Art & Culture
Make the most of May half term in the Royal Docks
Looking for ways to keep the kids happy this May half term? The Royal Docks has you covered! From creative art classes and letting off steam in local parks to exploring trails and joining fun activities in Newham libraries, there are plenty of ways for children and young people to explore, learn, and enjoy themselves locally.
Read our fun-filled guide to discover ways to keep your young ones entertained in the Royal Docks throughout the school holidays:
Check out what’s on at your local community centre
Pop into your local community centre to discover a wide range of activities on offer for children and young people this May half term. Royal Wharf Community Dock, St Mark’s Church and Community Centre and West Silvertown Foundation, all located in the Royal Docks, offer welcoming spaces with plenty of fun and engaging activities for the children of all ages.
Royal Wharf Community Dock, 2 John Harrison Square, Royal Wharf, London E16 2ZA
St Mark’s Church and Community Centre, 218 Tollgate Rd, London E6 5YA
West Silvertown Foundation, The Britannia Village Hall, 65 Evelyn Rd, London E16 1RZ
Discover the new Riverscape and Royal Wharf Treasure Trail
Families are invited to explore the brand-new, free Riverscape and Royal Wharf Treasure Trail. It’s a fun way to discover the beautiful paths and parklands of the vibrant waterfront neighbourhood while uncovering ‘The Secret Cargo of the Royal Docks’.
To celebrate the launch of the trail, on Saturday 24 May, 200 free printed booklets will be available to collect from SuperShakes or the Riverscape Sales Gallery (2 Starboard Way, E16 2JX). Digital copies of the trail route will be available to download.
Plus, the first 50 attendees to collect a booklet can enjoy a complimentary drink from the new Mindful menu, featuring refreshing cold-pressed spritzes, kombucha cocktails, and sparkling teas.
SuperShakes, 10 Royal Wharf Walk, London, E16 2HF (on the waterfront outside the Deanston Building)
Riverscape Sales Gallery, 2 Starboard Way, London, E16 2JX
Check out local tours and trails
Take a family walk along the dock and immerse yourself in the area’s unique heritage and landscape with our self-guided tours and trails. The Pews and Perches bench on the Floating Garden is also lovely little spot to relax and enjoy the calming views of Royal Victoria Dock.
www.royaldocks.london/articles/explore-the-royal-docks-terrific-tours-and-trails
Experience Immerse LDN
For a truly unique adventure, visit to Immerse LDN, a world-class immersive experience located at Royal Victoria Dock. Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition brings Ancient Egypt to life like never before, offering a cutting-edge 90-minute journey back in time. Featuring 8-metre-high video projections, VR experiences, a world-premiere hologram, and artefacts, plus much more. This interactive exhibition promises an unforgettable educational and immersive exploration of Pharaoh Tutankhamun's world.
And for fans of the hit TV show, don’t miss The FRIENDS™ Experience – a chance to step into everyone’s favourite 90s sitcom and relive iconic moments first hand.
After, immerse yourself in flavour the all-new Waterfront Street Kitchen and Bar. Enjoy the delicious street food inspired menu, from crispy, flavour packed wings to pan-Asian delights, all with stunning waterfront views. And of course, the Waterfront Bar has you covered with a fully stocked selection of craft beers, premium wines and spirits, handcrafted cocktails and refreshing mocktails and soft drinks.
ExCeL Waterfront Excel London, London, E16 1XL
Explore local green spaces
Get lost in the hedge maze at the award winning, Thames Barrier. While you're there, stop for a drink and bite to eat at With Milk. The park offers stunning views of the Thames Barrier, which was voted London’s most underrated attraction by The Times.
Play tennis at Royal Victoria Gardens and Lyle Park. Discover Beckton Meadows,a two-acre pasture of wildflowers, a butterfly garden and wooden sculptures. Spot songbirds, terrapins, ring neck parakeets, woodpeckers and more at Itchycoo Pond and take a part in family sessions with Curious by Nature.
Lyle Park, Bradfield Road, London, E16 2AU
Royal Victoria Gardens, Albert Rd, London E16 2NL
Beckton Meadows, London, E6 5QN
www.newham.gov.uk/becktonmeadows
Itchycoo Pond, Beckton Park, Hadleigh Walk, London, E6 5SA
www.facebook.com/groups/1790790411395133
Free Cricket and Badminton Coaching at Newham Leisure Centre
Better Newham Active Communities is offering a variety of free sports activities for children aged 5 – 11 years and 12 – 16 at local leisure centres including Newham Leisure Centre.
Kids can enjoy badminton, cricket and multi sports sessions led by specialist coaches from Black Arrows Badminton Club and Essex County Cricket Club. In partnership with Newham Council, To book and find out more visit the Better website.
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, London, E13 8SD
Get creative at free art classes for kids
Join the fun at Art in the Docks with free Saturday morning Kids Club sessions. Every Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm, children can take part in inspiring, hands-on art activities led by a professional artist. Each week explores a different creative theme, encouraging kids to use their imagination and build confidence.
