral, The Gherkin, Maritime Greenwich, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and more.
The IFS Cloud Cable Car is fully wheelchair accessible, well connected to the wider TfL transport network, and allows bikes on board so you can continue your cycle journey. Live in Newham or Greenwich? Don’t forget to bring along proof of address to receive a discount.
IFS Cloud Royal Docks Terminal, 27 Western Gateway, London, E16 1FA
IFS Greenwich Peninsula Terminal, Edmund Halley Way, London SE10 0FR
Set Sail with Uber Boat
Take a leisurely trip along the River Thames aboard the Uber Boat from Royal Wharf Pier. For an exciting day out book a Hop-on Hop-off ticket and plan visits to iconic London landmarks using the interactive River Guide. The pier has step-free access suitable for buggies, wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Plus, you can bring your bike on board for free.
Royal Wharf Pier, Bonnet Street, Royal Docks, London, E16 2SZ
www.thamesclippers.com/plan-your-journey/find-your-pier/royal-wharf-pier
Treat Him to a Good Book
Custom House Bookshop is a beloved community hub on Freemason Road. Co-founded by Royal Docks resident, Denise Evans-Bar along with other locals, the shop offers a selection of new and preloved books from fiction, non-fiction, and poetry to classics and children’s literature.
Pop in to explore the shelves or visit the Custom House Bookshop website to shop online. Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram to stay updated on new titles.
Custom House Bookshop, 3 Freemasons Road, E16 3AR
www.uk.bookshop.org/shop/customhousebookshop
www.royaldocks.london/articles/sunday-lunch-in-the-royal-docks
Enjoy Outdoor Alfresco Dining, Dog-Friendly Venues, and Seriously Good Coffee
When it comes to outdoor dining spots, the Royal Docks has plenty to choose from, perfect for sunny days.
Whether you are in the mood for a relaxed catch-up over a great cuppa or a light bite to eat there are plenty of cosy cafés, and welcoming coffee shops perfect for Father’s Day too.
Explore our guides to discover some of the area’s most-loved local favourites. And if you’re bringing your furry friend along, don’t worry – we’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly venues in the Royal Docks where your pup is welcome indoors too.
Cafes and coffee spots - www.royaldocks.london/articles/discover-cafes-and-coffee-spots-in-the-royal-docks
Outdoor dining - https://www.royaldocks.london/articles/outdoor-dining-in-the-royal-docks
Dog friendly places - https://royaldocks.london/articles/dog-friendly-places-in-the-royal-docks
Plan a Getaway from London City Airport
With London City Airport just around the corner, it’s the ideal starting point for a quick getaway. Take your pick from over 30 exciting European destinations including Ibiza, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Sardinia.
London City Airport, Hartmann Rd, London, E16 2PX
www.londoncityairport.com
Tuck into a Sunday Roast with all the Trimmings
Who doesn’t love crispy roasted potatoes, giant Yorkshire puddings, tender veg and gravy? A Sunday roast is always a great option for family get togethers. In the Royal Docks there’s plenty of fantastic venues serving delicious roasts with all the tasty trimmings. Read our guide to some of the seriously good options in the area to suit all tastes and budgets.