The sessions run every Saturday until 9 August, are suitable for all ages, and completely free. All materials are provided, and there’s no need to book—just drop in and get creative!
Art in the Docks, 25 Shackleton Way, London, E16 2XJ
Give boxing a go at Fight for Peace Academy
Fight for Peace Academy offers free boxing and martial arts training for young people aged 7-25 years old. But it about more than just sport – the academy also delivers personal development programmes to help young people build confidence, resilience and life skills, empowering them to become champions both in and out of the ring.
Sessions times vary. Check the Fight for Peace Academy timetable for details.
Fight for Peace, Academy, Woodman Street, London, E16 2LS
Hang out at Beckton Youth Zone
Based within the same venue as Beckton Globe Library, Beckton Globe Youth Zone is a vibrant space where young people can hang out, connect and have fun. The centre offers a range of facilities including a pool table, table tennis and music equipment and a multi-purpose sports hall. Follow Beckton Youth Zone on Instagram to stay up to date with the latest timetable of activities on offer.
Beckton Globe Youth Zone, Kingsford Way, Beckton, London, E6 5JQ
www.instagram.com/becktonglobeyouthzonelbn
Make a splash at Newham Leisure Centre
Book a Aqua Splash session and let the kids take on a giant inflatable obstacle course set up in the swimming pool — complete with slides, climbs, and tricky drops to test their balance and skills. Check the timetable on the Better website for dates and times. Swim safety rules apply.
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, London, E13 8SD
www.better.org.uk/what-we-offer/activities/aqua-splash
Pop into Custom House Bookshop and Custom Made
Both located on Freemasons Road, Custom House Bookshop and Custom Made are popular community spaces in the heart of Custom House. Created by residents, Custom House Bookshop is an inclusive and welcoming space offering a selection of new and preloved books along with weekly wellbeing events that are open to everyone. Pop into the shop to discover what fun activities are happening may half term or text 07561 053 497 to join the Custom House Bookshop WhatsApp group.
Custom Made also hosts regular activities include chess club, arts and craft sessions and computer club. Visit the Custom Made Instagram channel to stay up to date with what’s on.
Custom House Bookshop, 3 Freemasons Road, London E16 3AR
Custom Made, 25 Freemasons Road, London, E16 3AR
Soar 300 feet above London on the IFS Cloud Cable Car
Take in the breathtaking aerial views as you glide across the River Thames, between the Royal Docks and Greenwich Peninsula. This exciting journey It’s a fantastic view of 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 rest of TfL's transport network, and even allows bikes on board.
The IFS Cloud Cable Car is well connected to the rest of and is wheelchair accessible too. You can also take your bike on board and continue your cycle journey. If you live in Newham or Greenwich, 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
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/london-cable-car/
Try something new at Shipman Youth Zone
The newly renovated Shipman Youth Zone offers a wide range of activities and services for young people in state-of-the-art facilities and set in a carbon neutral, net-zero building. The centre boasts a custom-built sports hall with equipment for basketball, volleyball, football and many more activities plus a fitness and wellbeing suite. Budding musicians can get creative in the music studio and multimedia suite with green screen for film production.
Youngsters can also to learn to cook using food grown in the centre’s garden. Other facilities include a dance studio, IT suite and an arts and craft rooms. Shipman Youth Zone is open six days a week. To find out more follow Shipman Youth Zone on Instagram.
Shipman Youth Zone, 340 Prince Regent Lane, London, E16 3JH
www.instagram.com/shipmanyouthzonelbn/
Visit the headquarters of the Mayor of London
Did you know City Hall is open to the public? Located in the heart of Royal Victoria Docks, City Hall is the sustainable home of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly.
Visitors are welcome to explore areas such as the London Living Room and the Chamber when public meetings are taking place. While you're there, stop by London’s Kitchen Café on the ground floor for a selection of food and drink, which changes daily.
City Hall opening hours:
Monday–Thursday: 8.30am – 6pm
Friday: 8.30am – 5.30pm
London’s Kitchen Café:
Open daily from 8.30am – 4pm
City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE
www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/city-halls-buildings-and-squares/what-can-you-visit-city-hall
Visit your local library
Head to Beckton Globe Library, North Woolwich Library, and Custom House Library for a fantastic range of fun, family-friendly activities. There’s so much on offer.
Did you know that Newham libraries are part of the Libraries Consortium? This means you can also use your Newham library card in 19 other boroughs giving you access to over seven million books across London! To find out more visit the Newham libraries website.
Canning Town Library, 18 Rathbone Market, Barking Road, Canning Town, London, E16 4HA
Custom House Library, Prince Regent Lane, Custom House, London, E16 3JJ
Beckton Library, 1 Kingsford Way, Beckton, London, E6 5JQ
North Woolwich Library, 5 Pier Parade, North Woolwich, London, E16 2LJ
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